As many of you know I have a very sinful past. The list of things I have done is long and humiliating. I learned many hard lessons. Two of which I would love to share with you from today’s reading.

In today’s reading Jesus tells Peter that Satan had asked to sift him as wheat. Satan indeed will do his best to try us with pressures to get us to leave our Lord. His tricks are vast, subtle and deceptive. Many are even centered on the belief that we are following God while committing error! But remember Jesus was praying for Peter, and he is in your corner pulling for you! You are his child and He wants you to pass the tests of life! Turn to Him and give your heart to Him!

Jesus knew Peter would fall. We all have sinned and fallen short of Gods glory. When you turn and win the victory Jesus has won for you, do what Jesus told Peter, strengthen your brothers! God has a beautiful way of taking the most difficult and yes even sinful things and using them to His glory! He is not encouraging sin! But he is saying when God forgives you, help and strengthen others to find that same forgiveness!