Breaking the Spell

“Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” Proverbs 30:5, NAS.

Sari* is a 22-year-old English major. For many years she worked with Western teachers as a language tutor to help them learn Indonesian. Many of these teachers were American Christians. She has heard the Gospel many times and knows a lot about Christian beliefs, but holds steadfast to her Islamic faith.

When Nancy moved into Sari’s city from America she was introduced to Sari as her language tutor. Nancy knew about the many witnesses that Sari had heard and hoped to be able to continue sharing Christ with her. In preparing to live in a predominately Muslim country Nancy had studied Islamic beliefs. She found that many passages in the Quran that talked about Isa (the Arabic name for Jesus).

Nancy decided to ask Sari about these verses with the hope of bridging to a deeper discussion about Jesus. The first time she tried to look at the Quran with Sari the discussion did not go well. Sari dismissed everything Nancy asked and Nancy’s language limitations didn’t help. Nancy felt defeated, but she continued to pray for Sari.

Nancy later learned that Sari believed that reciting Arabic from the Quran released spiritual power like a magic spell or incantation. This same belief is reflected in the Arabic wall hangings that many Islamic families have in their homes. It is widely believed that the written Arabic words when hung in a home provide protection from spiritual attacks.

As Nancy prayed for Sari she became convicted to ask again regarding the Quran’s teachings about Jesus. This time she had more language and was better prepared to answer Sari’s objections. She had a three hour discussion with Sari. Nancy asked, “According to the Quran Isa is the one who knows the right path. Where can we find the commands of Isa?”

Sari did not know the answer at first, but then it dawned on her that this was leading to the Bible. Her eyebrows raised and she said, “Oh, now I know where this is headed.” The spiritual walls shot up.

Perhaps in a way Sari is right. It does seem that she is under a magic spell that keeps her from responding to the truth that could save her soul. Nancy continues to pray for the Holy Spirit to break through and finally set Sari free.

*Names changed for security reasons.

Pray that:

The Holy Spirit will bring down the powerful spiritual barriers that keep people like Sari from responding to the Gospel.

Believers like Nancy will not lose heart in sharing truth, and will have the courage to try again, even when the initial attempts to share the Gospel go poorly.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.