“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”
Luke 22:31-32 NLT
Jesus understands the challenge we face in following Him. There is this profound concern that our faith will fail, and we would walk away from our trust and confidence in God altogether. He is keenly aware that Satan seeks to overwhelm and destroy us.
He has a very specific response to this concern: “I have pleaded for you in prayer….that your faith should not fail.” Luke 22:31 excerpt.
Jesus has just finished sharing the Passover meal with His disciples, where He explains what this wine and the bread will come to mean through Him. His life sacrificed will save anyone who believes for the sin that separates them from God. Separation from God is over for those who believe in Jesus.
During this meal Jesus talks of betrayal. Others talk of prominence and greatness in this new kingdom. Following the meal there is this conversation with Peter that is so profound. Jesus let’s Peter know that Satan is going to come after each of the disciples with everything he can throw at them. Jesus also lets Peter know that He has pleaded for Peter in prayer for a faith that will stand the attack, a repentance for personal failure, a return to Jesus with a commitment to strengthen others.
Reflection
We know from Peter’s own words, that the intercession of Jesus as stronger than the attacks of Satan. Peter is standing firm in his faith, repented for personal failure, returned to Jesus, and has devoted his life to strengthening others with the truth of Jesus Christ.
Listen to Peter’s own words: In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.
1 Peter 5:10 NLT
Encouragement
Jesus pleads for you and me in prayer. He prays for a faith that will stand. He prays for repentance when we fail. He prays that we use our life for the encouragement of others. Jesus’s prayers for you and me is stronger than the fiercest attacks of Satan. We see the evidence of this truth lived out through Peter.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, Thank You for pleading for Peter in prayer. Thank You for doing the same for us. Thank You that Your intercession is more powerful than the attacks of Satan. Help us to stand in our faith. Lead us to repent when we fail. Restore us to You. Please help us encourage others.
In Jesus name, Amen