Rest for the Restless
We have a Christmas ornament that states: “Wise men still seek Him.” I like that statement, but it is missing something. We seek him because he first sought us. Inside each of us, there is a voice calling us to know our creator. Saint Augustine wrote in his Confessions,
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”
Our Muslim friends need to hear these wise words written so many years ago. They seek to settle the restlessness and uncertainty they feel through their actions or merit by following the Five Pillars of Islam: Fasting, Giving to the Poor, Pilgrimage/Hajj, Daily Prayers, and Reciting their Creed. But it is God’s gift for us to find our rest in Him. It is not based on who we are and what we do, but on him and what he has done for us. Our call as followers of Jesus is to speak the Word, live out the Word in front of them, and help them see that this rest, this grace, is not based on good deeds but through submission to the Lord.
Share and show what resting in God looks like
We know that Muslims follow the Five Pillars of Islam, trying to earn God’s favor. They do not understand that they just need to rest in him. They need to stop striving and start yielding; stop pursuing and start listening; stop trying to force God to accept them based on works and start receiving his gift of grace. Yet if I am being honest, I have to ask myself, “Would they see that in my life?” Would they see it in yours? Are we modeling what it means to find our rest in God? I have to confess that I don’t think they would always see it in me. Too often, I pray for God’s will to be done, but I work like it depends on me. Lord, give us grace to live out your truth for all to see and understand.
We have some Muslim friends who are gently pushing back against our gospel-sharing with them. They are making videos and exhorting their fellow Muslims to live better lives, to look out for others, and to have hope in this difficult world. I think it’s because they are feeling the pressure of Christlike lives lived out in front of them by Christians they know. It is making them feel uncomfortable, and they want to do more.
They have said on more than one occasion, “It is not enough to just, ‘let Jesus save you’, you need to earn your own salvation and way to heaven through good works.” May God give abundant grace to these dear friends and to all Muslims seeking to earn their salvation. May he give them eyes to see him for who he is, so that they may find their rest in him.
Would it be possible for you to invite a Muslim or Muslim family to join you and your family’s Christmas celebration this year? Maybe for an Advent lighting and reading or Christmas caroling? Perhaps they can help you make homemade Christmas treats to share with friends and family. It would be wonderful for many Christians this year to shine the light of Christ with a Muslim family or individual who has never celebrated Christmas before.
10/10 Prayer Initiative
On the first Friday of every month, we have covenanted to join in prayer for 10% of the Muslim world to come to Christ in 10 years. This is a bold and challenging prayer that can only be answered by a bold and all-powerful God! Feel free to ask others to join in for these first Friday prayers, or if another day works better for you, that is fine, too!
Please also pray:
- That Jesus, the true Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas, would reveal himself through dreams and visions to Muslims around the world.
- For those affected by conflict around the world that they may be comforted and find rest.
- That the good news of Jesus Christ would be shared over meals and get-togethers throughout this Christmas season.
- For Ryan Corbett to be released by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Pray for grace for his family as they struggle through the second year of his captivity.
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