GET BEHIND ME SATAN! Jesus explained to His disciples His path of suffering and death. Peter says, “No! That shall not be Your path!” “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.”” Matthew‬ ‭16:23‬
Yep, Jesus calls Peter, Satan and an offense. Often, we want to spare those we love pain and suffering when that is exactly the will of God for their life. You see this a lot with parents. Parents try to spare their kids pain, but that pain is precisely what is going to bring them victorious character. My greatest victories have been on the other side of pain, affliction and death.

Death to self is the call of Jesus, “He who will come after Me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me”. I’m not sure you understand what this means, but the cross represents love, selflessness, pain, suffering and death. This is God’s will for ALL who will follow Him. You play as an amateur Providence in people’s lives and interfere with God’s plan of sanctification and redemption. The point of pain and affliction is to drive us to the throne of grace. Hanging on the cross, despised and rejected; your only help is to trust Him more. He’s working in you for your benefit. Pain’s purpose has cleansing and purifying benefits. Your greatest victory is on the other side of the cross! #runyourrace

To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page