Stay Close

📖 Faithful Friday — Stay CloseHave you ever been perfectly content with the life God has given you...until you started looking at somebody else’s?Peter did something remarkably similar.In John 21, Jesus has restored Peter after his failure. He gives Peter his assignment and says:“Follow Me!”And almost immediately Peter looks at John and asks:“Lord, and what about this man?”Peter! Really???Jesus’ answer is wonderfully direct:“If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” — John 21:22💭 Today’s TruthFaithfulness isn’t keeping up with someone else. It’s following Jesus where He leads you.Comparison can quietly steal our joy.And social media certainly doesn’t make that any easier.In a few minutes we can see somebody else’s vacation, house, family, marriage, children, ministry, success or opportunities...and suddenly: Comparison can make you dissatisfied with a life you were thankful for five minutes ago.Before long, Peter’s question becomes ours:Lord, what about them?Why did they get that opportunity?Why does their life seem easier?Why did their prayer get answered differently?And Jesus lovingly brings our attention back:“What is that to you? You follow Me.”Somebody else’s story isn’t the measuring stick for your faithfulness.And don’t miss who receives that invitation.Peter had failed.Peter had denied Jesus.But Jesus restored him and said again:“Follow Me.”Maybe you’ve stumbled too.Receive His grace.Put your eyes back on Jesus.And keep following.🙏 Today’s PrayerLord Jesus, forgive me for the times I look sideways and compare my life with someone else’s. Thank You for the path You have given me and for Your grace when I stumble along the way. Help me celebrate what You are doing in others without allowing comparison to steal my joy. Keep my eyes fixed on You, and give me the faithfulness to follow wherever You lead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.If that prayer expresses your heart, pray it with me—or find your own words and spend some time honestly talking with Jesus today.Hear His words again:“What is that to you? You follow Me.”🎙️ Today’s Five More Minutes is also available wherever you listen to podcasts.