KEEP YOUR SHIELD UP
Luke 22:31 “Simon, Simon, satan has asked to sift all of you (disciples/followers) as wheat”.
The enemy was asking to violently test their faith. Jesus stood between the enemy and those who had committed to follow Him, and He prayed Peter’s faith would not fail, and that he would be able to strengthen his brothers.
It was a beautiful October afternoon. I was in one of my tree stands on one of my favorite farms to bow hunt. The colors were brilliant in the afternoon sun. I just felt blessed to be there, enjoying the genius of God’s handiwork. Off to my left, I saw a squirrel really acting up; not noisy, just jumping around, acting agitated and anxious. As I watched, a hawk swooped in front of me and attempted to snatch the squirrel in its talons. The show was incredible over the next few minutes. The hawk would spread its wings and hop around the tree or up on its trunk. The squirrel merely moved at each attempt of the hawk to keep the tree as a shield between them. Eventually, the hawk gave up and, I suppose in hawkish frustration, flew off. The squirrel moved on as well, leaving me to ponder what I had just witnessed.
Hebrews 7:25 came to mind: “….He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.
How many times has Jesus’ intercession for me been like that tree for the squirrel? To know that the Creator of all things prays for my faith not to fail, and to be able to strengthen my brothers, is humbling, yet comforting.
How are you doing with keeping the shield of Christ between you and the enemy who would delight to sift you as wheat?
Today’s devotional is presented by Gary Archer, friend of God’s Great Outdoors
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