I have a friend who I know only online. She is in a very bad marriage with a Turkish Muslim man. She was raised a Catholic, but, of her own choice, converted to Islam, even though her husband is not at all observant or faithful to his religion. He is, in fact, the epitome of everything one would not wish to find in a husband, including being unfaithful. She has been suffering in this marriage but can’t find the strength to leave him. I think she’s afraid of what he might do if she tried.
Not long ago, as we were chatting, I just felt the need to speak to her of the strength and comfort that Jesus can give, especially with her situation. I’d, of course, shared my faith with her in the past, but this time it was different. And I told her I was saying this in love, because I love her as a dear friend and did not want to offend her, being that she is following Islam.
She was soooo relieved. She said she had wanted to tell me she loved me that way as well, but was embarrassed, thinking I might take it as strange. And she shared that she had been praying to Jesus lately, which just about floored me. I was ecstatic for her, knowing she had turned back to what most likely in her heart she always knew was the truth.
Today she shared with me that EVERY day she prays for the strength to free herself from this man or that somehow she will be freed. I told her I would pray with her for that. She then asked that, if I had a prayer group, to please share her need with them. And so I am here, sharing her story and asking that each of you pray for her. Please pray for her self-esteem, for her to stay strong in her faith, and to have the strength and guidance only God can give to know what is best concerning her marriage and to be able to take the steps needed as God would guide her.
I thank you all for your faithfulness to uphold others in prayer to our God. She asked I not share her name, but God knows.
Blessings,
Janet
PS: If the formatting of this text doesn't look right, please excuse the mess but I typed this in Word and have posted it three times now with lines breaking in the wrong places, etc. and just hope this time it turns out ok. If not, I hope you can still read it. Thanks!
