When the Sifter Sifts

Peter was told by Jesus that he would deny Jesus but turn back...

you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 31Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. 32But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”…
Luke 22: 30-32

There is something we need to see here:
1. Satan ASKS permission.  It was not withheld.
2. Jesus does not pray that Simon Peter not be sifted, but that his faith will not fail.
3. He knows Peter will turn back and Jesus wants him to strengthen others.

What did that sifting look like?

Accusations (aren't you one of his disciples)
Confirmation (Your accent gives you away)
Denial of the accusations (I don't know the man)

This is how the accuser of the brethren does it.  Accusing.

But the truth is some accusations find the mark.

Denial is the problem.  It's the coverup that kills.  It's the constant defense that is the problem. It was for Peter, It is for us.

As I reflect on the current news cycle I see people running for the highest office in the land being sifted by accusations.  Some are true.  Some find the mark.  They are being sifted. It's what the sifter does.

The difference is who is praying for the ones being accused.  If they are to be victorious over the sifters, come out of this whole and return to strengthen others, that person is going to need prayer.  They cannot make it without.

I am convinced that Prayer is going to be the key to the outcome of the election and the capacity for the next President whoever he or she is to lead effectively.

Sadly, somewhere along the line, the current president lost his way.  Many of his unrighteous decisions and policies have revealed a lack of prayer being made for him.  He has become deceived and used of the enemy to promote things like gay marriage, transgender bathrooms, gays in the military, blessing of Planned Parenthood and using agencies like the EPA and IRS for evil intent.  His promotion of racial disharmony exists because prayer did not.

What are we to do?  We must pray that as the sifter sifts these people like wheat, that they return to strengthen us.  Not destroy us.