Did you know there is a beautiful prayer in John 17 where Jesus specifically says He is praying for all of His followers?
“I pray for these followers, but I am also praying for all those who will believe in me because of their teaching. (John 17:20, NCV)
Jesus knows you, believes in you, and loves you!
Consider this story with Peter.
“Simon, Simon, look! Satan has asserted the right to sift you all like wheat. (Luke 22:31, CEB)
This passage jumped out at me the other night. It seemed odd, or maybe I just didn’t want to hear what it was telling me. Here is another translation.
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to test all of you as a farmer sifts his wheat. (Luke 22:31, NCV)
Satan is able to come after us, to test us and bring trials our way.
Here is the good news. Jesus is praying for you. I’m comfortable knowing what Jesus went through to say He is fighting for you!
I have prayed that you will not lose your faith! (Luke 22:32, NCV)
Jesus prays for Peter not to lose his faith. Notice Jesus doesn’t pray for Peter not to go through the trial. Our lives as Christians are never promised to be easy. Rather, more often in scripture, we see the promise of trials coming our way.
You have to love how Jesus believes in Peter. Is this because of the power of His prayer, or because He truly trusts Peter that much? Maybe a little bit of both? Jesus knows Peter will continue to follow Him.
I have prayed that you will not lose your faith! Help your brothers be stronger when you come back to me.” (Luke 22:32, NCV)
Peter still doesn’t understand. He never considers he would ever walk away or deny Jesus.
But Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and even to die with you!” (Luke 22:33, NCV)
Jesus knows this isn’t true.
But Jesus said, “Peter, before the rooster crows this day, you will say three times that you don’t know me.” (Luke 22:34, NCV)
Here in this brief conversation, we see so much. We see how Satan will often come after followers of Jesus. However, it should be awesome to see how Jesus is fighting for you! He is praying for you and believes in you, wanting you to continue to be with Him.
Let us be thankful for that truth today.
Blessings,
Pastor Matt
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