“Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.”

Luke 22:31-32 MSG

The enemy has tried to separate us from God since the Garden of Eden. He may have began with fruit, but today his devices are more sophisticated: unresolved hurt from our past; the need to be acknowledged and significant in the eyes of others; the pursuit of a mate; being overworked and/or over obligated; the pursuit of the American dream; our children and conversely our parents; or simply drama that keeps us so wound up and distracted. All these things, and so many more, are often ways in which the enemy distracts us, keeps us from prayer, steals our time and energy and causes us to be/become distant from God.

Something I’ve learned from struggling with my own shortcomings, times that I’ve missed the mark — sinned — time and again, is God is ever present. Even when I think I’ve strayed so far away from Him, I’ve found He’s right there.

I think the thing is to never give up. Jesus tells Peter to stay on his toes because Satan has tried his best to separate the disciples from Jesus. Notice, Jesus said that He’s prayed that they never give up or give out. In other words, their destinys are tied to their efforts. So as long as I am making an effort to draw closing to God, I will come through the time of testing and I’ll be able to help others gain a fresh start in God.

God, thank You for Your infinite mercy and grace. You placed me in this time and this place, and you crafted every test and trial specifically for me. Each one is fashioned for me to show me more of who I am and more of who You are. The enemy cannot succeed in his attempts to separate me from You because You sent Jesus to be my advocate, the repairer of the breach, my Interceder. So, though I may fail or fall, 1,000 times, I will get up 1,001. And each time, I become wiser and more aware that I am a conqueror. I shall win and overcome this test, and others will see and I will share my testimony. And they will become overcomers as well — through Your Power.

Thank you. I love you.

Amen.