Child,” said the Voice, “I am telling you your story, not hers. I tell no one any story but his own.”
That quote, from C. S. Lewis’ A Horse and His Boy, continues the allegorical tales of Narnia through the eyes of a young boy named Shasta. Facing adventure and hardship, he appears at first to be a wanderer with no history or future. But great destiny lies within him. To find his purpose, though, he must learn to trust the One who has known his story from the beginning. He must also accept that certain events are not his to know.
Peter faced the same dilemma. In one of several appearances following His resurrection, Jesus spoke to the places in Peter that needed to be rock solid. The core of Peter’s identity had to be based in a committed love for Christ. Not a love that talked about action (Matthew 26:35; John 13:36-38), but a love willing to pay the price. Jesus then prophesied of Peter’s eventual martyrdom.
Peter’s response was a familiar one. Referring to John, he asked, “What about him, Lord?” (John 21:21). Bringing Peter back to the heart of the issue, Jesus reminded him, “As for you, follow Me” (v.22). The only story Peter needed to know was his own.
The temptation to base our obedience on what we see in another’s story is real, but some things are not for us to know. Never intending to deny Christ, Peter allowed the things he did not understand to dictate his actions. His life held promise of great destiny, but in order to live it, he had to learn to trust and obey even when he didn’t understand.
God is big enough to handle our questions, but do we trust Him enough to obey even when He simply answers, “Follow Me”?
More:
Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His ways! (Romans 11:33).
Next:
How have you questioned God by comparing your experiences to someone else’s? How does understanding the sovereignty of God shape our view of life’s circumstances?
howeewowee on November 20, 2009 at 9:49 am
I have often prayed asking for God’s will for my life, even if I don’t like it. I want His plan not my plan and I believe since He can see the Big Picture of my life that His plan will be the best. I will admit He has taken me in directions that often have not made much sense to me. Later I get to see the wisdom of His will, His plan is always The Best! Those words, “Follow me” are Big. They are an invitation and also a promise. If we accept the invitation we get to live the promise or promises. One of the prayers I asked of Him was to live the Abundant Life we are promised. This adventure has been going on for several years and I am still learning and experiencing the answer to this prayer. I am like the boy in Oliver who says, “I want more.” That’s me and His will for me was to have more. The main answer to this more is in the area of peace and happiness. It is not in things or money. Once again His will is the best!
regina franklin on November 23, 2009 at 3:39 pm
As I was reading Psalms 118 the other day, I was reminded that our provision for every need comes in His presence. So often, however, I have focused on the tangible circumstances around me. How faithful He is to remind me that nothing in this world could matter more than Him. You have aptly stated–the cry of our hearts should be “I want more.” There can be no greater provision and blessing than to know Him more.
jeannie on November 21, 2009 at 7:49 am
I agree with what you wrote, “I want His plan not my plan “. After years of ‘reinventing’ myself, and ‘self help’ schemes, I finally gave up, and asked God to take control of my life. I’m certainly not proud of it, but there is no other way. I thank God daily that altho I do not know where he will lead me, I know that I can trust Him.
My most recent ‘test’ has been in my marriage. I constantly want to change my husband, and not let God do the work. Please pray for me that I will be obedient to God’s will in my life, in every area.
regina franklin on November 23, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Dear Jeannie,
I will certainly be praying. I can testify to the goodness of God in teaching me to focus on what He wants to do in me rather than believing my happiness and peace are tied up in the changes of others. May His love surround you with songs of deliverance as you trust in the goodness of His heart toward you.