False Hope

Leila* always appears content and happy. She invites Megan* to have tea with her and Megan stops in Leila's store on a regular basis. Their relationship has struggled to go past the surface.

A few months ago, Megan was able to share the Gospel message with Leila. Like any devout Muslim, Leila had all of the answers for why she loved Allah, and why Islam filled her with peace. Until today, Megan believed this to be true, and she began to wonder if Leila was someone she should "shake the dust" from. It appears that Leila is very content with her life and does not want to hear about the One True God.

Megan's perception was changed today.

A few days ago Leila's son was disrespectful to her. He threw a book at her and refused to apologize. When Leila asked her husband to help control their son, he made no effort and told his son that he didn't have to apologize. This began an outpouring of reality as Leila shared with Megan what her life is really like. She works long, hard days, and comes home to a husband who shows her little love and respect. Her son adores her when his father isn't present, but when father and son are in the same room, Leila doesn't stand a chance. Leila's mother-in-law despises her. She describes her seemingly kind husband as being two-faced.

Megan learned all of this just a few minutes after Leila had taken a few moments to pray to Allah in her store. She used to be uncovered, but now, she is never seen without her veil. It seems Leila is seeking some source of comfort in Islam. She's trying harder to be a good Muslim. Maybe if she is good enough, Allah will let her into heaven. Maybe.

Before she left, Megain promised to pray for Leila. Please pray with us that Leila will understand how much Jesus values and loves women, and that He desires to carry her through life's burdens.