Today’s post is a revision of one I published back in October of 2015. Maybe some of you-like me-will benefit from hearing the message again.
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When Peter saw him (John), he asked (Jesus), “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.” John 21:2-22
I’ve worn shoes that (apparently) aren’t my style. Just ask my two girls.
I’ve worn shoes too small. And suffered blisters as a consequence.
I’ve worn shoes with flat heel so as not to tower over a stature-challenged boyfriend during an insecure season in my life. (And long since over it)
I’ve worn shoes with a high heel for added height when doing so was to my advantage.
But the shoes Jesus gives me to wear are fashioned for His purpose. They’re uniquely fitted for my feet in order that I might follow Him.
After Jesus commanded Peter to feed and take care of His sheep, He spoke of the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God.
Then said, “Follow Me.” John 21:22b
But when Peter turned and saw John–the Master’s fav disciple–following them, he asked, “Lord what about him?”
I imagine Peter slowing his steps, thumbing over his shoulder with arched brow of concern about his fate relative to John’s.
Jesus answered,“If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow Me.” (vs 22)
Somewhere in there I hear God say, “Pay no attention to the shoes I’ve given another and wear the pair I’ve given you. They’re perfectly fitted for your training in character and discipleship. You must follow Me.”
Problem is, I prefer to walk in shoes designed for accepting an award, recreational play, a vigorous hike in the mountains, or a stroll along a boardwalk near the shore.
Fun stuff.
But sometimes God hands me fur-lines boots and scoots me out comfort’s door into snowy winters to find others who need His warmth.
He’s handed me rain boots and had me look for those who need shelter.
And even steel-toed boots because He knows I’ll have my toes stepped on trekking across the sometimes high-risk territory called ‘relationships’.
I don’t know what kind of shoes Enoch wore, but they must have been equipped with jet packs… “Enoch walked with God; then he was no more because God took him away.” (Genesis 5:24)
No doubt Enoch walked in the shoes he’d been given, the distance he’d been told, in stride with the Father, fussing little (if ever) about the destination.
The truth is, I much prefer where your shoes are taking you more than where mine are taking me. But when God hands me a pair of shoes I know they’ll fit because, well, He knows my size. He doesn’t guarantee they’ll be stylish or that they won’t pinch at times, but they’ll serve His purpose.
Feet snug inside them, I choose to follow my trustworthy traveling Companion.
When has God handed you a pair of shoes you didn’t want to wear? Where did they take you? What came of the journey?
Mary
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