But I have prayed for you

In Luke 22:31, Jesus said to Simon Peter and the other disciples, “Satan has asked to sift you like wheat (other translations say that Satan demanded to sift them).” When wheat is sifted it gets broken and separated. So, Jesus was telling His followers that a test was coming—led by Satan himself—with the potential to break them and scatter them to the wind. But then Jesus shifted the conversation and threw a giant uppercut into the middle of the situation and He said, “but I have prayed for you (verse 32).”

He said essentially, “Yes, friends, a test is coming and you might feel like you are fracturing and crumbling in the middle of it, but don’t lose heart! I have prayed for you.”

He continued, “I have prayed for you…that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back (because I know you will) strengthen your brothers (verse 32).”

I want to remind you today that Jesus is still throwing uppercuts. Uppercuts are still being thrown from the pages of Scripture, from the heart of God, and from the power of the Holy Spirit. There is still a mighty power at work in your life today. Jesus’ prayers were not limited to those early disciples; He prayed for all of His followers (John 17:20) and His prayers are still in effect for you.  

He has prayed for you. You will withstand your test. You will return. And you will be a strength and a blessing to your brothers and sisters along the way.

Just as the moon emerges to illuminate the night, so God prepares strength for those who must walk after sunset. There is light for the day and there is light for the night, and whether you are walking by sunlight or moonlight today, God will steady you. He will give you the grace to keep throwing uppercuts, to keep returning, and to keep steadying and strengthening the people around you.

Rest in His prayers. Count on them. Breathe deeply, inhaling God’s confidence in His ability to work in your life.

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)