8 men struggle to find meaning in a world torn by violence and death
One day, eight men met under a shade tree in their town. Their Muslim nation seemed trapped by soaring inflation, escalating violence and a military coup.
Why would God allow these problems? What could be done to turn things around?
Despite devout practices, the men felt something was missing in their understanding of this life and beyond. Traditional Islamic teachings didn’t have the answers.
As they discussed the issues of the day, one of the men recalled meeting a young stranger who believed the prophet Jesus had answers for these critical times. The stranger had given a pamphlet to him.
“I didn’t look at it. Never even gave it another thought,” the man said.
This sparked a discussion about texts from the Quran that mentioned Jesus and His miracles. One of the men remembered that Jesus is called “the Spirit of God” and “the Word of God.” Another recalled Jesus being described as a “sign of the hour,” which stirred a sense of awe and wonder among the men. Might Jesus have answers for the problems of the day?
“Perhaps I could find that pamphlet among my things at home,” ventured the man who had met the stranger.
As the men continued to talk about Jesus, several admitted knowing devout Christians—good people who seemed to have peace even during times of turmoil. One of the men pointed out a verse in the Quran that speaks of the day of judgment and how people who believe in Jesus will be above those who disbelieve. This verse shook the group, as most of the men remembered hearing it.
Before parting, the men exchanged phone numbers.
Arriving home that evening, the man who had received the pamphlet found it and noticed that the stranger he’d met had scribbled a phone number on the back.
The next day, he called the young stranger and invited him to visit and share more about Jesus. Then he called the other men to meet as well.
Most of the men arrived early, eager to learn more, but also concerned that the young stranger might be a Christian who would defile the house. To their relief, the young man wore the traditional Islamic garb. He told the men that he’d just passed by the mosque he attended. Then everyone felt more comfortable.
As the discussion began, the men were impressed by the stranger’s thoughtful responses to their questions and his knowledge of the Quran.
The men met regularly, studying the Quran and eventually the Bible. The group was surprised to learn that their young teacher was enduring hardships potentially more significant than their own. Still, he seemed at peace. His silent testimony spoke more powerfully than what he shared.
“God in His infinite wisdom and goodness isn’t the author of evil,” he said. “Although God permits evil, it’s the work of Satan.”
This made sense to the men. It offered a new lens for viewing the turmoil and strife in the world. And it was also a source of comfort as the men began to realize the complex interplay of free will, divine providence and the struggle between good and evil.
These fathers, husbands and community leaders have come to crossroads in their spiritual journey as they study the life of Christ. They are discovering how Jesus is the answer to personal peace and the source of power to overcome brokenness in their lives and in their nation.
Please pray for these eight new believers as the Holy Spirit shows the path of what it means to be a follower of Christ. How it includes forgiving jihadists who murder family and friends and praying for those who hurt or persecute.