By an Alliance international worker couple serving in the Middle East
We recently met a man, Jacob,* who told us a story we want to share. He explained how a friend had given him a New Testament before returning to his home country.
Jacob gladly received the gift—and promptly put it on a shelf with his other books. It remained there unopened for a long time.
A Hungry Heart
Jacob continued on with his daily life, running his successful business and overseeing the work on his land. He had nice cars, a beautiful property, and a growing family—things were going well for him.
Yet Jacob recalled to us that his heart remained hungry.
One day, he looked at the books on his shelf. He had read all of them but one. None of the books had offered the answers and meaning his heart longed for.
As he picked up the New Testament, he thought, Why not?
This Is about Jesus!
As he began to read this book, he immediately realized it was different from all the others. The Jesus he read about was unique. His teachings! His miracles! His invitation to all who are weary and burdened to come to Him and find rest for their souls (see Matthew 11:28).
He felt like Jesus was speaking directly to him!
Jacob read on and on. Then he reached the fourth book in the New Testament, which said: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).
He realized the writer was talking about Jesus, and he was amazed. There is life in this Book, he thought!
The Holy Spirit continued to speak to Jacob as he read the pages of the New Testament, and he gave his life to Christ. Suddenly, all of the things of the world that had before meant so much to him no longer mattered. He had found life in Jesus—eternal life.
Jacob had to tell the people he cared about. He had to let them know where they could find rest and eternal life as well.
Something More Valuable
He also began searching for other believers with whom he could find the kind of fellowship he read about in the New Testament. His search led him to an Alliance church in his country in the Middle East, where he was welcomed and nurtured in his walk with Christ.
Eventually, several in his immediate family joined him in his newfound faith. But many of his other relatives were not so receptive. When it became clear that his life was in danger, Jacob decided he had to leave his country.
He left behind his cars, land, home, and his business. But he knew he now had something far more valuable—a right relationship with his God and Savior. He had found “the pearl of great price.” What more could he ask for? Why would he ever trade that for anything else?
Jacob lives in a new country now, daily trusting the Lord. He is continuing to tell others about the new life he found in the Book.
*Name changed
Pray
Please pray for Jacob’s continued boldness and grace as he helps others to find the Truth. Ask for the Lord’s clear leading as Jacob seeks to follow His will for his life. Pray for others like him throughout the Middle East to hear and respond to Jesus’ voice as they read the pages of the Scriptures.
Please pray for the leaders in this conflict-filled region to have wisdom in dealing with the numerous crises they are facing, including many security issues and the great humanitarian needs of refugees.
Learn More
Read “God’s Word,”another article about the power of reading the Scriptures.