the    sides

Mark 7-9:1

But Peter grabbed him in protest. Turning and seeing his disciples wavering, wondering what to believe, Jesus confronted Peter. “Peter, get out of my way! Satan, get lost! You have no idea how God works.”

Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am.”
Mark 8:32-34, The Message

I’m in God’s story, He’s not in mine. I’m in God’s Story, He’s not in mine. He’s the leader, I’m not. My job is to discern and obey. That’s it.

I remember Donald Miller saying something to that effect last year at Catalyst. Not exactly incredibly profound or even pithy. But penetrating…and it appears to be to the ongoing conversation topic for followers of Jesus.

See the miracles…see the needs…see how God uses the trivial things. Forget who the heck is the Big Deal in the middle of all of it. Right when you think it’s apparent that there really isn’t a pattern or secret code as to how God will work - Peter thinks he’s got one…

“No, Jesus. That’s not how God works.”

Really? You figure that out all by yourself? Are you willingly being stupid or is it just natural for you?

God, forgive me for that kind of arrogance and presumption. I think the older I get, the more prone I am to that kind of sin. Instead of growing more in wonder, I grow more in complacency. Change that in me.