“How strong is your faith in God?” We all like to think that our faith in God is strong. “Stronger than what?” Comparisons are difficult—though we are sorely tempted to say stronger than yours. “Stronger than someone addicted to drugs? Alcohol? Sexual acts? Pornography? Money? Power? Success? Social position?” Is it possible for anyone with such problems to have a faith in God stronger than yours?
“Is your faith in God stronger than an apostle’s faith?” Jesus said to Peter, "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 22:31, 32 [NASB]).
Satan sifted, and Peter denied Jesus—not once, but three times. Peter was devastated. In the “right” circumstances, Peter did something he was certain he would not do in any circumstances. Satan effectively sifted, and Peter—alone—was no match for Satan. Satan against a human wins—always! From Eve to Peter, humans have proven that they are no match for Satan—when humans act alone.
The solution for all of us—who are tied by any problem from a weakness to arrogance—is Jesus. Satan sifted, but Jesus prayed. Because of the Son’s request the Father acted, and Peter was delivered from a situation he could not win—alone.
Note that Peter’s biggest challenge was recovering from his mistake. The recovery from arrogance is NOT having no confidence at all. Recovery from failures produced by arrogance is placing confidence in God—not in self. Read again Romans 8:31-39.
Link to other Writings of David Chadwell