Surgical Strike
Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of 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. Luke 22: 31-32
Can you imagine standing in Peter’s sandals? Jesus looks you in the eye and tells you the devil is going to “sift you like wheat.” Talk about terrifying. But it’s a truth that Jesus wants us to hear—clearly. If you want to become an easy mark for Satan simply deny, excuse, or rationalize the fact that he wants to destroy you. But if you want to play a key part in the battle, consider the dark footholds of sin, pride, or fear you’re having trouble letting go of.
An arrogant or self-centered spirit — a growing materialistic tendency — overcome with titles, status, or position — an addiction to approval — a secret sexual sin — an overreaction to criticism — emotional reliance on past successes — close-mindedness or an unteachable spirit — an unwillingness to be accountable to others — a disregard for core spiritual discipline — a disconnection from your spouse — behaviors that isolate you from other Christians.
All of these are examples of one thing with one common denominator: darkness of character. They’re all connected to your morality, dragging you down when you are being friendly with darkness. Watch out, because if you’ve made a commitment to Christ, Satan will be allowed to come against you in an area of weakness until you realize that God desires the dark corners of your life to be eliminated.
God wants you proactive in your battle against pride—to shut the door on all dark attitudes. Jesus told His disciples just days before the crucifixion, “Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light” (John 12:36). It’s when God’s man assimilates the character of Christ in a dark area that Satan withdraws. Only then will Satan know that you know all circumstances, trials and sifting only work to perfect and complete you as God’s man. In times of sifting a fighting faith is produced. God knows what it will take: God’s surgical strike.
Thank You, Jesus, for administering Your perfect wisdom in my life.