Today’s Key Scripture 

“The Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.’”

— Luke 22:31-32

The amazing truth in this passage was spoken by the Lord Jesus to Peter, warning that it was Satan’s will to destroy Peter. It was the evil one’s plan to sift him as wheat, for the devil had planned to thwart God’s plan for Peter’s life.

Peter had already confessed Jesus as the Christ. He had been shown that revelation by God the Father in Caesarea Philippi and had been given this promise: “I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).

It was upon the rock—upon Peter’s confession that Jesus was the Christ—that God would build His church. Peter had been given the authority and the promise, yet the Enemy had planned to destroy Peter.

It was prayer in the life of Jesus Christ that saved Peter from the devil. It was prayer and intimacy with God that fulfilled the promise spoken to Peter at Caesarea Philippi, caused him to become the pillar in Jerusalem that strengthened his brethren, and led Him to be used so mightily on the Day of Pentecost and afterward.

 

A Prayer for Today

My heavenly Father, thank You for being my protector, my ever-present help in times of trouble. Over and over, I’ve seen Your faithfulness, just as You promised in Your Word. Even when I’m tempted and tried, You are faithful, always providing a way so I can endure and succeed. Grant me protection from the evil one. Be with me whenever I am tempted. Give me the strength to overcome everything that stands against me today. Nurture and guide me through Your unfailing love. I pray all this in the name above all names, Jesus, amen.

 

*All Scripture references are NKJV unless otherwise noted.