Holding strong going though the fire:
Luke 22: 31-32 And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren".

Yeshua first told Simon that Satan desired to have him to test him. In biblical times, wheat or other grain was sifted through a sieve or large strainer. As it was shaken violently, the dirt and other impurities that clung to the grain during the threshing process would separate from the good, usable grain. Satan desires to test each and everyone of us in this manor. 

This isn't the first time that we've been given a glimpse into the Spiritual realm. In the book of Job, in  chapter 1, we get an inward look at a conversation between Satan and God. And in verses 9-10 it says "Then Satan answered the Lord and said, "Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land." 

But you notice that Yeshua said Simon's name twice, stressing the seriousness of what he is about to say. Also He didn't ask the Father to spare Simon from the test. Instead he prayed that Simons faith not fail, and when he comes through it to strengthen his brethren.  

Yeshua knew that Simon would fail the test. And Simon realized it when he denied Yeshua three times. Yeshua also knew that Simon would get back on track with his relationship with Him. 

In Acts 2:1-39 we read that the Holy Spirit comes into the upper room and gave Simon the courage to speak on the busiest day of the year in Jerusalem. Simon preached a sermon professing that Yeshua is the son of God to his fellow Jews. And three thousand souls were added.

Someone once asked a silver maker if they could watch him work. He said sure and got some silver and placed it over the fire. He explain that as the fire heats it up, the impurities gets pulled from the center and goes to the edges. So the onlooker ask "How do you know when the center is pure?"

He responded " When I can see my reflection in it"

As believers testing brings us closer to God. We press in to lean on him. Sanctification may release or take away what's not needed, or awaken it , and quite possibly to purify us to make something completely new. 

So when the test comes and they will, just remember that we must be sifted and go though the fire to get rid of the impurities we have so when the Father looks on us that he will see himself .

Humbly Pastor Billy Chavis

Edited Angel Chavis