Plans and Perspective

Read Matthew 16:22-23

Wow.
No matter how many times I read that, it's still somehow not quite what I expect.
"Peter, I know this is hard to understand, but here's why it has to be this way. . ." That sounds a little - I don't know, a little more appropriate to the situation, doesn't it? But "get behind me Satan?" Wow. Perfect fuel for "being confused all over again" by this God we serve, huh?

For the most part, I walk away from this passage a bit perplexed. But there are two things that jump out at me.

Number One
It is a big deal that I learn to set aside my plans in favor of God's plans. Even when my plans seems so good. Healing from disease. Reconciled marriages. Jobs for the unemployed. I have some good plans! So did Peter. Saving Jesus from suffering the crucifixion? It doesn't get much better than that. Unless, of course, there's a bigger picture. One that Peter doesn't understand - which, of course, there is. Salvation. . .which requires the cross. That's one thing I walk away with as I read this passage. That so often when God "rejects" my good plans, it's because he's pursuing a better plan.

Number Two
I don't understand God. No matter how long I know him or how much I study him there will always be more to discover. He will continue to surprise me. I am small and He is infinite. And I think that's an important lesson all by itself.

Meg Henderson