Sift you

"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren" (Luke 22:31, 32 KJV). Sometimes it feels as if the Lord does not hear our cry. Sometimes we ask ourselves, why would such a powerful all knowing God allow us, His children, to go through tribulation and suffering? There are many tough times and trials that come upon every believer, along with temptation after temptation, and it seems like it never ends. However, just like Simon Peter, we too will go through a time of trial and testing. God will allow Satan to sift each and everyone of us. The devil tempts us in order to bring out the bad in us, but God tests us in order to bring out the good in us. The simple truth is that at times God will use Satan as an instrument to address our character, causing the believer to see God's holiness rather than their own. Our Lord recognizes our sufferings. He hears our voice cry out. However, don't expect Him to interfere or pull us out of the furnace, for out of the furnace of affliction, comes forth a soul greater than any gold, a soul that is refined and purified. We may be going through some tough times, but it is through the tough times or sifting that God will always pray and intercede for each one of us. Sifting can do two things. It will either make one become disobedient and rebellious to the point of running from God, or it will cause one to draw closer to Him in a greater faith and need. This is a time of growth, and the end result shall be a deeper faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you. Amen