Recovering from Sifting and Drifting

Rev. Ron Morrison

Luke 22:24-34; 54-62

1. The attacks of the enemy are compared to sifting wheat. Is he turning your life upside down and inside out? (Luke 22:31)

2. The disciples were focused on their own agendas rather than the glory of God. Does that describe your spiritual life? (Luke 22:24-27)

3. Ambition is a good thing, but we must examine our hearts to distinguish godly ambition from selfish ambition. (Philippians 2:3) (Philippians 2:20)

4. Satan loves to attack believers and sift them like wheat in hopes of destroying their confidence in Christ and causing them to drift away from Him. He must first ask permission, yet the Lord often allows it. (Luke 22:31) (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6)

5. Rest assured in the faithful intercession of the Lord if He allows you to go through the painful process of being sifted. He will pray you through so you can encourage others when they are being sifted.

6. If you trust in your own willpower instead of embracing His will and His power, you will soon find yourself drifting away from the Lord. (Luke 22:54)

7. Peter was supremely confident in his ability to handle any trial, and felt he was ready to die for Christ. Remember, the spirit may be willing, but the flesh is always weak and can never be trusted!

8. The God who knows the end from the beginning already knew how often you would fail to keep your promises to Him. Be comforted in knowing He always keeps His promises to you. (John 13: 36-14:3)

9. Peter began drifting from the Lord while under the very pressure he thought he could handle.
   a. He was not steadfast in prayer. (Luke 22:39-46)
   b. He fought with the wrong weapons. (Matthew 26:51)
   c. He followed from a distance rather than staying close. (Luke 22:54)
   d. He lost his courage and denied the Lord. (Luke 22:54-62) (2 Timothy 2:11-13)

10. No matter how many times you have been sifted or how often you have drifted away from intimacy with Christ, He is able to get you back on track. (John 21)

11. The Lord always has His eyes on you. When you look into His eyes, you will receive the guidance you need. (Luke 22:61) (Psalm 32:8-9)
    
    
12. Reaffirm your love for the Lord by the way you care for those who belong to Him. (John 21:15-19)
    
    
    
13. Surrender to the indwelling Holy Spirit and you will be able to do far more in quantity and significance.

YOU WILL BE ATTACKED SPIRITUALLY SOMETIMES OR YOU MAY BE ASHAMED OF YOUR PAST FAILURES. GET YOUR EYES OFF OF YOUR FAILURES AND FOCUS ON HIS FAITHFULNESS. THERE IS WORK TO BE DONE AND YOU ARE NEEDED.