When Your It Takes A Hit

Luke 22:31-32 

Ever met anyone who had “It?”  They had it together.  They had it going on.  They had it all it seems.  …Those people who have “It” sometimes intimidate those who don’t.

I’m not suggesting it’s a sin to have “It.”  Some of the best people I’ve known have had “It.”  They were blessed with a great family, the ability to make good business decisions, talent, charisma, skills, …etc.  They were blessed and gave God the glory for all of “It.” 

Peter was such a man.  He had “It.” He was a disciple of Jesus.  He was an eyewitness to the miracles of raising the dead, healing the lepers, restoring sight, casting out demons, and all that Jesus did.  He was even on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus.  Wow.  No doubt, he had “It.”  For a guy that was once a common fisherman, to become a follower of Jesus and be a witness to all He did, Peter was certainly blessed. 

Jesus told Peter he would be sifted like wheat.  And, for a number of reasons that most of us won’t ever understand, God allowed it.  God didn’t prevent the sifting.  Evidently, sifting is necessary if you’re going to be used by God such as Peter was.  Think about that the next time you’re praying for God’s favor and blessing.  To know God’s favor may mean He will allow you to be sifted.

Jesus predicted the sifting.

He permitted the sifting.

He prayed for Peter during the sifting.

If you’re like Peter and you have “it”…here are some sobering reminders…

1. Your “It” can take a Hit.
2. Satan will take a Shot at what you’ve Got.
3. Satan desires to Destroy the things you Enjoy.

Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost…wrote two books of the Bible…and was a faithful witness for Christ till death.  I doubt God could have used him for such great things without the sifting.

But there is good news if you’re in the sifter.  As an old preacher once said, “The devil may turn up the heat but God controls the thermostat.”  Amen.  That’s good to know when your “It” is taking a Hit.  M