JESUS SPEAKING

‘From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matthew 16: 21 – 23)

FAITHFUL THOUGHT

Jesus informed His disciples of His impending death and eventual resurrection. Peter however, who was unwilling to accept this prophecy, took Jesus aside and began to rebuke Him. Jesus identified Peter’s attempted intervention as being influenced by Satan. As believers we must continually seek to accomplish the will of God in every circumstance, even when God’s plans do not fit with our own understanding.

In the Old Testament, the Son’s of Jacob plotted in secret against their brother Joseph. They took him by force and sold him into slavery in Egypt. They also faked his death so that his dad wouldn’t go looking for him. For many years he underwent hardships as a slave, but eventually, by God’s divine hand, he was raised up into the second highest position in Egypt, just beneath Pharoah. When a famine struck the land, his dad’s tribe was in danger of starvation. So the family journeyed into Egypt to find food. Upon arriving, they encountered Joseph, who saved the entire family from death by feeding and protecting them. The brothers apologized for their evil actions, and Joseph forgave them. And yet, Joseph could see that despite his brothers wicked intentions, his ordeal was actually the result of God’s will. He was put in that place to save them. He said, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many lives.” (Genesis 50: 20)

God’s will for our lives can often differ from our own expectations. In these circumstances, we must embrace whatever path God has chosen for us. We must also let Him guide and direct our lives. Only God knows what is best for us. As we walk with the Lord, may we strive to submit to His will.

“Lord heavenly Father, we recognize that Your plans are far better than our own. As we journey through this life, may we trust You completely, and may we adhere to Your will in every circumstance. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!