Everyday Miracles

When a knock sounded at my apartment door, I hurried to answer it, eager to see my friend.

I had become friends with Mahreen, a Muslim-background believer, shortly after joining a Frontiers team and moving to this city several years before. While we often talked about spiritual things, she had only recently expressed an interest in reaching out to her Muslim friends and neighbors.  

I welcomed Mahreen inside and led the way to the dining table, where I had chai waiting for us. As we sat down, she immediately began telling me about some of her friends. Her normal shyness melted away, replaced by excitement.

“I know these women’s struggles and fears. And I know following Jesus will help.” Her hands moved excitedly as she spoke. “I want to encourage them. I want God to use me in their lives.”

I had no doubt He would. “He will put your love for the Lord and willing heart to good use.”

“You really think so?” Mahreen blushed, suddenly turning shy again. “Maybe after we pray, we can discuss how I can start telling them about Jesus. What else are you doing today?”

I didn’t go into detail but told her I had a meeting that evening.

As the chaos continued, Mahreen’s eyes grew wide.

Mahreen smiled. “Wonderful. That gives us all afternoon together.”

I glanced at the old clock hanging on the kitchen wall. I had planned to spend a few hours reviewing some local language resources before meeting with Adana, a new Muslim-background believer, that night. But I couldn’t turn Mahreen away.

Thankfully, a local ministry partner would join me later. I could lean on her for help communicating with Adana.

A few hours later, I received a message that my partner wasn’t feeling well and wouldn’t be able to join me that evening to talk about the Word with Adana. At first, I thought I’d have to cancel. Then I realized I could bring Mahreen along. It was the perfect opportunity to show her how I share about Jesus.

“Would you like to meet with me and Adana?”

Mahreen beamed, nodding enthusiastically. “Yes, thank you.”

Her cheerful attitude persisted as we walked across town in the stifling heat, though it faded shortly after we arrived at our destination.

The first time I’d visited Adana’s home, it was noisy, but it was even louder today. Adana’s children had just returned from their Quran class with energy to burn. She insisted they sit with us to learn anyway.

When Mahreen offered to pray, their most serious request was for their cat. Later, we read a story about Jesus together. Adana and her daughters completely missed the point. Mahreen tried to clarify the meaning, but she didn’t get the chance.

The girls began racing around the room while Adana scolded them, her voice growing louder with each word.

As the chaos continued, Mahreen’s eyes grew wide. I politely excused us, telling Adana I would call her to set up another meeting.

Despite the many distractions and misunderstandings that surround me, God is constantly at work.

When we reached the street, Mahreen let out a disappointed sigh. “That wasn’t quite what I’d imagined.”

I tried to focus on the bright side. “It could’ve been worse.”

“Really?” She raised an unbelieving eyebrow.

I laughed. “Sure, our time could have gone more smoothly, but we still have plenty to celebrate. You shared about Jesus with one of your own people. Adana met another Christ follower, who was raised in Islam. Her kids even read from the Injil. That’s amazing!”

Mahreen’s shy smile slowly returned to her face. “You’re right. I didn’t think of it like that. I guess it went well after all.”

I nodded. “God is faithful. He won’t let our time go to waste.”

Amidst the daily rhythms of chai, samosas, and overcharging tuk-tuk drivers, it’s easy for me to lose sight of everyday miracles. Despite the many distractions and misunderstandings that surround me, God is constantly at work.

He is the one who burdened Mahreen’s heart for her people, and He is transforming Adana’s heart, too. I can’t wait to see what He does next.

Orar:

• Praise the Lord for Frontiers workers and Muslim-background believers who long to see lives changed with the truth of Christ.
• Ask God to grow new believers like Adana in their love for Jesus and the knowledge of His Word.
• Pray for movements of faith in Jesus throughout the Muslim world!