He is working good
From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Matthew 16:21
Have you ever been in a situation where someone close to you warned you about something difficult that was about to happen? Or maybe you were the one who had to break the news to your loved ones—perhaps about an upcoming surgery with uncertain outcomes, or a challenging journey ahead?
In today’s reading, that is exactly what Jesus did with His disciples. He plainly told them what was going to happen when they reached Jerusalem. He wanted to prepare them—so they wouldn’t be taken by surprise, so they would know how to respond when the time came. But instead of accepting His words, the disciples went into denial. Peter, in particular, pulled Jesus aside and rebuked Him, insisting that these things wouldn’t happen.
Peter thought he was doing the right thing by protecting Jesus. However, Jesus, recognized the spiritual battle behind Peter’s words and sternly rebuked him. “Get behind Me, Satan!” He said—not to Peter himself, but to the enemy influencing Peter’s thoughts. Jesus knew that the real enemy was Satan, working behind the scenes to disrupt God’s plan.
This enemy still operates in the world today, planting thoughts and suggestions in our minds that go against God’s will. The good news is, just as Jesus did, we too can recognize and reject those deceptive ideas. When the enemy tries to convince you that you’re not enough, or that you’re going to fail, you can stand firm in the truth of God’s Word. For example, when faced with self-doubt, declare: “No, I am more than a conqueror through Jesus who loves me” (Romans 8:37). If you’re tempted to believe that God has abandoned you, remind yourself: “He will never leave me nor forsake me” (Hebrews 13:5).
God has given us powerful promises to keep in our hearts and minds—an arsenal we can use to counter the enemy’s lies and stay in agreement with His plan for our lives.
Today, I want to encourage you to start identifying the enemy’s voice, both in your thoughts and in the words you speak. If you find yourself thinking or saying things filled with doubt, fear, or unbelief, recognize that this is not the path God has for you. These thoughts lead you away from the life and blessings He has in store. Instead, take control by speaking God’s truth over your situation.
For example, rather than saying, “Things look bad, and I’m afraid of what’s going to happen,” declare, “I am thankful that I can call on my Heavenly Father, and He is faithful to carry me through whatever comes my way.” Speaking God’s Word brings life into your circumstances. You’re not ignoring reality, but instead choosing to speak faith into it, trusting that God is working for your good, even when things seem uncertain.
Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 16:21-28
21 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.
22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!”
23 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.”
24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.
28 “Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”
The Daily Dose 