As you walk through your average day, how much time do you spend considering what God has planned for you? If you are in Christ you understand that God is very intentional. He has specific things that He intends to accomplish in and through your life (Ephesians 2:10). His word is VERY clear that He often uses extremely difficult circumstances to accomplish His purposes. The apostle Peter had to learn this lesson the hard way.

Jesus was having a personal conversation with His disciples. He was asking who the people were saying that He was. And then he asked the disciples who they thought He was. Peter answered quite accurately, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Matthew 16:16). Jesus commended Peter for his answer.

As the conversation continued, Jesus began to describe what was going to happen to Him in the days ahead. Once again Peter speaks. Only this time his response solicited a harsh rebuke from Jesus:

From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day. Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.” But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.”
Matthew 16:21–23

Peter could not fathom that Jesus would suffer in such a way. No doubt Jesus’ words were forever emblazoned on Peter’s mind. Peter was looking at life from a worldly perspective. He did not understand that suffering was essential if salvation was to be offered to sinful mankind.

As you consider your own life, are you setting your mind on God’s interests or man’s? Often times our expectations of God are for our comfort and satisfaction. Yet Jesus has spoken forthrightly about what the Christian can expect in this life. In fact, as you read 1 Peter, it becomes absolutely clear that Peter learned his lesson!

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; …
1 Peter 1:6–7

Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.
1 Peter 2:12

For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, …
1 Peter 2:19–21

Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, …
1 Peter 3:13–14

For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.
1 Peter 3:17

Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, …
1 Peter 4:1

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
1 Peter 4:12–14

but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.
1 Peter 4:16

After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
1 Peter 5:10

Dear Christian, if you are going to set your mind on God’s interests, you must have an accurate theology of suffering. You must be willing to endure suffering for the glory of God. You must recognize opportunities for the gospel in the midst of your suffering. You must understand that your suffering will magnify your ministry to others because you will be able to comfort them in the midst of their struggles (2 Corinthians 1). Keep in mind that God is intentional and accomplishes His purposes in the midst of all of the circumstances of life.