No Explanations, Just an Invitation | Jentezen Franklin

Sunday, April 27

Scriptures

John 21:17-22: 2 Corinthians 10:12; Deuteronomy 29:29; Hebrews 11:30-40

Introduction

Today, we’ll explore how Jesus offers no explanation for our hardships, instead extending a gracious invitation to follow Him in faith. In John 21, we are brought into a post-resurrection conversation between Jesus and Peter.

“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.” John 21:17-22 (NIV)

After reaffirming Peter’s calling with the charge to “Feed my sheep,” Jesus speaks about the path Peter’s life will take, including his eventual martyrdom. When Peter turns and asks about John’s future, Jesus offers no detailed explanation—only the firm invitation: “You follow me” (John 21:22). Pastor Jentezen Franklin reminds us through this passage that God often does not explain His plans in detail. Instead, He simply calls us to trust and obey, walking by faith even when we do not understand.

What are some reasons we find it difficult to trust God when He doesn’t give explanations?

God’s Unique Will for Each Person

Comparing ourselves to others is unwise, as Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 10:12:

“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” (NIV)

God’s plan for each of us is unique. We aren’t designed for comparing ourselves to others, but for His glory. Our experiences—whether triumphs or trials—are woven into His perfect will, each one serving a greater purpose than we often realize.

Hebrews 11 is famously called the "Hall of Faith.” It lists examples of faithful individuals and recounts their acts of faith. Some, like those who witnessed the walls of Jericho fall or Rahab’s salvation, experienced visible miracles and great victories. Others endured mocking, imprisonment, stoning, and hardship. Yet both groups were praised for their faith. Their different outcomes were not a measure of their worth or devotion, but a reflection of the diverse ways God chooses to work through His people.

Faithfulness is not proven by the ease or success of our journey, but by our trust in God through every season.

Why do you think comparing ourselves to others is so easy, even when we know it's unwise?

How does knowing that God’s will is unique for each person help you view your own journey differently?

Can you think of a time when a trial or hardship in your life later showed God’s glory in a way you didn’t expect?

Whether we see great victories or walk through deep valleys, we can be confident that God is at work in our lives. Every story—whether marked by miracles or by suffering—displays His faithfulness and brings Him glory.

Faith in the Unexplained

“The secret things belong to God.” Deuteronomy 29:29a

Every believer’s journey is different, though we follow and serve the same God. We are not to compare or equate our lives with others. The key is to love and follow God without focusing on others.

In Acts 12, James and Peter were in the same prison cell at the same time. Yet James was beheaded and martyred to the glory of God, while Peter was visited by an angel of God, freed from his chains, and able to walk home to meet the believers who had prayed for him and praise God.

The same God has a different plan for each one of us, yet He will use it to glorify Himself. So, the important thing is not to question God but to obey Him by following Him until the end.

Not everything we go through can be understood or explained. God chooses not to answer us but promises to be with us by our side, no matter what we go through. His purposes will be accomplished through us to His glory.

Paul performed many miracles, healing the sick and raising a man who fell three stories to his death, yet he faced a "thorn in his flesh" and pleaded three times for its removal, only to hear God say, “My grace is sufficient for thee” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Paul had to endure that infirmity. Likewise, we need to follow God without questioning or doubting Him, knowing that He has a plan for us, to give us hope and a future.

How often have you compared your situation with someone else who was doing better than you?

Did you question God during a trial, and what was His answer, if any?

Key Points & Call to Action

When we face trials, it can be tempting to feel forgotten or less faithful. But true faith is not proven by the absence of hardship—it is strengthened when we choose to trust God's sovereignty in the midst of it. Every season, whether marked by victory or suffering, is an opportunity to walk closely with Jesus.

Let these insights from Pastor Jentezen’s message inspire you to trust God’s unique plan for you:

It is not wise to compare yourself to someone else. Quit asking God, “What about him?” Any time you compare what you’re going through to what someone else is going through, you miss the plan of God for your life. His plan for you may not seem as glorious as His plan for someone else right now, but you never know what someone else is going through behind the curtain. The Kingdom of God is not equal.
Where you are right now is God’s will for your life. You may never get an explanation for some things you go through, but you can still choose to trust God. If you are serving God the best you can, you can be confident that where you are is His will for your life. Don’t let trials and tribulations take your eyes off Jesus. God can still get the glory in your suffering.
The godliest people in the Bible went through the greatest problems. It’s impossible to become who God wants you to be by bypassing trials and valleys. The greatest level of faith is trusting God without having to understand what you’re going through. The secret things belong to the Lord. The enemy sends his greatest attacks to people whose faith will affect generations. God chose you because you are you. God knows you better than you know yourself, and He knows what He’s doing in your life. Don’t let anything destroy your faith or diminish your confidence in God. Life cannot mess you up when you get that kind of faith.
God works in the darkness. God didn’t make the sun until the fourth day, which means He doesn’t need light to work; He works in the darkness, too. Nothing Hell can do can take you out of God’s hand. He is well aware of what you’re going through, and it will glorify Him.
Whoever God loves, He chastens. But like any good parent, He disciplines you to help you, not to hurt you. He loves you, and everything is working out for your good.

Today, refuse to be distracted by comparison. Accept Christ’s personal invitation to follow Him, trusting that He is writing a beautiful and purposeful story through your life, no matter what it looks like right now.

Keep following. Keep trusting. He is faithful.

Conclusion

Pastor Franklin closes with the encouraging truth that while life may present many unanswered questions, Jesus' invitation remains constant: "Follow Me." Faith is not built on full understanding, but on trusting God's heart, even in uncertainty and trials. Our diverse paths—whether marked by miracles or hardships—are all part of God’s sovereign plan to glorify Himself through us.

God’s grace is sufficient for you to get through every trial. And when you get to Heaven, it will all make sense and seem like nothing to you compared to His glory.

How can remembering God’s faithfulness in the past help you to follow Him today without needing all the answers?

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