“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs to it and is safe and set on high [far above evil].” Proverbs 18:10 AMP

Our verse today brings comfort to us when we find ourselves in the middle of the enemy’s attack! Remember the words of our Savior to Peter?

““Simon, Simon (Peter), listen! Satan has demanded permission to sift [all of] you like grain; 32but I have prayed [especially] for you [Peter], that your faith [and confidence in Me] may not fail; and you, once you have turned back again [to Me], strengthen and support your brothers [in the faith].” 33And Peter said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You both to prison and to death!” 34Jesus said, “I say to you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will [utterly] deny three times that you know Me.” 

Luke 22:31-34 AMP

Too often we do not recognize that it is the enemy trying to distract and discourage us by getting us to focus on our feelings and circumstances. Notice the method by which Satan tests us. Jesus compared it to the process of “sifting wheat.” The Greek word used here translated “may sift” is the word meaning to “separated the outer courser elements to revel the ore material.” Isn’t that exactly what happens when we find ourselves in the middle of a trial? Sometimes that mean the kernel is put into a machine that breaks the outer shell. In the old days, they would thrust in a pitchfork and toss the kerel into the air allowing the wind to blow away the chaff! How many times do we feel like our lives have been “tossed into the air? Peter’s response was that he could handle it in his own strength.

33And Peter said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You both to prison and to death!”

It is a foolish thing to believe that we in and of our own strength can pass through the trials of life! IT is good to know however that God already knows the outcome.

“34Jesus said, “I say to you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will [utterly] deny three times that you know Me

Notice that at the beginning of this discourse with Peter Jesus already knew what was going to happen.

“…32but I have prayed [especially] for you [Peter], that your faith [and confidence in Me] may not fail; and you, once you have turned back again [to Me], strengthen and support your brothers [in the faith].” 

Do you see those words? “…and you, once you have turned back again [to Me], strengthen and support your brothers [in the faith].” What a loving a Savior we have that knows that frames are but dust but does not abandon us! We see then after Peter’s failure the fulfillment of the words of Jesus.

“But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be explained to you; listen closely and pay attention to what I have to say.”

Acts 2:14 AMP

This is the same man who in front of a little girl did not have the courage to acknowledge Christ! What was different? Power of the Holy Spirit high had filled his life and suddenly all fear was gone! He was now walking in the power of Christ not of himself!

Our verse describes this process as “running into a strong tower.” Today we do not have physical towers at the gates of our city protecting the inhabitants from the attack of the enemy. Towers were the place from which the battle were fought. If the towers were breached the city was lost! How comforting to know that the Name of Jesus is a place for safety and rest! The Apostle Paul told the Philippians,

“For this reason also [because He obeyed and so completely humbled Himself], God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW [in submission], of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and that every tongue will confess and openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord (sovereign God), to the glory of God the Father.” 

Philippians 2:9-11 AMP

While we wait for the day our Lord will come to receive that which He died for, let us daily “run into the strong tower of the Lord.” Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken