We are in the midst of a very real war! You are facing evil powers like never before; they are fighting against your faith. You are fighting against the father of lies. He is the one who has planted all those little thoughts in your mind: “Where is your God? Things are going from bad to worse. Your pain, suffering, and needs keep mounting. God has promised to make a way of escape for you. So where is your God now, especially when you need Him the most?” Does all this sound familiar to you?
Your faith is now being shaken and sifted. And in the midst of it all, your faith seems to be dwindling. I have good news for you: God is not mad at you. There is purpose in these trials.
You may ask: “Doesn’t Jesus grieve when we don't place our faith in Him, when we waver and question His Word and His faithfulness?” Yes, absolutely He does. But those of you whose faith is dwindling, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Our Lord is very patient and merciful. He hears all our murmurings and questionings, He sees so many doubtful thoughts in our minds, and yet He looks upon us with forgiveness and compassion as we see in (Hebrews 4:15) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Remember Jesus knows all and can see the end from the beginning.
Let's take a look at Peter's life, and what Jesus said to him in (Luke 22:31-34)
31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with Thee, both into prison, and to death.
34 And He said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest Me.
Yes, Peter denied the Lord, but he was restored and lived out a great life of faith. Remember, Jesus had given him this word of encouragement at Passover: “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:32). This is the Lord’s word for you and for me, as well. He tells us just as He told Peter, “Keep your eyes on Me. You are going to come through this. And you’re going to help your brothers and sisters in the faith.”
Later, in (Acts 12:1-10), we find Peter locked up in an inner prison. An angel comes to him, shakes off his chains, and tells him to get up and leave. At that point, Peter never looked at the impossibilities around him: the iron gates he had to go through, the many guards he had to pass by. Instead, Peter rises in faith at the angel’s instruction, and when he came to the iron gates, they open of their own accord. He was freed from his bondage to do just as Jesus had said, He was an encouragement and an example to his brothers and sisters.
So it will be for you and I, dear saint, if we are willing to get up and move out in faith. That sifting has a higher purpose as we can see in (1 Peter 5:10) But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you.
Your faith is now being shaken and sifted. And in the midst of it all, your faith seems to be dwindling. I have good news for you: God is not mad at you. There is purpose in these trials.
You may ask: “Doesn’t Jesus grieve when we don't place our faith in Him, when we waver and question His Word and His faithfulness?” Yes, absolutely He does. But those of you whose faith is dwindling, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Our Lord is very patient and merciful. He hears all our murmurings and questionings, He sees so many doubtful thoughts in our minds, and yet He looks upon us with forgiveness and compassion as we see in (Hebrews 4:15) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Remember Jesus knows all and can see the end from the beginning.
Let's take a look at Peter's life, and what Jesus said to him in (Luke 22:31-34)
31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with Thee, both into prison, and to death.
34 And He said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest Me.
Yes, Peter denied the Lord, but he was restored and lived out a great life of faith. Remember, Jesus had given him this word of encouragement at Passover: “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:32). This is the Lord’s word for you and for me, as well. He tells us just as He told Peter, “Keep your eyes on Me. You are going to come through this. And you’re going to help your brothers and sisters in the faith.”
Later, in (Acts 12:1-10), we find Peter locked up in an inner prison. An angel comes to him, shakes off his chains, and tells him to get up and leave. At that point, Peter never looked at the impossibilities around him: the iron gates he had to go through, the many guards he had to pass by. Instead, Peter rises in faith at the angel’s instruction, and when he came to the iron gates, they open of their own accord. He was freed from his bondage to do just as Jesus had said, He was an encouragement and an example to his brothers and sisters.
So it will be for you and I, dear saint, if we are willing to get up and move out in faith. That sifting has a higher purpose as we can see in (1 Peter 5:10) But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you.
