Tested by God

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat.” Luke 22:31

I have good news and bad news for you. The good news is that Satan cannot test you without God’s permission. The bad news is that God gives him permission. There are many ways that we are tested.

• Tested by circumstances, for instance. Simon found himself in some uncomfortable courtyard circumstances. Indeed, outward circumstances can be powerful factors in our lives. We are sorely tempted to take our cues for action from externals, and there are many times when circumstances are not conducive to an honest expression of our faith. The power of circumstances will test our loyalties as Christians.

• So will other people. At least three people saw Simon and reacted to his presence at the courtyard fire. Our self-esteem is greatly affected by their views of us and since rejection or retaliation is painful, we often let others manipulate us by their expectation of us. By so doing we may deny both our Lord and our discipleship, because we deny our own worth as individuals.

• Fear will certainly test who’s in charge. Simon knew the consequences that might well await Jesus. No doubt, he knew something of the wrath of the religious leaders. Fear often freezes over the best of our intentions. Sometimes it’s because we have already been hurt by the pain and reaction that courage can bring. “Cold feet are often the direct result of burned fingers,” is a cliche whose truth we know well.

• But it is self-deception that is a major culprit. It certainly was for Simon - he was overconfident. Every time Jesus tries to warn him, he blusters on ahead, denying that he would ever be culpable. Simon, like us, might have stood a much better chance at consistency and faithfulness if he had been in touch with himself. True, things like circumstance, other people, and fear are powerful, but often it is our lack of awareness about what’s going on inside us - that really controls our behavior.