Peter, my dear friend, listen to what I’m about to tell you. Satan has obtained permission to come and sift you all like wheat and test your faith. But I have prayed for you, Peter, that you would stay faithful to me no matter what comes.

~Luke 22:31-32 TPT

Simon Peter was sifted as wheat, but so were the other disciples–and we will be also. 

It’s hard not to notice the world around us is shaking.  The world shakes because God tests our faith to see if we will fall away.

We may wonder where God is in all of this, but He has not abandoned us. He is still here. His hand of mercy limits the shaking. The enemy is not allowed to touch even one hair on our heads without God’s permission (Luke 21:18). So, if God is allowing us to be sifted, while it is unpleasant and often painful, we can rest assured the shaking is for our ultimate good. We must cling to Him and trust Him through it (Genesis 50:20).

Like a farmer who sifts wheat to remove the chaff, the Lord allows the shaking to remove what has no value. Bad habits, negative attitudes, and errant beliefs fall away as we cling to Him. The wind of God’s Spirit can whisk away pride, foolishness, selfishness, and greed.

If everything around you is shaking, take courage. This, too, shall pass (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). God holds you, so hold onto Him. 

How can you better respond during your seasons of testing?

Father God, I am living in unsettled days. People rise up against people. Wickedness, betrayal, and deceit threaten to overtake godliness, forgiveness, and restraint. The darkness seeks to silence the truth, and, as You foretold, the world hates Christians because of You. I pray for my fellow believers and myself. Even the earth groans over sin. Rescue us. Deliver us from evil, and in Your faithfulness, keep us from falling.

When the heat becomes unbearable, burn away what torments and holds me back. When the pressure is intense, cause the crushing to bring forth new wine. And when my muscles grow tired, build my strength through the exercise of my faith.

Father God, teach me to respond to curses with blessings. Resurrect love and sanity. Bring the prodigals home. Through it all, keep me faithful, no matter what comes. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: Sifted as Wheat: Julie Souza Bradley Lilly: All Rights Reserved