When Jesus spoke to His disciples about what was ahead—suffering, rejection, death, and resurrection—He didn’t veil it in parables or abstract metaphor (Mark 8:31-33). He spoke plainly. Directly. With certainty.
That kind of clarity only comes from one place: deep, consistent intimacy with the Father. Jesus knew exactly who He was, what He came to do, and what it would cost Him. And nothing—not even the concern of someone close—was going to pull Him off course.
Peter, out of love and fear, tried to redirect Him. He pulled Jesus aside and began to rebuke Him, essentially saying, “This can’t happen to You.” But Jesus, in full authority, turned and said, “Get behind Me, Satan.”
Because in that moment, Peter’s perspective was locked on human reasoning—not divine purpose.
And it wasn’t just about Peter. Others were watching. Listening. Ready to follow the lead of whichever voice held sway. One wrong response here could’ve shifted everything—the direction of the disciples, the integrity of the mission, even the outcome of heaven’s plan.
I’ve felt the pull of other voices—well-meaning people, my own doubts, even my love for others—trying to steer me off course. And if I’m honest, sometimes I’ve listened. And sometimes I’ve listened more than just “sometimes”, I have listened “too often.”
Clarity of purpose cannot come from the opinions of others. It comes from the quiet fire of God’s voice and the deep knowing that settles in when we stay close to Him.
That kind of clarity doesn’t always come in a flash. It comes in the grind. In the wilderness seasons. In the obedience when nothing makes sense. In the moments when rejection, confusion, or even suffering are part of the process.
But here’s what I know: if we stay the course—no matter the cost—God will complete what He started. And the people who matter most—our spouses, our kids, the people we’re called to lead—they need us to stay on that path.
Not perfect. But planted.
Not always confident. But committed.
Not immune to pain. But unwilling to quit.
Because the purpose is greater than the pain.
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