Do you ever see someone who has exactly what you have been praying for? Have you ever looked at someone else’s life and thought, Okay, Lord, what about me?

I remember, in my youthful-and-pitiful-and-desperately-wanting-a-boyfriend days, I was obsessed with a song called Someone Else’s Star. It’s by an artist who was popular for a season and has now probably resorted to performing at state fairs and Dollywood.  The chorus begins: I guess I must be wishin’ on someone else’s star. It seems like someone else keeps getting what I’m wishin’ for. Pitiful, I know.

Yet, as I was reading in the book of John this morning, I realized two things:

1. I haven’t changed all that much.  I’m still looking at what other people have been given.
2. This habit of always looking at someone else and comparing is nothing new.

Let me set the scene.

Jesus has just informed Peter that, in his old age, he would be killed and his death would glorify God.  Jesus tells him that his hands will be outstretched – indicating a martyr’s death by crucifixion.

Can you imagine what Peter must have felt?  There are certain things about my life that I do not want to know and the manner of my death is pretty high on the list.  So, I can understand Peter’s response.

So Peter turned around and saw the disciple Jesus loved following them. That disciple was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and asked, “Lord, who is the one that’s going to betray You?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord—what about him?” – John 21:20-21

Peter has been told his fate and, now, he is interested in the fate of John. It seems to be a legitimate question. Lord, what about him? What’s going to happen to him?

Then, Jesus’ response.

“If I want him to remain until I come,” Jesus answered, “what is that to you? As for you, follow Me.” – John 21:22

Jesus responds with, That would be none of your business, Peter.  You need only concern yourself with following me.

Does that step on anyone else’s toes?

That would be none of your business, Stacy. What I choose to give to someone else?  What I choose to do for someone else?  What is that to you?  Your only concern should be following Me.

Here is what I have come to understand. God does not owe me any explanations.  He is under no obligation to explain Himself or His plan to me and, if He did, I probably would not understand it.  His ways are so much higher than our ways. We do not see what He sees.

I don’t know where this morning finds you. Do you have a deep desire that has yet to be fulfilled? Does it seem as if everyone else keeps getting what you’re praying for? Do not let Satan plant seeds of envy or discontent. Take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ.

If you are looking around and concerning yourself with what someone else has been given, I’m going to say this as gently as I can:

What is that to you?  You must follow Him.

*Repost from the archives