In Pursuit of Truth

“Do you remember when I asked if you knew for sure that you were going to heaven?”

I sat up a little straighter and all the ladies in the small group stared at Maryam, who had spoken up. Several nodded slowly, their teacups paused halfway to their mouths. We all remembered.

This wasn’t the first time that Maryam had asked a question that silenced the whole group. I’d been meeting with Maryam and a few other Muslim women for more than a year to read the Bible together and talk about faith.

During one meeting, we had studied the deity of Christ. Maryam was quiet as the others discussed the meaning and application of the Bible verses we were reading, her eyebrows furrowed and lips pursed.

Finally, she said, “But how can Jesus also be God?”

I pointed to the evidence in the verses we were discussing, but I could see Maryam’s inner struggle still reflected on her face. After several minutes of discussion, I suggested, “Maybe you should ask God to show you the truth of who Jesus is.”

“I had a dream that was so clear. Jesus and God were sitting on the same level—side by side and equal. Jesus is God.”

“I will.” 

The next time our group gathered, Maryam eagerly shared her experience. “I couldn’t sleep after our last time together, so I asked God for the truth, just like you said I could. And He showed me! I had a dream that was so clear. Jesus and God were sitting on the same level—side by side and equal. Jesus is God.”

A few weeks later, one of our regulars had said she wanted to be baptized. While the others rejoiced together, Maryam was cryptically quiet.

Alone with her later, I asked, “What are your thoughts about being baptized?”

She paused to consider her response. “I’m afraid if I get baptized it will look like I’m doing it just because others are.”

Maryam’s frankness never ceased to surprise, bless, and amuse me.

I nodded, understanding her concern. But I felt there was more she hadn’t shared yet. “What do you believe about Jesus?”

“He is Lord, and He died for my sins,” she said.

I smiled. Maryam’s frankness never ceased to surprise, bless, and amuse me. 

But a frown settled over her face as she continued. “I’m afraid that if I follow Him, I will be rejected by my people.”

In this mountainous area of central Asia, people fear the label of Christianity. Years ago, nominally Christian rulers from powerful neighboring countries had demanded that Maryam’s people group be baptized. Many refused and suffered terribly for it. Those who gave in were seen as weak traitors by their own people. Followers of Jesus in this area are still perceived this way today.

Yet, since her childhood, Maryam has longed for a relationship with God. And now she understood that she must follow Jesus to truly know Him. 

One thing she knows for sure. Jesus is worthy of her trust.

So, we all had paused when Maryam said, “Do you remember when I asked you if you knew for sure that you were going to heaven?”

One of the other women said, “Yes.” And several of them motioned for Maryam to continue.

A bright smile broke across her face. “Now I am certain, too.”

We cheered and hugged her, then each other, celebrating our friend’s faith and assurance in Christ.

Though constantly growing in her faith, Maryam still grapples with questions about who she is in Christ. It is often said that to be part of her people group is to be Muslim. So, what does it look like to love Jesus and follow Him? Can she do so without being alienated by her community? She continues to ask these and other difficult questions in her pursuit of truth, bringing them to the One who can answer.

One thing she knows for sure. Jesus is worthy of her trust, so she keeps turning to Him as she works out her faith day-by-day.

Pray:

• Praise God for Maryam’s decision to follow Christ. Pray that she will continue to pursue Jesus and grow in faith.
• Ask God to make her a light among her people so they will be drawn to Christ and seek after Him.
• Pray that many more Muslims will ask direct questions about faith and redemption and seek answers from the One who can provide them.