(NASB) Matthew 16:21-22 “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 .
22 Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, ‘God forbid it, Lord!  This shall never happen to You.”

Like Peter we may not consider the hard things, the tragedies of life, as being in God’s will for us or our loved ones.
Jesus’ response probably surprised earnest and well-meaning Peter.

(NASB) Matthew 16:23 “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.’ ”

God’s interests, purposes and plans are much more far-reaching than you or I can ‘see’.  At best our understanding is limited.
My interests are self centered and most of the time, petty.

What does God’s word say for us to do?
(NIV) Colossians 3:1-3 “SINCE THEN, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”

Isn’t this what we are to do?
1.  Set our hearts on things above…that is where Christ is, physically seated on the right hand of God the Father.
2.  Set our minds on things above…set our thoughts to seek God and His ways.
3.  Set our hearts and minds to replace the selfish and self-pitying pettiness that plagues us.

Jesus never wavered from obedience to His Father’s will for Him.  With His help we also will not waver from obeying His word to us.

This is my prayer, perhaps could  it be yours?
‘Help me O Lord, to set my heart and my mind on things above, not on things that are on earth.   In the name of Jesus my Savior.   Amen.’