Word of the Week: Between Sifting and Strengthening

By Bro. David Woodard | The Weekly Ledger News | Faith & Inspiration Column

“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not:

(Notice) and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”

— Luke 22:31–32 (KJV)

One of the most powerful truths found in this passage is that Jesus speaks restoration before Peter’s failure ever happens.

Thoughts

Thought 1, failure is not final when Christ is praying for you.

Thought 2, restoration always leads to ministry. Jesus told Peter, “Strengthen thy brethren.” God never restores us merely to leave us where we were; He restores us so we can serve others with wisdom born from experience.

Thought 3, there is a unique power in encouragement that comes from someone who has “been there.” No one can encourage you like someone who’s been where you’ve been.

Years later, Peter would echo this truth himself when he wrote:

“But the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”

— 1 Peter 5:10 (KJV)

Peter who once denied Christ, had been sifted now speaks of strengthening. His restoration became a testimony—not only for himself, but for the other disciples and encouraged their faith.

Application

Your scars will become someone else’s survival guide.

Restoration is never just for you—it is for others through you.

Final Thought

Living Between Sifting and Strengthening

Every believer is either entering a season of sifting, enduring one, or emerging from it. The enemy may shake you, but Christ’s prayer preserves your faith. And when the sifting passes, God will use what you endured to strengthen someone else.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for Your grace that sustains us in every season. When we are sifted, remind us that we are never abandoned—because Christ is praying for us. Strengthen our faith when we feel weak, steady our hearts when we feel shaken, and restore us when we fall.

Use every trial to shape us, not break us. And when You bring us through, help us to strengthen our brothers and sisters with compassion, humility, and hope born from experience. May our scars become testimonies of Your faithfulness and our lives reflections of Your redeeming power.

We trust You in the sifting, and we praise You for the strengthening to come.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

About the Columnist:

Bro. David Woodard is a faith leader and speaker committed to sharing biblical truth, encouragement, and hope through practical, Scripture-based messages. He is available for preaching, special services, and church revivals.

For speaking engagements or inquiries, Bro. Woodard can be reached at 256-393-4992.

If you would like to learn more about Jesus and salvation, or if you are in need of prayer, Bro. Woodard invites you to reach out to him.

Email: DWoodard4Bama@gmail.com 

Phone/Text: 256-393-4992