Luke 22:31-34
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. 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.” Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you.” But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.”

In his classic work, The Screwtape Letters, C. S. Lewis wrote,

There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight.

Certainly an “excessive and unhealthy interest” in the demonic realm is dangerous, but, as Lewis reminds us, so is disbelieving or ignoring their existence. Satan is real. He prowls around like a roaring lion. He desires that we fail. Satan also desires that we are afraid of failing.

Notice that Jesus didn’t pray that Peter would not fail. In fact, he said that the leader of the disciples would deny him three times. Jesus prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail. Failure will visit us from time to time as we travel the human trail. But when we fail, our faith doesn’t have to. Jesus is praying for us just like he prayed for Peter.

Lord Jesus, thank you for praying for us. When we stumble and fall, keep our faith strong so that we can turn back to your path and strengthen others. In your name. Amen.

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