Always Return

And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” Luke 22:31-32

We are weak. We are all weak in some area that we think we are confident, and in a moments glimpse we can sin in a way that will cause our hearts to grieve. We get so caught up by curiosity, excitement, pleasure, pride, or fear that it overcomes us in an instant. It’s that selfish nature that we’re still working to weed out of our hearts.

It scares me. It really does. Because I wonder if there’s something within me that will cross an unimaginable line one day that I will totally regret. It’s not that I haven’t ever crossed a line, because I have, but it’s never been anything that I couldn’t make right and bounce back quickly from. Yet I think, could there be a weakness in me that I don’t see that Satan is just waiting for the opportune time to sift me as wheat? I know he would if he could. Like Simon Peter, who was so confident, he will lure me into temptations that will test my faithfulness. Will I fail? I pray not. But, if I do, I will always return to my Savior, Jesus, and that is the victory of a disciple’s failure.

I have to strive to be faithful every day. I have to set boundaries, be aware of my weaknesses, and even recognize that my strengths can become a source of weakness. I’m confident I won’t sin in certain ways; I’ve gained endurance in learning from my and others mistakes; I feel like I know myself better now; however, I must be aware that there are still holes that can be taken advantage of even though I may not know exactly where they are. Never will I be above sin till I have been made perfect in my eternal home. All I can do is my best to stay connected to my Lord, and repent when I have become disconnected for He is my source of strength and will cleanse my every wound.

Simon Peter failed tremendously, but his grieving heart returned to Christ fully committed to do His will. I will determine to always do the same. How about you?

Prayer:
Holy Father, You know I am not as strong and as perfect as I would like to be. I want to become more and more like Christ, but I am lacking. What is it that is lacking? Please reveal this to me as I strive to overcome the temptations Satan puts before me. I don’t want to give him one inch in my life, so I will do my best to stay connected to You by allowing the words the of Spirit to dwell within me. But, every time I fail, I will always return to You for You are my source of strength, healing, and peace through Christ Jesus. Please forgive me of all my sins by the power of the blood of Your Son. Amen.

Truth in love,
Heather