What Is God Trying To Tell You?

Mt. 16:21-22 - From that time Jesus began to show 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 up on the third day. 22 Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You."    NASU

•  Jesus Was Trying To Tell Peter His Future Plans

In our text above Jesus had just rolled out His future plans wherein He stated His plan was to go to Jerusalem, suffer, be killed and then resurrect on the third day. Peter is not real crazy about Jesus' plan so he takes Jesus aside and begins to rebuke Him. He tells Jesus that His plan is all wrong and that He is not going to die.

Jesus then calls Peter His "adversary" which is the translation of the word "satan" and tells Pete to get behind Him. An adversary is one who opposes you or your plan and that is exactly what Peter was doing. Jesus even tells why Pete is opposing Him "…for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's."  NASU 

• Reggie Jackson Didn't Want To Listen To Coach Earl Weaver 

In How Life Imitates the World Series, Dave Bosewell tells a story about Earl Weaver, Hall of Fame manager of the Baltimore Orioles. Sports fans will enjoy how he handled star Reggie Jackson.

Weaver had a rule that no one could steal a base unless given the steal sign. This upset Jackson because he felt he knew the pitchers and catchers well enough to judge who he could and could not steal off of. So one game he decided to steal without a sign.

He got a good jump off the pitcher and easily beat the throw to second base. As he shook the dirt off his uniform, Jackson smiled with delight, feeling he had vindicated his judgment to his manager.

Later Weaver took Jackson aside and explained why he hadn’t given the steal sign. First, the next batter was Lee May, his best power hitter other than Jackson. When Jackson stole second, first base was left open, so the other team walked May intentionally, taking the bat out of his hands.

Second, the following batter hadn’t been strong against that pitcher, so Weaver felt he had to send up a pinch hitter to try to drive in the men on base. That left Weaver without bench strength later in the game when he needed it.

The problem was, Jackson saw only his relationship to the pitcher and catcher. Weaver was watching the whole game.

We, too, see only so far, but God sees the bigger picture. When he sends us a signal, it’s wise to obey, no matter what we may think WE know.

               Copied - https://bible.org/illustration/baltimore-orioles-manager

• How Many Times Have We Thought We Knew More Than God? 

As I wrote this heading I actually started to chuckle. There were actually times in my life when I thought God's plans for me were all wrong. 

What type of Bozo would think such a thing?

I have to admit I have more in common with Peter than Jesus.

Maybe, just maybe, you likewise have followed in the footsteps of Peter and Gary and thought God's plans for you were all wrong. Well, go ahead and get a good laugh out of it, shake your head in bewilderment of how you could be that stupid to ever think God would be wrong in what He has planned for you.

Then tell God you are now willing to follow His plan for you. 

• When God Is Your Coach He Will Have The Correct Plan For Your Life

As I look back on my life I have to admit I had some really dumb plans for it. IF those plans would have come to fruition I am sure that Proverbs 14 would have been speaking about me. Prov. 14:12 - There is a way which seems right to a man (Gary), But its end is the way of death.  NASU

I think we could all agree that what God says in Jeremiah has a much better sound and promise to it. Jere. 29:11 - For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.     NASU

When God is your coach His plans for you will be exciting and great.

Think on These:

It is better to appreciate something you have than to have something you can't appreciate.

Happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already have.

Stay Pumped,

Gary A. Serago
Minister of God's Word