This Week: August 3-9
The Rock and the Stumbling Block
In Matthew 16:13–23, Peter experiences a dramatic shift. One moment, he is praised by Jesus as the rock upon which the Church will be built. The next, he is rebuked for becoming a stumbling block. What changed? Not Peter’s identity—but his understanding.
“You are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” (Matthew 16:23)
The same Peter who confessed Jesus as Messiah couldn’t grasp the kind of Messiah Jesus came to be. This moment reminds us that the strongest foundations can become obstacles if we stop listening, growing, and adapting to what God is doing next.
Table of Contents
Key Points:
- Cornerstones Can Become Stumbling Blocks – The difference is not what they are made of, but where they are placed and how they are used.
- Faith Requires Letting Go of Old Assumptions – Peter struggled because he was clinging to outdated expectations of what a Messiah should be.
- God is Always Doing a New Thing – As we grow and change, God calls us to reevaluate and realign the foundations of our lives.
5-Day Devotional
Day 1: Naming Your Cornerstones
Scripture Reference: Matthew 16:18 "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church."
What are the cornerstones of your life right now—identity, work, family, beliefs?
Action Step: Make a list of what you’re currently building your life on. Reflect on how stable those foundations feel.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, help me see what I’ve made the cornerstone of my life—and whether You’re in it.
What are the cornerstones of your life right now—identity, work, family, beliefs?
Action Step: Make a list of what you’re currently building your life on. Reflect on how stable those foundations feel.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, help me see what I’ve made the cornerstone of my life—and whether You’re in it.
Day 2: When Foundations Shift
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 43:19 "See, I am doing a new thing... do you not perceive it?"
Even good foundations may need to shift when God moves us in a new direction.
Action Step: Identify one area of your life where something old may need to give way to something new.
Prayer Prompt: God, give me eyes to see where You're doing something new—and grace to follow.
Even good foundations may need to shift when God moves us in a new direction.
Action Step: Identify one area of your life where something old may need to give way to something new.
Prayer Prompt: God, give me eyes to see where You're doing something new—and grace to follow.
Day 3: When Confidence Becomes Obstacle
Scripture Reference: Matthew 16:23 "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me."
Peter thought he was helping—but his fixed mindset got in the way. Where might you be resisting God without realizing it?
Action Step: Ask a trusted friend if they see an area where you might be holding on too tightly.
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, reveal where I may be clinging to my way instead of Yours
Peter thought he was helping—but his fixed mindset got in the way. Where might you be resisting God without realizing it?
Action Step: Ask a trusted friend if they see an area where you might be holding on too tightly.
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, reveal where I may be clinging to my way instead of Yours
Day 4: What Needs to Be Rebuilt?
Scripture Reference: Ecclesiastes 3:3 "A time to tear down and a time to build."
Sometimes, a shift in life means rebuilding from the ground up.
Action Step: Reflect on something in your life that no longer serves you. Begin to release it in prayer.
Prayer Prompt: God, give me strength to let go of what’s no longer serving Your purpose in my life.
Sometimes, a shift in life means rebuilding from the ground up.
Action Step: Reflect on something in your life that no longer serves you. Begin to release it in prayer.
Prayer Prompt: God, give me strength to let go of what’s no longer serving Your purpose in my life.
Day 5: Becoming the Rock Again
Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 2:5 "You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house."
Peter eventually grows into the role Jesus spoke over him. So can we.
Action Step: Name one way you’ve grown through a past failure. Give thanks for it today.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, thank You for using my failures to shape me into who You’ve called me to be.
Peter eventually grows into the role Jesus spoke over him. So can we.
Action Step: Name one way you’ve grown through a past failure. Give thanks for it today.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, thank You for using my failures to shape me into who You’ve called me to be.
Posted in This Week
No Comments