When you were not fully devoted to God, the devil didn’t bother or harass you much because you simply didn’t pose much of a threat to him. But things changed. You became all business for God.
Since you decided to give your all to the Lord, you became a prime target of the enemy. Ever since then, the devil has desired to sift you, just as he did Peter.
In Luke 22:31, the Bible says: “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.” It is here that Jesus introduces the subject of how the enemy seeks to sift God’s people. Sifting means to be shaken and separated like grain by sudden trials in life.
In Christ’s day, grain workers used a sieve just before they sacked the harvested grain. First, they shoveled wheat into a square box covered with netting. Then they turned the box upside down and shook it violently. The grit and dirt would fall through the netting until only the wheat kernels remained. Jesus was saying to Peter: “Satan doesn’t think your faith is real. He thinks if he shakes your life with burdens, hard tests and painful trials, your faith is going to fall to the ground as worthless refuse.”
So, why did Satan desire to sift Peter? Why was he so anxious to test him and destroy him? Here’s why – Satan always goes after the tree with the most potential to bear fruit. He always goes after the believer who is making an impact in the kingdom of God. He always goes after the child of God who threatens his work.
It’s important that we know this because only then will we see that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the authorities and powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly realms.
The devil is not ignorant. Somehow, the devil knew Peter was set apart to bear much fruit. He knew that God was going to give Peter power and authority that would be used greatly against his own kingdom of darkness.
Let me ask you about your own life. Do you feel you’re in a type of sieve right now? Are you being shaken and sifted? If so, ask yourself: Why me? Satan is sifting you because you play an important part in God’s kingdom. You have been set apart by God and prepared by His own hand to be a powerful, witness to many. And the greater your potential for God’s kingdom, the more severe your sifting will be. You are a target of every power and principality. The devil only attacks what’s valuable.
My friend be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack. When he does, don’t fall. Clap back with faith because Jesus is praying for you.
To learn more about Dr. Bryant, visit www.barbarabryant.com
