Afraid he’d miss his bus to work, Nazir, a Muslim-background believer in Christ, raced for the vehicle, slipping inside just before the door closed. As it left the station, he looked for an open seat, finally finding one in the last section. Within a few stops, the bus had completely filled, leaving several men standing.
Nazir wouldn’t typically give up his spot for another guy in his early thirties, but a man leaning against the window looked like he was about to fall over.
Nazir caught the man’s attention and stood, motioning to his seat. “Please, take this spot.”
Gratitude brightened the man’s troubled eyes. “Thank you, friend. I’m Aymen.”
Nazir introduced himself as they swapped places. Aymen sank to the bench seat with a sigh of relief.
“Are you in pain?” Nazir asked.
Aymen offered a flat smile. “Despite medication and treatment, I’m not getting better.
Nothing was impossible for Him.
Nazir immediately thought of his friend Russell, a Frontiers field worker, who had encouraged him to step out in faith in sharing Jesus with Muslims from his people group. Only a few days before, Russell had told him a story about praying for someone who was sick.
This was the perfect opportunity for Nazir to do the same. Before he could pray for Aymen, they approached Nazir’s stop.
He quickly moved in front of Aymen. “I need to go, but I want to pray for your healing. May I call you?”
Aymen’s brows furrowed in confusion, but he gave Nazir his phone number.
A few hours later, Nazir messaged Aymen. They made plans to meet as soon as Nazir finished work. When he arrived at Aymen’s simple home, Nazir learned that his new friend was suffering from kidney failure.
The ailment was more serious than Nazir had thought, but he wasn’t worried. He and Russell had read and discussed many stories of Jesus performing miracles. Nothing was impossible for Him.
Digging into his backpack, he asked, “May I share with you from the Injil?”
When Aymen agreed, Nazir read the story of the blind man from John 9. “Jesus said the man was born blind so God’s power could be displayed in him. Jesus healed many people, and I believe He wants to heal you too. May I pray for you in His name?”
“God is the faithful One.” Nazir smiled. “Keep praying in Jesus’ name.”
Aymen hesitated at first, then slowly nodded. So Nazir prayed. When he finished, he asked, “Does anything feel different?”
Aymen shook his head. “No, but I still appreciate it. Most people ignore me.”
With a smile, Nazir said, “Jesus sees you too.”
“You must be a very faithful follower to believe He would answer your prayer.”
“God is the faithful One.” Nazir smiled. “Keep praying in Jesus’ name. Even if He doesn’t restore your kidneys, He can heal your heart. He wants to forgive all of your sins and be close to you.”
Though he didn’t ask any questions, Aymen seemed intrigued. “I’ll keep praying.”
As Aymen walked Nazir to the door, he promised to reach out again soon.
The very next morning, Aymen called. “I prayed for healing before I went to bed and woke up feeling better than I have in years. I’ve already called my doctor. I want him to run another set of tests. I think Jesus healed me!”
Nazir’s heart filled with joy. “Praise God!” Although they hardly knew each other, Nazir couldn’t help himself. “Can I come with you?”
Aymen immediately gave Nazir the details, and a few days later they met at a medical office. As they waited, Nazir told Aymen more about Jesus’ life and teaching.
After taking some scans, Dr. Cherif returned to the exam room scratching his head. “I don’t understand it. Your kidneys haven’t merely improved. They look brand new. How can this be?”
Aymen turned to Nazir. “It’s because of Jesus.”
As Aymen and Nazir left the appointment, Dr. Cherif asked if he could join them that evening at Nazir’s house to read the Injil.
He had been faithful from the beginning, demonstrating His power and might in each of their lives.
That night, Aymen professed his faith in Christ. “I want to serve Him the rest of my life. I owe Him everything.” He paused. “Where do I begin?”
Nazir invited him to continue studying God’s Word. He also urged him to share his newfound faith. “When I first believed, I didn’t tell anyone, but a friend showed me where the Bible says that God wants people from every tribe, tongue, and nation to follow Jesus. And He wants to use us to make that happen.”
Aymen seemed excited at the prospect, but when he returned to Bible study the following week he came covered in bruises.
“What happened?” asked Dr. Cherif.
“I told my brother about Jesus. He called me a traitor.” Tears filled Aymen’s eyes. “The police arrested him for assault. Now he’ll never want to know Jesus.”
Nazir shook his head. “I’m so sorry that happened. I don’t know what God has planned, but Scripture says if we ask according to His will, He hears us. So, let’s keep praying for your brother.”
A few months later, Aymen’s brother was released, but the man who left prison wasn’t the same one who had entered.
“Jesus healed his heart!” Aymen’s voice shook with excitement as he shared at Bible study. “My brother believes!”
“What? Hold on, start at the beginning.” Nazir turned to Dr. Cherif’s family and the others who’d begun joining them to study the Word, motioning for them to gather around.
As Aymen described his brother’s transformation, Nazir and the others praised God, who had been faithful from the beginning, demonstrating His power and might in each of their lives.
Dr. Cherif and his family were still seeking the Truth, but Nazir knew God would continue to fulfill His promises to all of them.
Pray:
- Praise God for the physical healing that is drawing Muslims like Aymen to find eternal life in Jesus Christ.
- Lift up Muslim-background believers who are being persecuted for their faith. Pray that they will continue to be bold witnesses for Christ.
- Ask the Lord to send more teams to make disciples among Muslim people groups and equip new believers to reach many with the Gospel.
