"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:31, 32 (NIV)
For many years in the above scripture I read Jesus' words as telling Simon not to fail.
I understand that God knows the end to the beginning and He knew Simon would deny Him three times. I think I read Jesus' words as a "heads up" to Simon as to what was coming. Like, possibly with the for warning Simon would make a different choice.
Recently my perception of this scripture changed. I now understand that Jesus didn't say Simon don't fail. Jesus said "that your faith may not fail."
He wants us to know and remember that He died on the cross at Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins. He is our Lord and Savior and that He is His word:
… "as I was with Moses, so I will be with you: I will not fail you, nor forsake you." Joshua 1:5
We will be tempted, tested and sometimes we will fail.
When we fail we will fall down.
When we fall down God wants us to repent, ask for forgiveness and stand up.
Our Father assures us that in sin He waits for us to turn back to Him.
Our Father also assures us that He has purpose for us: "strengthen your brothers."
Father God I pray that our faith does not fail. I pray when we fail and fall down; we repent, ask for forgiveness and stand up. And I pray Lord Jesus that we pass on to others what we learn so that our sisters and brothers will be strengthened and have a greater intimacy with you.
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