A month ago I had an idea for a blog that I was going to share with others, as well as some thoughtful insite. What I didn't realize is that it wasn't my idea, in fact, it was a warning.

Based on Luke 22:31, I was going to share the idea that you should replace Simon's name with your name, and always be on guard. In my case, the scripture would read:

Alex, Alex. Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Alex, that your faith may not fail.

Initially, I thought it was a cool idea to post, but low and behold, I was actually being warned. Oh boy did the sifting begin shortly after.

Well, long story short, the faith nearly failed, more heat was applied, prayers weren't being answered, I thought Heaven closed it's gates to me or some bureaucracy was slowing down the progress, and I was beginning to feel the war between flesh and spirit nearly to the point of madness.  I'd wake up locking horns with their minions, I was always in a huff about something until I realized that I was being attacked.  Every day was a new trial, I couldn't believe it.

Then last weekend, I remembered a Thursday night that Pastor Jim was teaching several months back. It was about being radical for Jesus, and maybe our worship can be radical too. It was based on Acts when Paul was imprisoned and sang praises all night until the shackles were released. So, we did likewise to Oh Praise Him by the DCB that night. Shackles were most definitely released that Thursday, and I can never hear that song the same again.  I still get chills thinking about it.

So, I found the song on You Tube, same video too, and oh man, I could feel the shackles coming off one at a time, my spirit was renewed, and detrimental circumstances all of a sudden, had answers that were fairly simple to work through.

Can we praise him in the storm? Gosh, you better. My prayers weren't being answered because I wasn't worshipping like I used to. I couldn't hear him because I allowed my circumstances to dwarf him in my mind. They shouted louder then he did. I didn't have faith, I had desperation.

When all was said and done, it was confession time, and afterward it was punch and pie. I'm kidding about the punch and pie, but he did lay some things on my heart that seem relatively impossible from where I sit, so I know it was him speaking. "What's the most impossible thing you can think of right now Alex? Well, guess what's going to happen?"

It's still a few years down the road for that one though. The sifting isn't over yet, but it will come to a quick end in the very near future. Satan's meat grinder won't have me in there much longer. With the Lord's guidance, provided that I'm attentive, all will be well as He has planned.