Our Daily Bread: Voices of FaithIhe Atụ

True Discipleship

And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple -Luke 14:27

The same year the church I pastor was handed over to me, my dad went to be with the Lord. I could not attend his burial to pay him my last respects, which devastated me.

Then, four days after the first Sunday morning service at the church, I got a call following our midweek meeting telling me that armed robbers had killed my younger brother!

The pain of losing my loved ones at this pivotal period in my ministry weighed heavy on me, but God’s grace helped me to press on.

God encouraged me by reminding me of Simon of Cyrene, an ancient city in northern Africa. Simon became a significant figure in the event of Christ’s crucifixion. Despite the distractions and pains of that horrifying event, Simon served as an epitome of discipleship.

As soldiers led Jesus to Golgotha to be crucified, “They met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross” (Matthew 27:32).

Jesus said that if anyone would be His disciple, they would have to take up their cross and follow Him (Luke 14:26–27). As we choose to follow Jesus, He will help us. His grace is sufficient for us to live in the peace and joy found only in Him. His joy fills our hearts! He gives us perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).

Ayodele Afuye

What does it mean to you to be a disciple, and do you trust Jesus as your Source of peace?

Lord Jesus, I choose to follow You. Please, grant me the grace and ability to always see You as Lord and my source of peace and strength.