This week as I was reading in the New Testament, I found myself wondering where the early disciples of Christ found the strength to follow Him, and where I find that strength in my life today. I feel that the example of those who were called by Christ to be His apostles is priceless in my life in countless ways, but I'll give only a few examples.
Andrew and Philip were both disciples of John the Baptist and had heard him prophesy of one who would come after him "the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose" (Luke 3:16). So when they were walking down the road with John, and they saw Jesus, John proclaimed "Behold, the Lamb of God!" (John 1:36). It seemed natural for these followers of the prophet to turn and follow Him of whom that prophet had prophesied. This is exactly what they did, and not only did it change their lives, but they were able to testify of the Savior and change the lives of many others as well. After they dwelt with Christ for a time, they went to find others that were dear to them to tell that they found the prophesied Messiah. Andrew told his brother Simon Peter, and Philip found his friend Nathaniel so that they could invite them to "come and see" for themselves (John 1:46). This principle of sharing joyous news is one that has existed in the eternities. There are many accounts in the Scriptures of how angelic hosts have sung Hosanna! and how prophets have rejoiced in the divine prophesies about the Son of God comming to earth. This reminds me of the scripture in 1 Nephi 8:12, where Lehi tasted of the fruit of the tree of eternal life, which is the love of God, and he couldn't help but to share it with his family so that they, too, could have that love and joy in their lives. I often wonder if I rejoice enough, or if I share that rejoiceing with those dear to me. I know that every time that I have, it has brought even more joy and blessings in my life. It never ceases to amaze me how much God loves us and how much He will do to help us be happy within our own agency.
Another inspiring example is that of James and John who were brothers that worked as fishermen with their father. One day they were mending their fishing nets when Christ came up to their boat and called them that they might follow Him. "And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him." (Matthew 4:22). How hard would this have been? To immediately leave all that you are used to, to follow a man of God? It is said that sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven, and I truly believe that, but that doesn't make it easier. Faith, however, can overcome that difficulty. To refer to a faith promoting story, when Christ was walking on water, Peter wanted to join him. He had faith to overcome something that to us seems impossible. And then when his faith began to give in to fear and doubt, he began to fall. I am grateful, however, that the Atonement of Jesus Christ overcomes that fall. He overcame all things making it easier to follow Him. All we need to do is choose to do so, and believe in His name. We need to act on that belief, and I have seen that possibility in my life.
I want to be able to follow the example of the disciples of Christ, and share my joy with those that I love - not because they can't find it on their own or because I know more than they do, because that isn't it at all. I want to share it because I love them, and it has made all the difference in my life, and has been the source of such joy; I want them to have that, too. I want to be able to follow my Savior in all things, and when I don't have the strength to do it, I know that I can rely on Him for strength. He will give it to me because He wants me to succeed. He wants each of us to succeed and to find the joy that He knows is possible for all of the children of God. He lived, died, and lives again so that we can all receive His strength as we receive Him in our lives, and then find eternal success. I know that this is true and I am so grateful for it. I know that each of us has the potential to be a modern day disciple if we would only choose to follow Him and live as He lives.
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