Forgetting Others
One of the most meaningful verses in my life of late comes from John 21:22. Remember, Jesus had just said to Peter, “Follow Me.” Peter turned around and saw John, the disciple whom Jesus loved. Peter said to Jesus in John 21:21, “Lord, what about him?” What about John?
Comparing Ourselves to Others
He was almost taking the attention off himself and saying, “What are You going to do in John’s life?” And Jesus answered him in John 21:22, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow Me.”
This became very meaningful to me recently because I was starting to compare myself to other ministers, pastors, and musicians — falling into that trap once again.
One day, I was wrestling with God about this and about what other ministers were doing, and I read this verse. It was as if God was saying to me, “What does it matter to you what these other people are doing? What does it matter to you what plans I have in their lives? That’s got nothing to do with you. You just follow Me and forget about them. I’ve got other plans for them. You do what I want you to do, following the call on your life.”
Staying Focused on Your Calling
It really helped me to set aside comparison and move forward in faith. So what about you? Are you frustrated with others? Comparing yourself to others? Looking too much at what others are doing?
Maybe Jesus is saying to you, “What does it matter in your life if I choose that person to live another thousand years? Don’t worry about it. You just do what you’ve got to do. Don’t let other people’s journey upset you in any way. Just do what you’ve got to do to follow Jesus and leave the rest to Him.”
