Our church has been walking through the Book of Acts together, and it’s amazing how often Scripture weaves together across different books of the Bible. In Luke 22, Jesus speaks words to Peter that echo into the book of Acts, and honestly, into our own lives.
Here’s what Jesus says:
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31–32, ESV)
Now, notice the intensity in other translations. The RSV puts it this way:
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat.”
That word demanded is weighty. It isn’t Satan politely asking permission—it’s a bold, hostile insistence, as if he’s claiming his rights to Peter’s life. And yet, Jesus doesn’t resist the request. He doesn’t say, “Peter, don’t worry, I’ll stop Satan from touching you.” Instead, He lets it happen. What He prays for is not Peter’s escape from trial, but that Peter’s faith will not fail.
And we see this play out in Acts. After Peter’s denial and restoration, who’s the one standing boldly at Pentecost, strengthening the brothers just like Jesus foretold? Peter. The same one who fell is now the one God uses to lift others up.
This shows us something profound: Jesus allows the sifting because He knows the strengthening that will come after. Satan’s intent is destruction, but God bends it toward growth, perseverance, and a deeper testimony of grace. Just as Job’s faith was tested, Peter’s was shaken, but neither was lost.
Do you ever feel like your faith is being shaken, tested, sifted by fire? Friend, take heart. The testing is not forever. The enemy’s reach is limited, but God’s purpose is eternal. Your faith is not fragile – t’s being refined.
And here’s the hope: on the other side of your trial, God won’t just restore you. He’ll use you to strengthen others.
So hold fast. The sifting will pass. The faith will remain. And your story will become someone else’s encouragement.
