The Random Yak

Regular readers may have picked up a theme recently.For a while, it seemedthe circumstances that ordinarily conspire against mehad developed both communication skills and the ability to coordinate. It now seems more accurate to say that I’d forgotten two important facts: 1. This is Holy Week. and 2. These Things Do Happen. And have happened. And will continue to happen. And it’s about time we all kept that in mind.

One of my favorite passages in the Bible happens to be Luke 22.30-31. During the Passover supper shortly before Christ went to the cross the disciples began discussing (*cough* disputing) which of them would be the greatest. Christ rebuked and corrected their thinking by pointing out that he who would be greatest must aspire to become the servant – not the master. After this, Christ says:

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22.30-31, NASB)

Peter proclaims in response that he would go with Christ even unto death, at which point Christ makes the prophetic statement that Peter will deny Him three times before the night ends.

The passage resonates with me (and doubtless many others) because it highlights that even the disciples suffered human failings – fear, temptation, and what I lightly call “best of intention syndrome” – and that Christ knows this and actively intercedes to helpus despite our all-too-human weakness.The passage also carries a little-discussed warning: “Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat” (and the unspoken…”and God has granted this request, as He granted it withJob and as He will grant it again with others of His faithful”).

Times of testing – of sifting, if you will – often come upon us unannounced, at times when things “seemed to be going so well.” If anything, we should be more vigilant at such times, more prepared for the sideways stone that knocks the unsuspecting rider completely off the horse and into the road. Biblical precedent says so. Satan’s attacks on Job came at a time when his wealth had increased, his children prospered and the community (on earth and in heaven) regarded him as a faithful servant of the LORD. Simon Peter’s testing followed what would have seemed a time of prosperity – the successful, peaceful completion of the Passover following Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Deuteronomy 8 warns against falling away from the LORD in times of prosperity, with the dire and direct warning that those who forget the LORD “will surely perish.”

The unexpected hardship that strikes when things”seemed to begoing so well” is often a larger test of faith (at least in my own experience) than the sustained period of deprivation. When “everything goes wrong” the believing Christian frequently turnstoGod for solace and strength. When sudden problems strike, seeking God often takes a back burner to “dealing with the issue” or “putting out the fire” – preciselythe reaction Peter exhibits in the subsequent chapters of Luke’s gospel. He denies Christ from a desire tosave himself, only to realize his error when therooster’s crowreminds him of the LORD’s prophetic words.

Entering into Good Friday and Easter weekend, my prayers will be focused on keeping Christ at the forefront in matters large and small, on remembering to resort to Him before trying to extinguish fires on my own, and maintaining unwavering faith in His ability to save even when instinct (and the enemy) screams for me to try and save myself.

There is no hardship coming which God did not foresee. He may permitsifting, but Healso provides us withthe strength – and competence – to stand through it. More, he grants usadditional strength to help our brothers through the experience and spiritual maturity we gain through these trials.

It is ours for the asking.

We just need to remember to ask.

Trackposted to Conservative Cat, basil’s blog, and Pursuing Holiness, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.