Peter's Test

Luk 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
Luk 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Peter said that he was ready to follow Jesus, even to death. This was his desire, but satan had plans too. Peter would soon lose confidence in himself, because flesh fails, he would soon deny his Lord three times. What made him deny his Lord? I think it was fear given to him by satan. When fear comes, rebuke satan in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Satan was desiring to sift him like wheat, at his weakest time. Do you know that our weakest times often follow our times of personal victory? Peter had made a proud profession of allegiance to his master, but so soon comes the testing. Satan desired to sift Peter and would there be anything worthy left, or would he be as the chaff of the grain?

Jesus knew what was going on and he had prayed for Peter, that he not fail this test. Paul later wrote this most important encouragement.

1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Then Jesus looked ahead with a command for Peter to follow in. When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Jesus prayed for us too and he is making intercessions for us.

Joh 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

What did Jesus mean when he said? :" When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."

Converted: come (go) again, convert, (re-) turn (about, again).

When you have come back into serving me, then I want you to strengthen your brethren. Later he was told to feed the flock, to feed them the word of God. I think when we go through trials and tests, that we are stronger. We then are able to encourage and strengthen others. Peter wrote these encouraging words later in life:

1Pe 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1Pe 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.