“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Lk. 22:31.
Let’s reason this scripture. Whom Satan has asked to sift Simon as wheat? If we go through the first chapter of Job, we find Satan has to take permission from God for doing anything against man. So, it is obvious that Satan took from God to sift Simon.
As Jesus knew Satan Got permission to sift Simon, he prayed for Simon that Simon’s faith wouldn’t fail. Satan had almost tried to fail Simon's faith :
Simon cut off high priest’s ear as if he weren’t a Jesus disciple.
He disowned Jesus and lied.
He fled while Jesus was crucified.
Satan had almost got positive results, but when Simon realized his mistake, he ventured and spread the gospel. Then set up the first ministry with 3000 people.
Satan’s anger has become doubled at his, and since then it has been working harder to stumble believers.
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour- 1Pe. 5:8.
It has got permission to sift believers. It is easy for Satan to find them.
So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life - Ph. 2:15.
It does strike them with terrible force, prompting them to leave their faith. To keep our faith, we must combat with it, praying to God, who gives us strength and spiritual power to triumph over Satan.
In the turbulent days, we shouldn’t do a foolish thing like committing suicide, which leads us straight to hell.
Judas Iscariot committed suicide. But Simon didn’t do that. When he turned back, he lived for God.
At least, don’t become weak in faith during temptation. You have to pay for that with your spirit.
The grave {Hell} below is all astir to meet you at your coming; it rouses the spirits of the departed to greet you — all those who were leaders in the world; it makes them rise from their thrones — all those who were kings over the nations. They will all respond, they will say to you, “You also have become weak, as we are; you have become like us.” Is. 14:9-10
