What if there is more going on than you realize?
During the last supper, the last real time Jesus spent with his disciples, Jesus turned to Peter (a.k.a. Simon) and said, "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat." (Luke 22:31) That's one those "ohhhh-kayyy..." moments where everyone glances around and it's kind of awkward. But did you know: to sift wheat, you shake the seive and toss the wheat into the air. I don't think getting sifted would feel good.
Jesus doesn't turn to Peter and say, "But it's okay, dude, because I'm not going to let him sift you. You'll be fine." Instead, Jesus says, "But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail."(v. 32) Jesus is not going to spare his disiciples from hardship. He's going to let them face it and become stronger people because of it. That's the same reason wheat is sifted: because the wind will blow away the bad, inedible parts and the good wheat will remain. It's why we are sifted, too. Josh said, "If you feel shaken up, God is moving the bad out of your life and good into your life." He is using the situation for good.
You are here in this world in this time for a reason. Never doubt it. When things happen in your life, good or bad, remember that there is more probably more going on than you realize. God wants you to face your struggles and come out in the end a better and stronger person, deep into a relationship with Christ. When nothing seems to be going right, cling to God. Don't run from Christ, run towards him.
Alex W / Message Writer
