Pastor’s Thought For Today
I had a thought this morning (about 2 a.m.).
We are facing one of the largest spiritual challenges we’ve ever faced. Yes, there’s a physical crisis, but the enemy of our soul wants to do something that Our Lord told Peter. Just before Peter heard the pronouncement of his act of denial, Jesus said:
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.” (Luke 22:31)
This action of sifting was the separating of the nugget of wheat from the chaff (debris). Before the trial, a warning was given!
How did Peter respond?
It would be easy to throw in the towel and vacate our accountability to God, our church, and each other during this trial. We are not the only ones facing this situation. It’s happening everywhere, and the church is facing one of the largest challenges of modern times. Equally, everyone has struggled with multiple issues during this season.
How will we survive? This is the trial of our faith.
The one who faced this trial specifically was Peter. The inner circle. How he faced his trial would determine how others would. Think about it, if the one everyone looks to cannot even withstand the fiery darts of the enemy, how can they be expected to withstand.
Peter wrote about this without ever referencing his own part in the test.
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (1 Peter 1:7 KJV)
The trial of your faith is happening now. How you survive will be your witness and testimony. Not only to the body of Christ, but to those who see you as part of that Inner Circle. The family you lead, friends and neighbors, and, yes, even strangers who watch and listen to your response.
Some day, how you make it through today, will be how you testify of God’s blessing through your trial!
I pray you are encouraged to withstand the enemy of our soul. It’s easy to give in, but having done all you need to do, I pray you simply Stand. Clothe yourself with the Armor of God and withstand the enemy. (Ephesians 6:10-18)