Recently I read a very interesting piece of scripture in my morning devotional. Jesus had just asked Peter if he loved Him. This was after Jesus’s crucifixion when Peter had so shockingly denied knowing Christ. Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him. The third time Jesus asked the question Peter felt hurt and replied, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you” (John 21: 17).
A very interesting conversation followed, in which Jesus charged Peter to “feed His sheep,” and indicated the kind of death Peter will suffer. “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” (v 18).
The scripture goes on to say that Peter looked back and saw John, known as the disciple whom Jesus loved, following them. Peter 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” (v 21 – 22).
Profound words from a profound Master. Peter’s destiny was not John’s destiny, in the same way that your destiny is not the same as your best friend’s or your sister’s or anybody else’s. So, stop comparing yourself to others, whether in your weight, your home or your success in life. Just try to be the best you can be, and leave the rest to God.
