The conversation between Jesus and Peter after His resurrection is worth gleaning from. Jesus had told Peter repeatedly to feed His sheep. He seemed to have so neglected John that Peter was forced to ask, “what about this man?” This looks like the question in the heart of a lot of people today.
Friend, divine assignment is individualistic; God does not consult your friend to commit His assignment into your hands. Also, the fact that God has committed His assignments into your hands does not mean that He has nothing else for other people. This understanding is particularly important in the days we are in; too much distractions and competitions everywhere!
We must be careful not to go about fulfilling divine assignment with a wrong mindset. This was what Jesus tried to correct in Peter; “Seeing him, Peter said to Jesus, What about this man?” (John 21:21). Is this not how a lot of people ‘react’ to God’s call? “What about this man?” This question can mean different things to different people at different times.
For some, it is, “why me, why not this other person?” We seem to query the intelligence of God in giving us our peculiar role in the Kingdom. You think you are the least qualified given the myriads of people you see around who seem to be better than you. You need to remember what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 1:26; “For you see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called…”.
Sometimes, we are bothered about what others are doing or are not doing while neglecting what God tells us to do. “What about this man?” What is he supposed to do? Or is he useless? Is he not serious? Is he living in sin? Why is God not using him or giving him any assignment? Like Paul, you need to understand that God has a schedule for everyone, and it is only wise to face what He gives you per time (1 Corinthians 15:7-8, Galatians 2:7, Titus 1:3).
Perhaps, Jesus deliberately reserved John the beloved for the unique assignments of taking care of Mary and also writing the book of Revelation (John 19:26-27, Revelation 1:1-5). What a trust! From today, stop focusing on what others are doing or not doing, and start focusing on what you are told to do. Remember that, in the end, you would not be rewarded or judged based on someone else’ assignment but yours (1 Corinthians 7:17, 20). You will succeed!
© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria