Peter asked Jesus, "What about him, Lord?" Jesus replied, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You follow me." (John 21:21-22)
Have you ever faced a difficult situation and drew the "short straw?"
Through his own ignorance and impetuosity Peter found himself holding the short straw on more than one occasion. On the mount of Transfiguration Peter wanted to build three tabernacles: one each for Moses, Elijah, and Jesus, but God intervened and said, "This is my beloved son, listen to him." On another occasion he proclaimed he'd rather die than deny the Lord, and then went into the courtyard and denied Jesus three times. Finally, the Lord told Peter how he would suffer and die, but Peter wanted to know what would happen to John. Jesus rebuked him and told him to concentrate his efforts on following the Savior. It's obvious that Peter felt he had drawn the short straw.
Comparing our lives to someone else's only leads to discontent. If we look at other people's skills, abilities, and position in life and compare them to our own, the door is opened to allow jealousy and envy to enter. This is one of Satan's ploys to take our attention off the true object of our affection -- the Lord Jesus Christ. Our goal should be to follow the model that Jesus left for us in the gospels.
Do your feel that you have drawn the short straw? Stop comparing yourself to others and give your best to the master. He alone is deserving of our allegiance.
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