Embracing Our Unique Journey: The Call to Follow Jesus
Summary
Today, we gathered to honor and encourage mothers, recognizing the often unseen sacrifices and investments they make in their families and in the kingdom of God. Every stage of motherhood, from sleepless nights with newborns to the bittersweet transition of children leaving home, is a vital part of God’s work in shaping lives and passing on faith. We prayed for grace, courage, and strength for all moms, affirming their unique and irreplaceable role in God’s story.
Turning to John 21, we explored the conversation between Jesus and Peter after the resurrection. Peter, recently restored by Jesus after his denial, is given a unique calling: to shepherd and lead the early church. Yet, even in this moment of restoration and purpose, Peter’s attention drifts to comparison—he asks Jesus, “What about him?” referring to John. Jesus’ response is both gentle and direct: “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.” This is a call to contentment, to stay in our lane, and to trust God’s unique path for each of us.
Comparison is a thief of joy and a cloud over our calling. Our culture, especially through social media, constantly tempts us to measure our worth and success against others. Whether it’s the perfect home, the ideal family vacation, or career milestones, we can easily lose sight of the story God is writing in our own lives. I shared from my own journey—how comparing my timeline and achievements to others led to discouragement, but choosing to follow God’s unique path brought unexpected blessings and fulfillment.
Paul’s words in Philippians 4 remind us that joy is a choice, not a byproduct of circumstances. We are invited to rejoice, to bring our anxieties to God, and to let His peace guard our hearts. True contentment comes not from outpacing others, but from following Jesus closely, trusting Him with our story, and crucifying our comparisons at the foot of the cross.
As we took communion, we reflected on Christ’s sacrifice and the invitation to follow Him wholeheartedly. Each of us is called to trust Jesus with our past, present, and future, letting go of control and comparison, and embracing the joy and peace found in Him alone.
Key Takeaways
- The unseen investments of mothers—and all who nurture others—are powerful acts of faith that shape generations. God sees every sacrifice, every prayer, and every act of love, even when the world does not. Our influence in the lives of others is often hidden, but it is never wasted in God’s economy. [40:45]
- Comparison is a subtle but destructive force that clouds our sense of calling and kills our joy. When we measure our worth or success against others, we lose sight of the unique story God is writing in our lives. Jesus’ call to Peter—“What is that to you? As for you, follow me”—is a liberating invitation to focus on our own journey with Christ. [44:06]
- Contentment is found not in achieving what others have, but in faithfully walking the path God has set before us. The temptation to compare is ever-present, but true fulfillment comes from embracing our own calling, even when it looks different from those around us. God’s best for us is never found in someone else’s story. [53:53]
- Choosing joy is an act of faith that requires us to surrender our anxieties, insecurities, and comparisons to Jesus. Paul’s exhortation to “rejoice in the Lord always” is not a denial of hardship, but a declaration that our peace and contentment are rooted in Christ, not in circumstances or achievements. Joy is both a gift and a discipline. [01:00:40]
- Following Jesus means keeping our eyes fixed on Him, not on those around us. Just as we stay close to a lead car when driving to an unfamiliar place, we are called to stay close to Christ, trusting Him to lead us. This focus frees us from the exhausting cycle of comparison and opens us to the joy and purpose of living out our unique calling. [01:03:50]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Honoring Mothers and Their Unseen Sacrifices
[02:30] - Prayer for Moms and Families
[03:45] - Traffic Lanes and the Trap of Comparison
[05:00] - Peter’s Restoration and Unique Calling
[07:00] - The Danger of Comparing Callings
[09:00] - Social Media and the Illusion of Perfection
[11:00] - Jesus’ Challenge: “As for You, Follow Me”
[13:00] - How Comparison Clouds Our Calling
[15:00] - Personal Story: Learning to Stay in My Lane
[18:00] - The Blessing of Following God’s Unique Path
[20:00] - Philippians 4: Choosing Joy Over Comparison
[22:00] - The Call to Follow Jesus Wholeheartedly
[24:00] - Communion: Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice
[27:00] - Church Announcements and New Staff Introductions
[30:00] - Invitation to Trust Jesus and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
- John 21:20-23
Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them... When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”
- Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
---
### Observation Questions
1. In John 21, what question does Peter ask Jesus about another disciple, and how does Jesus respond?
([44:06])
2. According to Philippians 4, what are believers told to do instead of worrying?
([01:00:40])
3. The sermon described several stages of motherhood. What are some of the unseen sacrifices mentioned that mothers make?
([40:45])
4. What does the pastor say is the “key to success and happiness” when it comes to comparison?
([51:23])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Peter was so concerned about John’s future after Jesus had just restored him? What does this reveal about human nature and comparison?
([47:43])
2. The pastor said, “Comparison clouds your calling.” In what ways can comparing ourselves to others make it harder to see or accept God’s unique path for us?
([53:53])
3. Paul tells believers to “rejoice in the Lord always.” How is this command different from simply being happy when things are going well?
([01:00:40])
4. The sermon shared a personal story about missing out on a desired job and feeling left behind. How did following God’s unique path lead to unexpected blessings for the pastor?
([58:02])
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon honored the unseen investments of mothers and others who nurture. Is there someone in your life whose sacrifices go unnoticed? What is one specific way you can encourage or thank them this week?
([40:45])
2. The pastor described how social media and “curated” images can make us feel like we’re not measuring up. What is one area of your life where you feel tempted to compare yourself to others? How does this affect your joy or contentment?
([48:46])
3. Jesus told Peter, “What is that to you? As for you, follow me.” Is there a situation right now where you are distracted by what others are doing instead of focusing on your own journey with Jesus? What would it look like to “stay in your lane” this week?
([51:23])
4. The pastor said, “Joy kills comparison.” What is one practical step you can take to choose joy, even when you feel left out or behind?
([01:00:40])
5. Paul encourages us to bring our anxieties to God in prayer. What is one worry or insecurity you need to surrender to God right now? How can your group support you in this?
([01:00:40])
6. During communion, the church was invited to “crucify our comparisons at the foot of the cross.” What does it mean for you personally to lay down comparison and trust Jesus with your story?
([01:05:01])
7. The pastor used the illustration of following a lead car closely so you don’t get lost. What is one way you can keep your eyes on Jesus this week, rather than looking around at others?
([01:03:50])
---
Close in prayer, asking God for the grace to trust Him with your unique story, to let go of comparison, and to find joy and peace in following Jesus.
Devotional
Day 1: Follow Jesus, Not Comparison
Jesus calls each of us to follow Him personally, not to measure our journey against others. When Peter asked about John's future, Jesus redirected him, saying, "What is that to you? As for you, follow me." This is a powerful reminder that our calling is unique, and comparison only distracts us from the path God has set before us. Instead of looking sideways at others' lives, we are invited to keep our eyes on Jesus and walk faithfully in the story He is writing for us. [44:06]
John 21:20-22 (ESV)
Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”
Reflection: In what area of your life are you most tempted to compare your journey to someone else’s, and how can you intentionally focus on following Jesus in that area today?
Day 2: Comparison Clouds Your Calling
When we compare ourselves to others, we lose sight of the unique calling God has placed on our lives. Peter’s fixation on John’s story nearly caused him to miss the incredible purpose Jesus had for him. In the same way, comparison can make us feel inadequate or envious, blinding us to the gifts, opportunities, and responsibilities God has entrusted to us. True fulfillment comes from embracing our own calling and letting God write our story, rather than wishing for someone else’s. [54:35]
Romans 12:4-6 (ESV)
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them...
Reflection: What is one unique gift or responsibility God has given you that you have overlooked because you were focused on someone else’s path? How can you step into that calling today?
Day 3: Joy Kills Comparison
Choosing joy is a powerful antidote to the poison of comparison. The Apostle Paul teaches that rejoicing in the Lord and bringing our anxieties to Him leads to peace that guards our hearts and minds. Joy is not a passive feeling but an active choice to trust God, give Him our worries, and celebrate His goodness in our own lives. When we choose joy, we find freedom from the endless cycle of measuring ourselves against others and experience the contentment that comes from Christ alone. [01:00:40]
Philippians 4:4-7 (ESV)
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Reflection: What is one area of anxiety or comparison you can bring to God in prayer today, asking Him to replace it with His joy and peace?
Day 4: Crucify Comparison and Embrace Christ
Following Jesus means laying down our comparisons and crucifying the desire to measure our worth by others. Jesus invites us to take up our cross, leave behind the standards of the world, and pursue Him wholeheartedly. This act of surrender is not just a one-time decision but a daily practice of fixing our eyes on Christ, letting go of what distracts us, and finding our identity in Him alone. In doing so, we discover the freedom and purpose that comes from truly following Jesus. [01:05:01]
Luke 9:23 (ESV)
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Reflection: What is one comparison or worldly standard you need to lay at the foot of the cross today so you can follow Jesus more fully?
Day 5: Trust Jesus with Your Story
Trusting Jesus means surrendering control and believing that He knows and loves you better than anyone else. When we give Him our past, present, and future, we allow Him to lead us into the unique story He has for us. This trust is the foundation of a life of purpose, contentment, and joy. No matter where you are on your journey, Jesus invites you to trust Him completely and let Him shape your life for His glory. [01:22:32]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to let go of control and trust Jesus to lead you forward today?
Quotes
Jesus said, take up your cross and follow me, which means that we have to crucify our comparisons and put them at the foot of the cross so we're not defined by them anymore. [01:05:01] (15 seconds)
The key to success and happiness is to stay in your lane. To walk your journey out. To not compare your story with anybody else's. to stay in the path that God has for your life. [00:51:17] (21 seconds)
Comparison kills joy. But the irony of things is that joy also kills comparison. Joy kills comparison. And we find that in Philippians chapter 4, which is what the Apostle Paul writes on when he talks about contentment and joy. [00:59:57] (19 seconds)
Sometimes we settle by saying, I need to look like everybody else. I need to live like everybody else. I need to pursue what everybody else has for me. And we find ourselves choosing discontentment. But we are called to choose contentment, which is ultimately following Jesus. [00:59:36] (21 seconds)
And following Jesus comes down to this decision of saying, I'm not in charge anymore. I need to trust Jesus with my life, with everything I've ever done, all the times I've messed up, all the times I've trusted other things, and put my trust firmly on Jesus Christ. [01:22:45] (15 seconds)
You know, the idea of trusting God is sometimes a scary thing because it means that we're not in control anymore. But that's the point. Jesus knows us better than anybody else. And part of our condition as people who are far from God is that we're putting our trust in other people or other things rather than the God who made us and created us. [01:22:24] (22 seconds)
We're constantly looking around saying, I want this part of this person's life. I want this part of this person's life. I want that thing that they're doing, and I won't be happy until I get it. And Jesus offers us something so much better, which is true joy, by saying, I'm going to follow Jesus. [01:04:24] (22 seconds)
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