What Is That To You?

John 21:18-23

One of the hardest things for us to do is to surrender fully to God. Honestly, it is a daily struggle. If we are honest, one that we often fail. So, it is no wonder that Peter had questions when Jesus told him how his life would end. Peter had learned enough to know not to question Jesus when He told what would happen. That did not stop Peter from asking questions about what might happen to someone else. Peter was an inquisitive guy. I really appreciate that about him!

---

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. 19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. 20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? 21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. 23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?

John 21:18-23

---

Jesus tells Peter that he is going to live to be an old man. That sounds great right? However, He also tells Peter that he is going to be dressed by others and led like a child where he does not want to go. We know from history that this is because Peter would be in prison and guards would be leading him about. They would do this until he was martyred for his faith.

Sometimes we get a diagnosis that we do not want. This may even be a terminal diagnosis. We may have enough faith to know that God is sovereign, but we might also ask, "Why me? What about this other person?" We take on a "Its not fair" attitude.

Jesus's answer speaks volumes about the His sovereignty over His creation. He says, "If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me." Let me rephrase that, "If I desire that he lives 2000 years, what business is that of yours? Just follow me." Jesus tells Peter to mind his own business and his business is to obey Jesus. That is true for us as well. We do not need to worry about what God is doing in other people's lives. We need to worry about being obedient to God in our own lives. If we take care of that, He can take care of the rest.

Isn't that hard though?! We want to know what is going on and why. This demonstrates a lack of faith. I'm not pointing fingers. I struggle with this as well. Here is what I have to remind myself, if God made the whole universe and all the rules that keep in functioning, He can handle my life. When I break through my own thought processes and remember this, it takes a tremendous amount of stress off of me.

Father, help me to not be so stubborn and prideful that I try to handle your business. My I learn to trust you and focus on simply being obedient. May it be more that something I say. May it be something I live!