January 16, 2022

Luke 22: 31, 32 (NIV)

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

God allows spiritual warfare and uses it in our lives for our good.*

If you will take a moment and read Job 1: 6-12, you will note some interesting similarities between Job and Peter (Simon):

• God and Satan had a conversation about both of them. 

• There is no indication that either of them was aware that he was the topic of discussion in the spirit realm – until Jesus’ revelation to Peter here in these words recorded in Luke. 

• God championed Job and Jesus prayed for Peter. 

• God knew that Job would stand firm; Jesus knew that Peter would fail but that he would make a remarkable comeback.

We can surmise from these two accounts that Satan knew what these men meant to the Kingdom of God. Job’s faithfulness was a testimony to his community and Peter’s potential was powerful. What a coup it would have been for the evil one to cause these men to fall away. I imagine that he did a little victory dance when Peter denied Jesus but his celebration was a short one.

Satan has power in this world but it is limited in scope and time. Have you ever wondered if you were a big enough threat to the prince of darkness that he would approach God for permission to use his big guns on you? Does the devil see your potential and quiver? Or does he shrug and move on to more dangerous prey?

When it seems that you are under attack, perhaps you are. Maybe God and Satan have had a little chat about you and God said, “I dare you.” It is fitting that Peter would be the one to remind us that for a little while we may suffer grief in all kinds of trials but we should rejoice because we are shielded by God’s power. (I Peter 1: 3-7)

Satan may be limited in his capacity . . . [b]ut he is not powerless nor asleep!*