ICS Daily Devotions
Overcoming Tribulation
Luke 22:31-34 “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.” Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”
The Apostle Peter was warned by our Lord Jesus that Satan is going to sift him to cause him to lose his faith. Peter confidently told Jesus that it would not happen. Shortly after Jesus was arrested, Peter followed closely, was asked by three different persons if he was with Jesus and he said ‘no’ to all three.
In our Christian life, we can experience different stages. Some of them can include sifting of our faith. Sifting is a period of tribulation. Tribulation is a strong term which does not refer to minor inconveniences. It is when we are hard pressed, facing affliction, anguish, distress and persecution. It can be the darkest moment of our lives. It comes in many forms, can happen suddenly and shake many aspects of our lives. It often leads to physical and emotional exhaustion accompanied by a sense of hopelessness, rejection, isolation and abandonment. We might feel that we are left completely alone even when there are loving and caring people by our side.
Yet we can be prepared, established in the truth and know God enough so that we will not crack under pressure. The anchor for our soul is established in the Word. The peace of God that surpasses all understanding that guards our heart and mind comes about when we meditate on what is good, true, noble and of good reports!
John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
Tribulation is not from or sent by God. We can be confident that God loves us and wants to provide and protect us. Our God wants us to have an abundant life of fellowship with Him that is filled with peace, love, and joy. It is the devil who is against us and wants to steal, kill and destroy us.
We must know that the devil has been defeated. Christ’s death, burial and resurrection have redeemed us from our sin and reconciled us to God. He has defeated death and has gained all authority in heaven and earth to enforce His victory. When we believe, accept and confess Christ’s victory and declare that Jesus is our Lord, the same authority is vested in us.
It is this conviction that strengthened the Apostle Peter who witnessed the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. The same Peter who had denied Jesus three times gained strength to realize his position in Christ who resurrected and has been seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven! The devil has been defeated. Therefore, let us boldly pray and intercede before the throne of grace to find help and mercy in time of need. Let us declare that God is for us because we have been redeemed from our sin and powers of darkness by our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sermon series: Don’t Crack Under Pressure
