Monday 29 April, 2019

20 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?”) 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” 22 Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” 23 Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?” 24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. 25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

I can remember about 12 years ago when I was having a particularly difficult time, I would keep going over and over the hurts, difficulties and struggles that seemingly were ‘tied’ to me.  I found that I just couldn’t let them go and find freedom.  I remember my Pastor calling me one day and giving me this scripture.

She said to me “Sue, you cannot look at others.  You cannot compare yourself or wonder why their life is like one thing and yours another.  “You must still keep on following me!”  Another version says “YOU – Follow Me”.

I learnt from that moment that if we live a life of comparison we will forever be looking around rather than straight ahead at Jesus.  We will be looking at others and driven by comparison and not find rest in Him.

When we Follow Him – our eyes are focussed on Him; His purpose – therefore My purpose; His calling – therefore MY calling; His future – therefore MY future.

If you struggle with comparison like Peter did and like I did, I encourage you to hear Jesus afresh to you today – and Follow Him.  Focus your eyes on HIM and He will come into focus and light your way.

Lord, I pray that for each of us we would not look to others, to the right or to the left – but to YOU.  Help each one of us today to break free from the bondage of performance and enter the freedom of calling.

Written by Ps. Sue Botta