How to Rely on God — Especially When You’re Being Sifted
It’s one thing to say, “Rely on God,” but it’s an entirely different thing to actually do it when you’re in the middle of the sifting — when your faith is being shaken, when your prayers seem unanswered, and when your heart is overwhelmed.
Sifting seasons are hard. The enemy comes to steal your peace, shake your confidence in God, and make you question if you’ll ever make it through. But the good news is — you will make it through. And today, I want to give you practical and biblical ways to rely on God, especially when the enemy is trying to sift you like wheat.
1. Cling to the Word of God — Even When It Doesn’t Make Sense
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
When you’re walking through a storm, your emotions will often lie to you. Your feelings may tell you that God has abandoned you, that nothing will change, and that you’re too weak to make it through. But the truth is — God’s Word has already provided the strength you need.
When you feel weak, the Word says:
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped.” (Psalm 28:7)
When you feel abandoned, the Word says:
“I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)
When you feel defeated, the Word says:
“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” (Romans 8:37)
Practical Step:
Each morning, read and meditate on a verse that reminds you of God’s faithfulness. Write it down. Speak it out loud. Carry it with you. And when the enemy comes to sift you, fight back with the Word of God — just like Jesus did in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13).
2. Pray — Even When You Don’t Feel Like It
“And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly.” (Luke 22:44)
Do you know what Jesus did when He was under extreme pressure in the Garden of Gethsemane? He prayed more earnestly.
The enemy knows the power of prayer, which is why he will do everything in his power to shut your mouth when you are under attack. He will make you feel discouraged, unworthy, or too tired to pray. But that’s exactly when you need to pray the most.
If you don’t have the words to say — just say the name Jesus.
If you don’t know what to pray — open the Psalms and pray the scriptures.
If your heart feels cold — ask the Holy Spirit to intercede for you (Romans 8:26).
Practical Step:
Develop the habit of talking to God throughout the day — not just when you are in crisis. Simple prayers like:
- “Lord, give me strength.”
- “Jesus, I trust you.”
- “Lord, I need you today.”
The more you communicate with God, the harder it will be for the enemy to isolate you.
3. Surround Yourself With Godly People
“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
One of the enemy’s primary tactics is isolation. When you’re being sifted, you will feel the urge to withdraw — from church, from godly friends, from family, and from community. And that’s exactly what the enemy wants — to separate you from the flock so you’ll become an easy target.
But God did not design you to fight alone. You need people who will stand in prayer with you, encourage you, and speak life over you when you feel like giving up.
Practical Step:
- Stay connected to your church community.
- Join a Bible study or prayer group.
- Reach out to someone you trust when you feel overwhelmed.
The enemy isolates — but God unites.
4. Focus on God’s Faithfulness — Not Your Feelings
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)
Feelings are temporary — but God’s faithfulness is eternal. When you’re in the middle of a storm, your emotions will fluctuate. One moment you may feel hopeful, and the next, you may feel overwhelmed. But your faith must remain anchored in who God is — not in what you feel.
If you base your hope on what you see, you’ll quickly lose heart.
But if you base your hope on what God promised, you’ll remain steady.
Practical Step:
Start a prayer journal. Write down:
- Prayers you’ve prayed.
- Promises from God you’re holding onto.
- Testimonies of how God has answered you before.
And when the enemy comes to sift you, open that journal and remind yourself: “The same God who did it before will do it again.”
5. Submit to God’s Sanctifying Process
“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
This is probably the hardest — but most important step. When you’re being sifted, your natural reaction is to pray for deliverance. But oftentimes, God is after development, not deliverance.
We pray, “Lord, take this away.”
But God is saying, “I’m using this to grow you.”
We ask for comfort, but God is developing character.
We beg for an escape, but God is producing endurance.
Sifting seasons are not meant to destroy you — they are meant to bring you to the realization of the need of the second definite work of grace, sanctification. God uses the fire to purify your heart, mature your faith, and prepare you for greater assignments.
Practical Step:
Instead of praying, “Lord, take this away,” start praying, “Lord, use this to make me more like You.”
Instead of asking, “Why me?” start asking, “What do You want to teach me?”
Trust that if God allowed the sifting — it’s because He’s preparing you for something greater.
6. Remember — Jesus Has Already Prayed for You
“But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” (Luke 22:32)
This is perhaps the most powerful truth you need to hold onto: Jesus has already prayed for you.
Just like Jesus prayed for Peter when Satan sought to sift him, Jesus is interceding for you right now. And here’s the best part — Jesus has never lost a battle.
- If Peter overcame, so will you.
- If Peter stumbled but was restored, so will you.
- If Peter came out stronger, you too will come out stronger.
Every time you feel like giving up, remind yourself:
- “Jesus is praying for me.”
- “This sifting is temporary, but my faith will endure.”
- “What the enemy meant for evil, God is turning for my good.”
Final Thought: The Sifting is Proof That You Are Valuable
Here’s what you must never forget:
- Satan does not sift people who are already his.
- He does not attack people who are not serving the Lord.
- He does not target people who are not a threat to his kingdom.
The very fact that the enemy is trying to sift you is proof that you carry great value in the Kingdom of God. He sees what God is preparing you for — and that’s why he’s fighting you so hard.
But don’t be discouraged. Because when the sifting is over — you’ll come out stronger, wiser, and ready to strengthen others. Just like Jesus told Peter:
“When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” (Luke 22:32)
So stand firm, my brother.
Hold on, my sister.
The God who began a good work in you — will finish it. (Philippians 1:6)
And when the sifting is over — you will come out as pure gold. (Job 23:10)