"Oh Joy, you used to be so timid!" exclaimed a missionary who knew me as a child in Somalia. That is how I was known, defined, or etched in many people's memories. Timidity was my signature mark. Well, I still have a timid nature for sure but God continues to grow me so He can accomplish what He saved me for. Individuals have cheered me on. God continues to cheer me on. Likewise, I desire to cheer my friends on who have left Islam and are following Jesus Christ.
It was amazing listening to Lateef share about a
recent ministry trip he just returned from. Was this really the Lateef I met
years ago?? He has come such a long ways in the last decade. The transformation
has been phenomenal. Today he is very useful in the kingdom of God. Courageous,
energetic, visionary are words that describe him as he and his wife serve God
among their Muslim people group. They are taking risks being on television and
internet.
Sweet Shireen is still quite shy and often struggles with shame issues. But when it comes to
praying she pours out her heart unabashedly. Before she would never speak up
but remain silent in the shadow of her husband. Today Shireen is coming out of
the shadows and is starting to share Christ with a neighbor who is from her
people group. Knowing her well the past three years I concluded wrongly that
Shireen, because of her extreme shyness, would not achieve much in a spiritual
sense.
When I speak with Fatima I am delighted how this
believer friend is serving God full time, mature spiritually, and is bravely weathering
some hard knocks in life. I never imagined I would witness such a gifted mature
woman in ministry who is like a spiritual mother to believers from her people
group.
Karima has been on a journey moving from being cautious
in sharing Christ to openly and bravely sharing about Him. She has become
emboldened like a butterfly cocooning to flying off in freedom. Today she is
leading Bible studies on university campus and preparing to return to her
country. Her most passionate goal is to please Christ. She has awakened that
desire in a deeper sense in me.
Hamid and Nadia are moving from fear of being known as
followers of Christ to living among Muslims. Their conversion is no longer such
a well kept secret. When I met them I wondered if their secret would ever be
broken. The hiding days are over. What an achievement!
These friends give me joy. As they press onward, upward, and
outward the Spirit is doing a marvelous work in and through them. Not all believers I know
are pressing onward. Some are stuck or even going backwards. Nevertheless, I am
convinced that God is still trying to achieve His purpose for saving them. I try to cheer them on, too. During this Covid-19 pandemic season many believers are needing extra cheering on as their churches go through fluctuating changes as a result of health restrictions.
Dear heavenly Father, Thank you for individuals who have cheered me on in my faith and the Holy Spirit who remains my biggest cheerleader. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
