Wonderful Gift

8/9/16                       Timothy                           about 30

I don’t often hear of dilemmas like the one I heard today.  Timothy (his Christian name?) grew up Muslim in Malaysia but became a Christian through both some Christian friends and a unique experience with the Holy Spirit in his life.  His girlfriend, Shareen, is still Muslim and studies in Pakistan.  In fact she passed by the hospital in Pakistan just minutes before yesterday’s suicide blast that killed some 70 people.  She is from a strong Muslim family and her brother is so fervent in his Muslim beliefs that he would possibly do an “honor killing” should she become a Christian and bring dishonor upon the family.   My usual advice when hearing that a Christian is dating a non-Christian is that out of fairness to the unbeliever, the Christian should both share their faith but also step back in order to allow them to focus on their relationship with God.  Shareen has shared with Timothy the heavy burden and resulting depression placed on her by the works-based demands of Islam.  Timothy wants desperately to share the freedom he finds in Christ but fears for her safety, not only if she becomes a Christian but if her family finds out that he is one.  She has graduated from college and is planning a move to the United States, so Timothy is waiting for her arrival to share his faith.   I listened to his story and had no advice to offer.  But I did have prayer.  I’m so glad I don’t have to have all the answers.  What a wonderful gift God gives us that we can offer to others – our heartfelt prayers when we don’t know what else to say.