Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Matthew 16:23
Looking for the easiest, least troublesome way to accomplish something is the goal of most people. If there is extreme pain or danger in walking a certain path, most people will find another way to go. They will also encourage others to take the safer path.
At times doing things this way can become a stumbling block to success of a larger goal.
Jesus had just told the disciples how He must suffer and Peter rebuked Him. Jesus calling Peter, Satan, said that he is a stumbling block and isn’t concerned about what God is concerned about.
In order to accomplish great goals, there are often some sacrifices that have to be made. Some of those sacrifices can be very painful or dangerous either mentally or physically.
Father’s who have to be gone on road for their jobs know the pain of having to leave family to earn their income. They feel the emotional pain of leaving. Yet, they continue to do it for the greater goal.
God’s greatest goal is that no one should die in his sins, but come to salvation through Jesus Christ. He is willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish that goal.
This process can sometimes include pain and severe suffering to make it happen. Jesus took on the greatest suffering by willingly going to the cross to pay for the sins of every person.
Believers will sometimes try to avoid the pain and suffering to take an easier route. When this is done, they become a stumbling block to God’s goals. They are more concerned about self, than God and others.
God may ask you to walk a path that may be painful or dangerous. Do not fear that path, but trust God knows what He is doing. Do not allow yourself to become a stumbling block to the goal of God in your life or in the lives of other people.
Following and trusting in God can lead you to accomplish some of the greatest goals ever possible. Take your eyes off of yourself and this earth and focus them upon God and eternity. As you do this, you will no longer become a stumbling block to God’s goal.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Savior; that you will follow God’s plan for your life; that you will not reject God’s plans for your life; that you will not be a stumbling block to God’s plan; and that you will be more concerned about God’s plan than your own life and plans.
Lovely piece
Thank you for stopping by and reading and the kind words.