Why Them, Not Me?

The disciple I can identify the most with is Peter. While God ultimately used Peter (shortcomings and all) for His glory, Peter had some qualities which often remind me of myself. Peter was impulsive, would often speak before he'd think, at times lacked faith to the point of denying his faith, and sometimes concerned himself with things he shouldn't.

For example, at the end of the book of John (John 21), after Jesus finishes telling Peter to take care of His sheep, Jesus tells Peter about what will happen to him when he is old and about his death. At that point Peter notices the disciple John and asks Jesus, "Lord, what about him?" (John 21: 21).

Have you ever done like Peter, and like me? Maybe you've had thoughts recently like:

• Why can she get pregnant so easily, with no complications--and not me?
• Why is God blessing them financially, when I'm living paycheck-to-paycheck?
• Why does he have perfect health, while I am in chronic pain day in and day out?
• Why did God give them such easy, compliant children and I have the most strong willed, rebellious spirited child?
• Why did God sell their house and not mine?

Peter was probably thinking, "so you are telling me I'm going to suffer and die, well then what about John?!"

Jesus' answer to Peter was, "...what is that to you? You must follow me." (Jesus 21:22)

That is His answer to me too. I find contentment when God reminds me--what is that to you?!

I don't need to concern myself with what God is doing for others compared to me. I just need to follow Him and remember that when I do that I am exactly where He wants me to be.

My only concern needs to be to follow Him and in His sovereignty I will be exactly where He wants me.