When the soldiers came to arrest Jesus in the garden, Peter’s instinctive response was to lash out with a sword violently. He thought he was doing the right thing but it was actually going to hinder God’s plans and purposes from being fulfilled.

Be very careful how you respond and react to situations affecting you right now, especially those that are unexpected, disruptive, negative or hurtful. Don’t allow past pain or rejection to cause you overreact or lash out in a way you will later regret. This is a brand new season, but the enemy is trying to drag the past into the present to abort your future. Don’t let your emotions or negative thinking consume you or control your responses. Recognise the true source of the attack. It looks physical, it even looks personal - but ultimately it is spiritual. The enemy is so deceptive and manipulative in how he uses people and circumstances to attempt to derail your destiny. He knows exactly what buttons to push. Rise above it, see beyond it, grow through it. You’ve been in similar situations before - learn from them. Get the Father’s perspective, soak in His peace, pursue His wisdom. Respond appropriately instead of reacting instinctively.

—

John 18:10-11

“Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

—

Ephesians 6:12

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

—

1 Peter 5:8

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

—

2 Timothy 4:5 NIV

“But you, keep your head in all situations...”

—

2 Corinthians 2:10-11

“And what I have forgiven - if there was anything to forgive - I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.”