Devotionals
As a mom, you make certain promises to yourself. I vowed that when I became a mom - I would never use those irritating phrases my parents used on me. You know the phrases like "If you live under my roof, you'll follow my rules." or "Shut the door, what were you raised in a barn?" I am sure a few come to your mind. I broke my vow on the worst one of all. "Because I said so."
I have a three-year old that seems to shadow my every move and is constantly asking me the question - "Why?" Sometimes I am patient and when the questions deal with how the world works around her, I am glad to answer her the best I can. It is the times when the "Why?" questions my authority that the dreaded words bubble from my lips, "Because I said so." In these situations I find myself wishing I could get her mind to embrace the concept that she just needed to trust me. I find myself wishing she could just understand that I know what is best for her, therefore extinguishing her need to challenge me.
Jesus responded to Peter in a similar way shortly after his resurrection. They had just finished breakfast on the shore, rejoicing together with their risen Savior. Jesus had challenged the disciples, asking them "Do you love me? Then take care of my sheep." And then it happened - Jesus was speaking to Peter about a certain matter and Peter challenged his authority.
Read with me... John Chapter 21 -- "20 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?") 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?" 22 Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me."
Jesus wanted Peter to simply trust him just as I wished that my three-year old would. In a sense - Jesus's reply to Peter "What is that to you?" was the same as him saying "Because I told you so." Jesus simply wanted Peter trust him and follow him. Peter instead was distracted and worrying about others.
I wonder how many situations we run into where Jesus questions "What is that to you?" Jesus will prompt our hearts to action and instead of responding in obedience we ask "Why?" or "What about that person?" How about our reactions of "Why me?" or "Why now?" Jesus just simply wants us to trust the plan he has for our life. He doesn't want you to be concerned with the details, he wants you to take a step forward in faith. He doesn't want you to be concerned about others - he is trying to deal with you. His response to your questions of "Why?" - simply Follow me. It is not a request, it is a command.
If you are dealing with questions of "Why" in your life right now - I challenge you to realize that Jesus is replying "What is that to you?" I challenge you to leave the questions behind and step out in faith. Do you trust him? Will you follow him? Will you take that step of faith? Or will you allow your questions and doubts to keep you from moving forward?
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I agree with your point in your article 100%. Your article sent me back to 1950 when my 3 yr old kept asking me WHY? I, too, became sometimes weary of answering him and then as I read your article, I thought "what if he never asked why?....I guess it is good for the child to ask questions as to why...as children of GOD I don't think HE minds us asking Why?....just sometimes he answers us as you said...."that should not concern you right now...trust me. Bringing up children is a privilege and a huge responsibility. Thank you for sharing this. GOD BLESS YOU
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