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In our Key Study Passage, Jesus tells Simon Peter: "Simon, listen to me! Satan has demanded the right to [sift] each one of you, as a farmer does when he separates wheat from the husks. But Simon, I have prayed that your faith will be strong. And when you have come back to me, help the others" (CEV). Think about this: God allows Satan to toss us around and beat on us. The Devil's goal: To destroy us. But God is more than able to use those evil plans for our good—to shape our character into greater Christlikeness. Amazing!

Key Study Passage:

Luke 22:31-32

1. Prior to this week's readings, what did you know about the agrarian process of sifting? What did you learn about sifting?
2. Why is sifting a powerful metaphor for pain and suffering that brings about something positive?
3. In Wednesday and Friday's readings, Rick Lawrence describes the beat-separate-reveal cycle of sifting. What will stall the cycle at the beat or separate stage? (See James 1:5-8; Joshua 5:6; Psalm 78:17-22.)
4. What should you be doing right now so that you're more receptive to the beat-separate-reveal cycles that may come your way?

Spend Time in Prayer: Express your questions about any struggles you're going through; ask God to help you trust him when trust seems impossible; thank God for those times you've seen him use difficulties to bring about good in your life.

Luke 22:31-32

Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial

31 "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. 32 But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers."

Copyright © 2012 by Christianity Today/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Heavenly Father, impress on my heart that you can bring good out of evil (Gen. 50:20), use difficulties to shape my character (Rom. 5:3-4), and teach me godly principles through suffering's lessons (Ps. 119:71).

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