Concerns of God

 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

— Mark 8:33

Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King,

In one moment, Peter is professing the truth that you are the Messiah. In the next, he is being used by Satan to dissuade you from going to the cross. Peter likely thought he was hearing from God when he rebuked you, but he was overconfident in his ability to discern God's will. His response was inconsistent with what Scripture foretold. And his mind couldn't wrap around a suffering servant instead of a victorious king. He had his view of what he wanted to have happen rather than God's view. His human concerns motivated his disbelief in you going to the cross.

Lord, it is so easy to default to my human concerns and lose sight of the concerns of God. When I sense that God might want to do something miraculous through me, my unbelief can lead me to focus only on my human concerns—This will be hard. This could fail. I will look ridiculous. This is impossible. I better not even try. When I allow my mind to be overrun by human concerns, I really am playing into the enemy's hand and ensuring his victory. I cannot allow the enemy to win. I will not allow my human concerns to cancel out God's concerns.

Gracious Lord, forgive me for the countless times when I've let my comfort, my preference, or my unbelief override Your concerns and desires. Today, I surrender my human concerns and I choose to have firmly in mind the concerns of God. I cannot do that apart from Your Holy Spirit empowering me and speaking clearly to me. Lord, I lay down what I think I know, what I think I want, and certainly what I think You need to do. Lead me today into Your concerns, Your priorities, and Your plan.

—In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!

Comments

  1. Diana TApril 4, 2025 at 12:18 PM

    Awesome word and prayer for all of us to be using! Since I don't believe in "coincidences" I use the term(even if it just my own) God-incidences, when I read this I went to Mark 8 and wow the 1st -9th verses speak in regards to the prayer you are praying. Pastor Bob! Loaves and fish, we just need a few of them even if there is lack of understanding , doubt or limited faith, what is there for the twelve disciples is their ears to hear and obedience to do! A pretty cool man of God has been teaching me about how the Lord gives us our passions and gifts and its all for Father Gods will to be done!! Our Called Life!! Will continue to contend with you in prayer for our Lord to lead and provide for us and His every desire to grow and serve His Kingdom unit He returns! Unlimited Blessings to you and all!!

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