September 23

Deliverance from Dust and Chaff

For surely I will give the command, and I will shake the house of Israel among all the nations as grain is sifted in a sieve; but not a pebble will reach the ground. — Amos 9:9 BSB

The process of sifting is ongoing. No matter where we go, we are constantly being shaken and tested. God's people are sifted “like grain in a sieve” in every place. Sometimes Satan holds the sieve, shaking us violently in his desire to get rid of us forever. Unbelief stirs up our hearts and minds with restless fears. The world is eager to lend a hand, shaking us vigorously from side to side. Worst of all, the church, often falling away, adds to the force of the sifting.

But let it continue! This is how the chaff is separated from the wheat. This is how the wheat is purified from dust and impurities. What a great mercy is found in this promise: “Yet not the least grain will fall to the ground.” Every good, true, and gracious thing within us will be preserved. Not one of the smallest believers will lose anything of real value. We will be so well kept during this sifting process that, through Christ Jesus, it will turn into a gain for us.