GOD PERFECTS HIS SAINTS

"Simon, Simon, Satan hath desired to sift you," Jesus said to Peter (Luke 22:31). The devil knew the disciples were weak at this time.

In any army called to active duty, weapons are frequently battered and broken. One man has his helmet dented, another his sword bent, a third his pistol broken. So replacements are often necessary. In one temptation you may have your helmet of hope crushed or your charity trampled upon. You need an armorer's shop near at hand to make up your losses as quickly as possible, for Satan is most likely to attack when you are least prepared to repel his charge.

"Simon, Simon, Satan hath desired to sift you," Jesus said to Peter (Luke 22:31). The devil knew the disciples were weak at this time. Christ, their captain, was about to be taken from the head of their regiment. They were discontented among themselves, arguing about who would have the best seat in heaven. And their supply of stronger faith, which the Spirit was to bring, had not yet come. Therefore, Christ sent them to Jerusalem to wait together until He could dispatch His Spirit to them (Acts 1:4). This example shows us, in the weakness of our graces, whom to ask for a fresh supply.

He is called "the old serpent," and for good reason: subtle by nature, yet ever more cunning; wrathful by nature, yet ever more enraged. Like a bull, the longer he is baited, the madder he grows. And considering what little time he has left, we who are to fight with him must enter the arena well equipped.

The end of all God's working is to perfect His saints in their virtues and comforts. He is the wise caretaker of our souls. When He uses afflictions to lop and prune our spirits, it is only to purge so we can bring forth more and better fruit (John 15:2). The same tribulation which yields bitter results in the arid soul of the wicked is used to produce the sweet fruit of the Spirit in the fertile soil of the saint.

Why is God so intent on perfecting His saints? To prepare a spotless bride for His Son, and complete His grand design!” 
Quoted material from, ”The Christian in Complete Armour Daily Readings in Spiritual Warfare” by Gurnall and James S. Bell http://www.moodypublishers.com/

I stand amazed at the depth and quality of these devotions. I am tempted to rephrase some sentences for our current language but then realize it is so very powerful as it is written.

Artwork: Come Follow Me.