Proud or Pray?

Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar- Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 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​:​17, 23​ NKJV)

There are only six verses that separate the pinnacle and the pit of Peters life. Jesus had commended him as a rock and cursed him as Satan. The mind of the most zealous disciple must have been spinning at what had transpired in however short this timespan. In his pride of the commendation of Christ, he likely had not seen the wide open door Satan had walked in through it. The outspoken had been chastised severely for the words he pridefully spoke to his savior and king. Peter had no idea the level of spiritual warfare that was present in his life. I cannot help but feel the Holy Spirit revealed it somewhat to him in this. We all know Peter failed greatly denying Christ in a latter point of his life; another battle that God allowed to fulfill His purpose and also show Peter his daily need for Him.

In my short time as a pastor I experienced a level of spiritual warfare I had not known. I humbly attest to you, that you do not know the level of warfare your pastor and those in ministry experience. I gained a lifetime of respect in one year of ministry. Without a doubt my level of support for those in ministry grew, and my heart to you that tear down your leaders is that He opens your heart to a glimpse of what they face. That glimpse will forever change you, and bend you to pray for your pastors and those in ministry as never before.

The closeness of these two passages should point us to our daily need for Him. It should show us that there is a world we are in that we cannot see, but directly effects us. Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. (​I Peter​ ​5​:​5-9​ NKJV) In the middle of that passage is the proof of your enemy and the need for you to remain faithful seeking God. There is an entire sermon there, but you must simply see that a prideful heart will fail, and a humble heart will pursue. Everything that you and the zealous Peter face can be used to draw glory to God. Only if you don’t try to do it alone.