Sticky Situations

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 rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”
              
Devotion
In our family, we have a devotional book entitled “Sticky Situations.”  It has 365 daily devotions for children between the ages of 7 – 13 years old.  Each day there is a new “sticky situation” laid out for the boys to think about and talk about with Mike and me.  At the end of the devotion, the boys pick the solution that they believe would be the correct decision.  After we discuss their choices, we then read the passage from the Bible that directs the boys to the decision that God would have them choose.  Isn’t it funny how our humanness often times has us picking the wrong path?  Sometimes, God allows us to be in “sticky situations” just like Peter found himself in the above scripture reading.

Satan wanted to crush Peter, as well as the disciples, like the grains of wheat, to end the spiritual revolution taking place.  Even though Jesus allowed Satan to attack Peter, he also prayed for Peter.  Wow, to have the Savior pray for you!  Jesus knew that Peter would be in the midst of a very tough “sticky situation,” but he knew his faith would remain intact.  Jesus told Peter he would falter, but his faith would be restored through repentance.

Just as Peter was allowed to enter into a “sticky situation,” Jesus does the same for us.  Often times this happens because we may need a sifting.  But in the midst of adversity, take heart: Jesus is praying for us that our faith will remain strong.  Knowing that God is a loving father, a sovereign God, and always in control should provide us comfort, peace and strength.  Don’t forget that after Peter denied God, he asked for forgiveness and then shared with the other disciples how God was faithful.

Prayer
Dear Father,
We know you are in control of all things, and love us very much.  Be with us in the midst of our “sticky situations,” and give us the strength to face our adversities head on.  Thank you for being right there beside us and praying for us.   Give us the strength to persevere and don’t let us forget to share with others what you have done.
In Jesus Name, Amen