Luke 22:31 “Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 And he said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!” 34 Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me.” 

Several interesting points here, but I’ll focus on v.31. What I find interesting is how Jesus did not exempt his disciples from Satan who would “sift all of you like wheat”. In other words they would have to endure incredible hardship at the hands of the enemy of God. All of them, including their leader Peter, would turn their backs on Jesus – Peter in somewhat dramatic fashion (v.34). However, Jesus also said ,”I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail”. The faith of all his disciples would fail for a time, but not forever. With the exception of Judas, they would all return to Jesus and be sent out as apostles.

I have challenges in my life pretty much all the time, but sometimes are worse than others. Maybe you’ve got some struggles right now too. If you feel your faith fading, I get it. Happens to me as well, even though I’m a pastor. As a young believer I used to think pastors were different from other people, possessing faith that doesn’t waver. Nope. Not true. All believers have struggles of faith. Today this word is saying to me that Jesus has prayed for me, that my faith will not fail. And even when it does, Jesus will not forsake me. Or you.

Lord these are difficult times for many people reading this blog. Just in my own circle of relationships there are people struggling with health challenges, hardship caring for others, disappointments, heartbreak, financial problems, and more. You know I have my own struggles as well. Send your Spirit to us, O God. Strengthen our faith when we want to give up. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.