When the Lord Draws Near

When my Muslim friend Basira, invited me to visit her shortly after Christmas, I jumped at the chance to catch up. We’d been friends for almost eight years, but we hadn’t connected in a while. I was eager to see her.

Although her husband had put his faith in Christ months before, Basira showed little interest in talking about spiritual things and rarely allowed the conversation to steer toward Jesus.

But as I sat in her living room a few days after Christmas, I sensed a shift. She couldn’t stop asking about Christmas.

“Your holiday is not about Santa Claus?” Her brows pinched in confusion as she poured me a second cup of tea. “I thought he was important. I’ve heard many foreigners talk about him.”

I smiled at her question and asked one of my own. “Has your husband mentioned him?”

“No.” She lowered her gaze, clearly deep in thought. “Actually, I’ve barely spoken to Faisel about it. I don’t even know how he celebrated.”

Basira set her own teacup down and sighed. “Everything he does is so different now. I can’t even tell when he’s praying. He doesn’t face east. He doesn’t wash first. I doubt he’s even praying five times a day.”

Joy filled my heart as I explained that anyone can talk to the Lord as father and friend without obstacle or pretense.

“My guess is he’s praying more,” I said. “A lot more.”

Basira’s eyes widened in surprise. “Do you think so?”

I nodded, scooting toward the edge of the sofa. “I know his posture must look unusual to you, but we believe anyone can talk to God whenever they want. Wherever they want. You can be in your room or outside. You can even be cleaning up the house.”

“That’s … unbelievable.” Despite Basira’s choice of words, she leaned closer, intrigued. “You must have some rules for prayer. What must I do to approach God?”

Joy filled my heart as I explained that anyone can talk to the Lord as father and friend without obstacle or pretense. Because Jesus died for our sins as the Ultimate Sacrifice, we can go to God with our every thought and concern.

What a privilege it is to approach God’s throne without rules and regulations..

“God cares most about your heart.” I patted my own chest. “That’s why He sent Jesus. He drew near to us so we can draw near to Him. Our relationship with the Lord isn’t based on our flawed efforts but on the perfect love of Christ.”

Basira sipped her tea thoughtfully. “That sounds so strange, but nice too.”

 “That’s why we celebrate Christmas,” I said. “We’re remembering that God has made a way for us to have a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.”

Our conversation continued through the afternoon, and as I headed home that evening, I was struck afresh by what a privilege it is to approach God’s throne without rules and regulations. My prayer for the new year is that Basira will know that same freedom.

Pray:

• Praise the Lord for sending Jesus Christ—the only Way to be reconciled with the Father.
• Lift up Muslim men and women like Basira, who are asking spiritual questions. Ask God to open their hearts to the work of Christ alone.
• Pray for Frontiers field workers who are serving overseas long-term. Ask the Lord to give them boldness to speak the truth in love to their Muslim neighbors.