Embracing The Follow
Monday, April 28
John 21:17-22 (NIV)
“The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”
Devotion
In John 21:17-22, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” and commands him to “Feed my sheep.” Jesus was affirming Peter’s calling despite a prophecy of his suffering and death. When Peter questions Jesus about John’s fate, Jesus responds, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You follow me.” This stern rebuke reminds us that God’s plan for each person is unique.
We each have a unique life—our own story, callings, giftings, and even trials. All comparing our callings, giftings, and trials to others’ paths does is distract us from God’s purpose for our lives. Pastor Jentezen highlighted that Jesus doesn’t offer an explanation for our hardships but extends an invitation to follow him. Trusting God means embracing His will, even when the way is unclear, difficult, or dark. As Pastor said, “God works the night shift!”
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus in the midst of our “light afflictions” (2 Corinthians 4:17) knowing he leads us to ultimate victory. Faith is not diminished by trials but strengthened by trusting God’s sovereignty!
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for calling me by name and inviting me to follow You. Help me to fix my eyes on You and not on others. Teach me to trust Your plan for my life, even when I don't understand the path. Strengthen my faith through trials and help me to walk in obedience, knowing You are working all things for my good and Your glory. I surrender my comparisons, my fears, and my doubts at Your feet. My answer is yes, Lord, I will follow You. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
When you feel tempted to compare your journey with someone else’s, pause and intentionally refocus on Jesus.
This week, make it a practice to start each day by praying, “Lord, I choose to follow You today, wherever You lead.”
Let your measure of success be your faithfulness to His call, not the appearance of someone else's path.
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