When You Return - Luke 22:31-32 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day
Luke 22:31-32
"When You Return"

And the LORD said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.  But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."

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There is so much in these two verses, that we could actually spend the whole week on them!  JESUS is telling Simon that he is not on satan's menu, however, he is also letting Simon know that HE has prayed for his faith not to fail!  Now let's park here!  Because JESUS goes on to say, "and when you have returned to ME, . . ." I'm sure Simon didn't pick up on what JESUS was saying at the time, but we can see that, JESUS already knew how Simon would be affected by denying HIS Savior three times.  Simon was going to go
through a time of self-criticism, a feeling of self-failure, a place where satan comes in and tells you, "you never believed in JESUS!"  JESUS it telling Simon, that after all of that, you will return to ME.  Notice the
verse says Should not fail, but then it goes on to say WHEN you have returned!  JESUS didn't say "if you return" or "should you return"  HE is letting Simon know that, "you MAY fail the test, but you WILL return!
Family, if you see yourself as a failure and self-shame has overcome you to the point of turning your face away from JESUS, please be encouraged!  When you return to HIM . . . when you face HIM again, HE will wipe away your tears.

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