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"BUT I HAVE PRAYED FOR THEE." "But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." (Luke 22:32)The words our Saviour spoke to Peter that day were words uttered with comfort as well as conviction. There was a word of gladness to those who obeyed the things He said, yet, at the same time, a word of sadness to those who disobeyed.Again and again we find that His words were words of help for those who were helpless, a blessing for those who were broken and bruised, and healing for those who were hurting. Yes, the tears were turned to cheers among those who heard Him and heard Him gladly.No one then, before, or since, spoke with such authority as the Lord Jesus. Back when Christ walked among men, people just like you and I were awed when they heard Him. The Bible tells us, "And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, "What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out." (Luke 4:36) Even those hatchet men, who the chief priest and Pharisees sent out one day to lay hold of and arrest Jesus, returned emptied handed and said to those religious phonies, "Never man spake like this man." (John 7:46)Now I wrote all that to simply say this: The words of Jesus Christ were and are words that anyone can fasten their faith upon and anchor their assurance to. There's a great deal of interesting things in this chapter that Jesus said, but those six little one syllable words here in verse 32 are just as plain and powerful for you and I today as they were for Peter that day, "But I have prayed for thee."Are you in need of an answer for the Lord's will for your life? Is there some point of weakness where only the Spirit's Power will suffice? Are you thinking about chucking this whole Christianity business and walking away? May I kindly remind you that ever since the very day this praying Saviour of ours ascended to Heaven, He has been and will continue to intercede for the needs of His own" (Hebrews 7:25).Friends, when those storms of doubt are raging and the winds of adversity are blowing, be of good cheer brethren and hear Jesus speaking right now with authority to you, "But I have prayed for thee."