Walking Better with a Limp

Scripture:  Luke 22:31-32 – Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of 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.

This is an interesting conversation between Jesus and Simon.  Jesus makes it known that Satan wants to cause harm to Peter and to those who claim to love Him.  Jesus does not say that He would not allow any part of the enemy’s sifting process.  No, He states instead that He would pray for Peter.  In His Wisdom and Sovereignty, He alludes to the fact that the enemy’s acts of evil toward us are sure and necessary…and He would pray and limit the enemy’s impact.  For some reason the fiery darts are for His servant’s good.  Well, why must those crushing moments be allowed?  One scripture (I Peter 5:5b), which is often quoted helps us to understand, “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.”  There are certain disappointments, trials, uncomfortable experiences, allowed just for us:  to make us more bendable or shapeable to the Potter…matters that cause us to drop to our knees and take notice to where our help truly comes…yes, those matters that cause us to delve in our Word to seek the Lord’s direction.  Those situations which make us walk with a limp, somehow, make us look more like Jesus.  God will not miss the opportunity to become our only way to breathe, our only way to make it through a day, a week, etc.  He delights in our limps.  That is why He allows the enemy’s tactics to go forward.  The enemy wants what is precious, our testimony.  But God!!!   Jesus tells Peter, “I got you!”  I will pray for you; for Satan is limited; he is only allowed to go but so far…And to encourage fellowship, when Christ’s prayers prevail (and He will prevail!!!) and we find ourselves on the other side of our trial and our faith strengthened, don’t forget to build up your brother or your sister in Christ who needs encouragement in their trial, as well.  Funny, how a trial humbles us so, that we, often, become more likely to help another by readily sharing an “unappealing”, “dark time” of our lives.

Prayer:  Lord, we thank You that You know exactly what is good for us; because we don’t have a clue…Grateful, that because You are the “Most High” God, All Knowing, You can give the enemy only limited access to our lives, just enough that we can be humbled and therefore be used to bring You glory and Honor.  We thank You for Your ever present love for the body…In Jesus’ Name-Amen!

(by Lisa Williams)