Luke 22
Victory over Evil!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Tuesday, June 2.
Do you ever feel like there is an active force opposing you and any good that you try to do?
Years ago I memorized Jesus’ words from Luke 22:31-32, “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.”
Sifting wheat is a violent action of separating the grain from the stalk and chaff; it is a process of literally tearing the wheat apart. Satan’s desire for Simon is to violently tear him apart; to separate him from God’s promises and purposes; to tear Peter away from God’s plan for his life. That’s what Satan wants to do to all people who confess Jesus as the Son of the living God—“the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy!” (John 10:10)
Jesus is our Living Redeemer who sits at the right hand of God, the Father, praying for us today. It is by faith that we overcome evil! As the Bible teaches us, “Greater is He who is in us, than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). If God is for you, who can stand against you?
What can you do when you feel there are forces actively working against you and those you love?
Seize the moment and take the higher ground by praying! Stand firm against Satan who asks to sift you as wheat. Jesus’ promise that your faith will not fail will come true in your life, as it did in Peter’s and as it has in my own life. Turn back to God today and strengthen your family in Christ. Never forget, Jesus is praying for you!
If you need any practical assistance or would like to receive a personal phone call, please dial the phone number below and someone from FBC will call you soon.