Good morning, after a tough night. We went to bed with the wind blowing hard and a promise of rain. After the rain came, we had a period of silence. The kind of silence that wakes you up after the noise of the wind is gone. Okay, so not as well rested as I would like, I will soldier on today.
I am amazed by a passage in the Bible this morning in Luke. Jesus, speaking to Peter just before the prophecy of Peter's three denials:
"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to have all of you, to sift you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen and build up your brothers." Luke 22:31-32
First of all the words "has asked" and who did the asking. Like the story of Job, Satan could not and cannot do what he wants to God's chosen ones. Satan had to ask, to seek permission. That should give you great comfort, and the assurance that God is in control at all times. Next, Jesus pleads in prayer for Peter, and He does the same for us now. The final piece of this is that Jesus knew that Peter would fail, but would also repent. What is our command in this? "When you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen and build up your brothers." We are to strengthen and build up our brothers and sisters in Christ. Encourage them, pray for them, and be there in their time of need... strengthening and building up our brothers!
Feeling a need for some strength and courage today? We all do at some time or other. Let us pray for each other today.
Bucky
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