Strange Changes: God at Work

“Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way,  And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the LORD, And He will have compassion on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6-7, NASB.

Mike* is a father of three. He claimed the Muslim faith, but he was never much interested in religion or God. He had a job, but kept most of the money for himself. He enjoyed hanging out with friends, playing cards and other gambling activities. He almost completely ignored his family.

When he did come home, he rarely spoke to his wife, Nancy, or their children, except to yell at them. Mike allowed Nancy’s salary as a maid to provide for the family. Nancy considered leaving Mike many times, but she felt that her children needed their father.

Nancy worked for two Christian women from the United States. One day she came to work, and shared how Mike had started changing. He now comes home by 10 p.m. every night. He speaks kindly to her and the children and is contributing more to the family from his salary. He has also started studying with a Muslim teacher every day at the afternoon break.

Nancy’s employers, Mary and Renee, thought that these changes were more than just a decision to be moral. They discerned that God was at work in Mike’s life. When Mike’s birthday came around, Mary and Renee prayed about how best to use this occasion to influence him with the love of God. They decided to give Mike a New Testament.

They worried that Mike would not accept the gift because of his recent interest in his Muslim faith. Surprisingly, Mike’s first reaction was that he was being insulted about his lack of education by being given a book. Nancy quickly explained that her employers wanted him to become a godly leader in his home and the book could help him. Mike calmed down and accepted the gift.

The next morning, before sunup, Mike sat on the porch and read the New Testament. It was during the fasting month of Ramadan, so Nancy called him in for breakfast. Mike continued to read. Nancy called again. Mike said, “Be patient with me, I want to read a little more.”

*Names changed for security reasons.

Pray that:

Mike will understand the things he is reading from the Bible.

Mike’s entire household will come to saving faith.

Mike will share with others the truth he is learning from reading the New Testament.

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