January 22, 2016:  SOAP #2241:   

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 22:31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.  32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the cock crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”

Observation:   Jesus was about to die.  He was preparing Himself for this most important task He had been assigned by His Father.  During this time, He speaks to Peter.  He saw that Peter would soon betray Him.  He saw that Peter’s faith would be tested.  But He also saw through Peter’s denial.  He saw Peter on the other side of the trial.  There was something for Peter to do when it was over.

Application:   I cannot count how many trials and temptations and failures that God has brought me through.  He strengthened me when I trusted Him and He forgave me when I confessed my sin.  He not only saw me through the trouble, He saw through the trouble.  He had something for me to do on the other side of the struggle.  My life did not end in the struggle.

Prayer:   Lord, in helping people, teach me to see through the trouble. Help me to give them a vision of being useful after the struggle is over.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!