Scripture: Genesis 20:50 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Devotion: As we know from Luke 22 the devil targeted Peter for sifting. The devil’s plan was well thought out. He’d probably been watching the disciples seeing which one to destroy next. In this particular passage Peter is the target. If you know anything about Peter he seems to have a boldness about him. He was adventurous enough to walk on water with Jesus and confident enough to cut off the soldier’s ear. Peter seems to be full of zeal partnered with arrogance and bad timing.
One thing about pride: it surely has an expiration date. (Proverbs 16:19) Peter’s fall was inevitable. I’m not sure what Peter was thinking but he seemed to be born with a natural fire and self confidence. I’m sure walking with Jesus only boosted his assurance. Many times he was corrected and rebuked for thinking he possessed the answer when he only had a piece of a much larger puzzle. These unharnessed strengths made him the perfect target for the enemy. Everyone has blind spots and overconfidence was his.
Peter continues with his I know attitude, and finds himself denying Jesus three times. Peter was so sure he couldn’t even hear the truth King Jesus revealed. I’ve heard the question asked, “What is it God wants to tell you but you don’t have ears to hear?” This was Peter’s case. Sometimes we are so confident in our knowledge that we silence voices of truth. So off to the sifting he went.
Peter was overwhelmed with guilt; he left the scene and returned to fishing. I can imagine he thought there is no way back, I messed up and at least I have my old job. He hid in a familiar place disqualifying himself from further movement. There is just one problem. It wasn’t for him to disqualify himself, that was for Jesus to do. Jesus chose to restore him.
Once restored he went on to perform many miracles. Peter was fearless, full of faith and bold as a lion. His once unharnessed zeal, became controlled, disciplined, and focused. He became one with his call, purpose and assignment.
We, like Peter, have been targeted for sifting. Although it was the enemy’s plan to destroy us, God used it for good. (Genesis 50:20) We have been sifted, restored, and now it is time for us to put on the full garment of purpose!
Reflection: Where in your life have you been sifted? Do you feel defeated and overcome? Know that God restores and any sifting you incurred was to shift you into perfect alignment with the Father. The best is yet to come…
Prayer: Lord, we thank you for what the devil meant for evil you turned for good. We thank you that you are a restorer and that you bring all things back into perfect alignment with your purpose. May we wear and accept the garment of purpose you created for us.
Written by Petrina Milan
Eyes of an Overcomer 