“Lord, what about him?”

"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:31-32

"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?”) When Peter saw him, he 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.” – John 21:20-22


Peter is the one that I identify with most in the Bible. Quick to speak, quick to ask, "what about me?" Quick to affirm, "I will follow, and I will not fail," and in need of much humility. As Jesus is telling Peter the manner in which he will die, Peter turns back to look over to John and asks, "what about him?" I too struggle with comparing my path with Christ to others. Here, Jesus tells us not to do this. Each of us are challenged to follow Him. We may be given a different path, handed over to be sifted like wheat for some, yet we are to follow Christ. We are called to trust in the Good Shepherd, listen to His voice and follow Him no matter what. As the hymn says,

"I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back."

You may feel like you are on a path alone, that no one can relate to what you are going through, yet even Peter says, "Resist him [Satan], firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world" 1 Peter 5:9. Be reassured that there are believers who have been there as well as our High Priest who has suffered and conquered it all. You will suffer, and God will give you strength through it and call you also to turn again and strengthen your brothers with the comfort you have received (2 Corin 1:4).

In your current trial,
"Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back."