“And He was stating the matter plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God’s purposes, but on man’s.”” Mark 8:32-33
All too often I’ve found myself playing the role of Satan. I look to Jesus, expecting a specific action or answer, rebuking God for not doing what makes sense to me.
“God, I’ve done so much for You and Your Kingdom, how could You allow this to happen to my daughter?”
“I know she will wake joyously in Heaven but…”
“Why didn’t you hear me when I prayed for my dad’s healing?”
I could list a thousand times I’ve fallen into this role. I want God on my terms. I want Him to jump through my hoops and do my will. Why? Of course, I know what’s best. Wow! What arrogance and ignorance on my part.
Ever find yourself in this role? I bet you have – probably more often than you’d care to admit.
So, how does the soul overcome the urge to take a leading role with God?
Start by praying the words of our Lord, Matthew 8:35-36, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it benefit a person to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?”
Then, move to the words of the Father, “be still and know that I AM God” (Psalm 46:10)
And, finish with surrender, “Jesus, I trust in You.” Let yourself be rebuked when you step in wrongly against God’s Divine Will. Learn from the Lord in your error. “I’m sorry for trying to tell You what is best, Father. Send Your Holy Spirit upon me to teach me to remember, You are God and I am not.”