"Simon, Simon! Listen! Satan has received permission to test all of you, to separate the good from the bad, as a farmer separates the wheat from the chaff. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you turn back to me, you must strengthen your brothers."

Peter answered, "Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you and to die with you!"

"I tell you, Peter," Jesus said, "the rooster will not crow tonight until you have said three times that you do not know me."

Luke 22:31-34

Jesus knew that Satan would shake Peter to his core in an attempt to destroy his faith. But Jesus already knew about Peter’s weakness. Jesus had already prayed for Peter. We may not have lied about knowing our Lord, but by our behavior we may have done just that. God will often use Satan’s sifting to blow away some of the chaff of our self-confidence and pride.

Satan’s ploys are no match for the Savior’s power.

Our Daily Bread – March 28, 2002