As I read through Luke 22 this week, several thoughts struck me.

Jesus and His disciples celebrated the Passover together, at which time Jesus told Peter that Satan demanded permission to “sift” Peter like wheat. Jesus told Peter that He prayed for his faith. Peter confidently stated that he was willing to go to prison or even to death for Him. Jesus predicted Peter’s denials.

The disciples followed Jesus up the Mount of Olives where Jesus urged them to pray that they would not fall into temptation. They slept instead. Jesus went off a ways and faced His own temptation: “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.”

I believe Peter was physically and mentally ready to fight with swords to help deliver Jesus from harm. He would have protected Him with his own life. He felt ready for the challenge. Yet that wasn’t God’s plan of attack. When Jesus stopped Peter from using the sword and fighting back, I think it threw Peter off his game. Confusion paralyzed him. If physical action wasn’t allowed, there seemed to be no plan . . . other than to lie down and let the bad guys win.

Peter’s heart was willing to do his plan, but it wasn’t God‘s plan. Peter wasn’t sure what God’s plan was, but it didn’t seem as effective as his own! Accepting God’s plan would need . . .

** eyes of faith,

** a non-human perspective, and

** a willingness to let go of his own plan.

Peter would need to follow Jesus’ lead. Fit into His plan as it unfolded.

Isn’t this what it’s like when we get a cancer verdict, or a job layoff, or the sudden death of a loved one? That wasn’t part of our plan! What now? My plans are out the window, and God’s plan is murky and confusing. Right now, anyway. But God does have a plan, and we can follow Him one step at a time, one day at a time, praying to not fall into temptation, but viewing the changes from God’s perspective. We will need to stand firm in faith (in Who God is and how He sees me) and let go of our own plan.