White or Wheat?

Just wrote this for Faithful Feet, sharing it here as well:

White or Wheat?

Last night, I was making some homemade crepes.  I have never made crepes before, but thought I would give it a shot.  Can't be that hard.  Anyway, I got to a step in the process where I had to sift some flour and salt together.  Well, I was using regular all-purpose flour, though I did throw in some Kosher salt.  You know, the salt that is big and chunky.

My regular sifter (if it still exists after all of our moves) is obviously still packed away in a box somewhere.  So, I used a mesh strainer instead.  I poured the measurement of flour in it and then added the salt on top.  Then, I took a measuring cup and proceeded to force the flour and salt through the mesh.

While I was doing this, I was hit with the thought of when Jesus told Peter, "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat." (Luke 22:31)

See, I was merely sifting white, all-purpose flour with a little bit of chunky salt in the mix.  As I did this, it took force.  I had to grind with strength and determination against the flour and especially against the salt to get it to pass through the mesh.  (I really didn't think the salt was going to get through!  I almost gave up on it.)  Once I did this, however, the results was baby-soft, fine powder-like flour - and the even further result would be delicious crepes.

While I was working the all-purpose flour through the mesh, I wondered how much more effort and force it would take had it been wheat...not just wheat flour...but real wheat!  Ouch!  And Simon was sifted that way!?!  WOW!

I wonder sometimes, has Satan asked to sift ME as wheat!?!  How about you!?!  I know sometimes it sure feels like it in my life!

Take heart, if you are being sifted or are coming up on a sifting soon.  Remember the result of soft, pure, baby soft flour that will be used to make something very delightful and fulfilling.  Maybe we've got rough chunks in us that need to be forced through the mesh.  It WILL pass through...though sometimes with more force than you would like.

And, take heart in Jesus' words to Simon Peter just after He told Simon he would be sifted as wheat, "But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." (Luke 22:32)

Jesus Himself is praying for us.  He is praying not that the sifting won't happen or even that it won't hurt, but He is praying that throughout the sifting our faith will not fail.  AND, WHEN (not IF) we have turned back, He is praying that we will strengthen our brothers (and sisters).

That's what we're here for...that's what this Faithful Feet journey together in His steps is all about...strengthening our fellow believers.

Oh, and by the way, after the 2nd crepe that I couldn't flip without tearing it up, I gave up on the crepes!  The batter is still in the fridge.  Oh well!  :o)