When a knock sounded at the front door, I groaned. It had been a busier week than usual, and my immediate family was looking forward to a relaxing day together. I hoped the unexpected visitor was at the wrong apartment.

My husband answered the door and walked into the living room with my friend Rida. Despite my mood, I happily greeted her with a hug.

“I wasn’t expecting to see you today,” I said.

Rida explained that a woman she’d been talking with online about spiritual things was in great pain. “Makka’s desperate for prayer, so I told her I’d visit today.” She smiled sheepishly. “Would you be willing to come with me?”

At first, I hesitated. I’d had other plans. And I didn’t want to miss fun time with my kids.

Quickly, the Lord softened my heart to the idea. Rida was a Muslim-background believer I’d been discipling for years, but she’d only recently begun sharing the Gospel. I knew she’d be more comfortable having me by her side for the visit.

My husband encouraged me to go, so I quickly hugged my kids and promised to return as soon as I could.

As we walked across town, Rida and I asked God what He wanted to accomplish today. An image of a knee and the words “he got up and walked” flashed across my mind’s eye. “Is Makka’s knee causing her pain?” I asked.

Rida shook her head. “I think she said it’s her back.”

“Oh.” The rest of the way there, I wondered why the Lord had brought Makka’s knee to mind, but I knew the Holy Spirit doesn’t make mistakes. God was preparing us for something.

When we arrived at Makka’s house, she invited us inside, limping heavily as she led the way to an intricate tablecloth spread across the floor. While her oldest daughter prepared tea, Makka explained that a slipped disk in her back had caused ongoing pain in her knee. Yet, as she continued talking, it became apparent her injury wasn’t the only source of her agony.

Makka shared story after story of rejection, betrayal, and trauma, emotion filling her voice. She mentioned often how she had turned to Allah and the Quran for help, but her hope was fading.

As she dried her eyes, I offered a smile. “It’s clear you’re seeking God, and He hears your prayers. He wants peace to reign in your heart. I believe He even wants to heal your knee.”

I shared about what I had seen on the walk over, then Rida asked if we could pray for her in the name of Jesus.

She agreed, and we prayed boldly for healing. After we finished, nothing seemed to happen.

The conversation continued, and the sun began to set. When Makka’s young granddaughter started fussing in the other room, I knew Rida and I should leave. I just couldn’t give up on the thought that God wanted to heal Makka.

“Can we pray for you one more time before we go?” I asked.

When Makka nodded, Rida and I both stood, each laying a hand on her shoulders. This time, the atmosphere in the house suddenly shifted. The presence of the Lord felt palpable. Even the baby stopped crying.

Once we finished, Makka wore a bright grin. “Thank you. I already feel lighter. My mind isn’t as troubled as before.”

Rida asked about her leg, and although Makka said it still hurt, she touched it as if something were happening.

A few days later, Rida stopped by my house, again unannounced. “Praise God! I just received a message from Makka. Listen to this.” She read from her phone. “’I’m feeling so much better. There’s only a little pain left, and in its place is so much hope. Isa has brought me so much joy!’”

Rida scrolled down. “Makka also had a dream about Jesus. She knows He’s the one who healed her, but she still refers to Him as a prophet. I don’t understand.”

Instead of feeling discouraged, I remembered the undeniable ways God had already moved. “The Lord is working in Makka’s life. He’s healed her knee, and we know He wants to reign in her heart. When the time is right, He’ll make Himself known. Or maybe He’s waiting for you to share the Gospel with her.”

“Maybe.” Rida’s smile slowly returned. “Makka thinks she has joy now. Just wait until she knows Jesus as her Lord and Savior.”

Indeed, what a glorious day that will be!

Pray:

• Lift up Muslim men and women like Makka, who are seeking spiritual guidance. Ask God to open their hearts to the truth of Christ.
• Pray that God will continue to reveal Himself to Muslims through dreams, visions, and healings.
• Praise the Lord for Frontiers workers and Muslim-background believers who long to see lives changed by the Gospel.

**This account comes from a long-term worker. Names have been changed for security.**

Main photo on iStock

Original article: https://frontiersusa.org/blog/hope-hurting/