Embracing Our Unique Journey: The Call to Follow Jesus

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

• 1. 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]
• 2. 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]
• 3. 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]
• 4. 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. [60:40]
• 5. 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. [63:50]

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

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?
2. According to Philippians 4, what are believers told to do instead of worrying?
3. The sermon described several stages of motherhood. What are some of the unseen sacrifices mentioned that mothers make?
4. What does the pastor say is the “key to success and happiness” when it comes to comparison?

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?
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?
3. Paul tells believers to “rejoice in the Lord always.” How is this command different from simply being happy when things are going well?
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?

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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?