by John Yaxley, Church of Nazarene

IN the early 1970s a book was published called, The Red Devils Disciples.

It was about followers of Manchester United, fans who supported them and travelled to all their games.

The book coincided with a period when Man Utd had a poor team and lost lots of games. I travelled to several of them.

A disciple is a ‘dedicated follower’. I don’t know who is reading this or if you follow a particular faith or belief? However, it is important to be committed to what we believe in and demonstrate that, whatever the circumstances of our lives.

Words such as ‘dedicated’, ‘loyal’ and ‘steadfast’ may not sound exciting but people who live this way bring joy to others and find it for themselves.

Early followers of Jesus experienced difficult times – we can read their stories in the Bible. Yet they continued to follow Jesus and live out their faith. Some of them were persecuted, as are many today.

Our latest grandson, Samuel, has been born with spina bifida. This was unexpected and didn’t show up on scans before birth. It’s not an easy situation for his family. But as disciples, though we might struggle with this and have questions, we continue to follow Jesus. We keep believing and trusting through all of life. Strength and joy is discovered on this journey through the support and prayers of many people around us. Also through the presence of Jesus with us, through all of life’s ups and downs.

I hope you have a faith that helps you keep on going and a hope of heaven at the end of this life’s journey.