Luke 22:31-32 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

The fact that the English “you” can be either singular or plural can mask all sorts of nuances in speech, particularly in the Bible. I had never realized, before now, that the “you” in verse 31 is plural, but in verse 32 it is singular. In other words, all of the apostles were to be “sifted,” but Jesus had prayed specifically for Peter. I wonder how soon after he denied knowing Jesus that Peter remembered Jesus had said this? What stands out to me is that Jesus, having prayed for Peter, was confident that he would indeed turn again, back to the faith that had grown over the previous three years, and at that point he had a job to do: strengthen the other apostles. The best counselor is always someone who has been through what you are experiencing. That’s why Paul wrote, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) Going through what he experienced, having Jesus look at him right after the rooster crowed, (Luke 22:61) and then meet with him personally after the resurrection, (Luke 24:34) Peter was uniquely equipped to strengthen faith without judging, and the evidence is, he indeed did that. I say it frequently, but our experienc­es and blessings are never for us alone, but are to flow through us to others, for the glory of God.

Of course, this applies to me as much as it does to anyone. In my case, I have experienced God’s incredible patience, mercy and grace in the face of persistent pride. I should certainly be able to help others who are struggling with pride, and not just by putting them down! (I’ll confess that temptation arises at times.) Going to what Paul wrote to the Corinthians, I have experienced God’s provision in what I feel were miraculous ways, though He used people in the process. I am well equipped to assure people that if God tells you to do something, He will supply everything necessary to accomplish it. However, I have also learned that His provision often doesn’t look like we imagine it will. The point is, I am to be a good steward of all that God has placed in my hands, experiences as well as abilities and material goods. I am to be indeed, a channel of blessing, as the hymn puts it so clearly, so that God may be glorified as His will is done in and through me.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for this new season in my life, with the pressure of school commitments removed, but many things for me to do. Help me not overlook or resent any of the things You put on my calendar, but do it all with my whole heart, unto You for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!