While we sleep…

“And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how.”

‭‭Mark 4:26-27

It had been a few years since “Nabeel” had been a part of the “ISF” (International Student Fellowship). The ISF was an earlier iteration of the Fellowship, done in collaboration with one of our partner ministries at our local university. This is one of our core principles at the Fellowship, equipping others to be able to fulfill their part in this great end-times harvest that that we are called and privileged to be a part of. Raising up and equipping leaders through the ISF (and other partnerships) is a significant part of what we do.

The student leaders at the ISF had connected with a young man from South Asia that we’ll call “Nabeel.” A devout Muslim, Nabeel made it clear that he had no interest in converting to Christianity, but a few of the guys in the group really connected with him on a personal level. One of the things that we see in the Gospels is that Jesus often met very real practical needs (such as healing) first, before addressing the more important spiritual need. For many of our students, alone and away from home, friendship and belonging are the primary practical needs.

Despite his objections to Christianity, Nabeel became a regular part of the group. He participated in social activities, and the ISF became his primary friend group. He tolerated the Bible studies, and would even engage on occasion. He was always respectful in his engagement, not debating or arguing, but he would sometimes challenge a particular point or teaching. It appeared that he legitimately engaged on an intellectual level, but the general perception among the leadership was that he had no genuine interest. I encouraged them that the Word of God was living and powerful (Heb. 4:12) and that the Gospel seeds that they had planted may well bear fruit in years to come. Nevertheless, on the surface, I unfortunately agreed with their assessment

Their job was to continue to pray for Nabeel, and to trust the Lord to water the seeds that had been sown

After a couple years, Nabeel graduated and moved away. One of the ISF leaders expressed a profound sense of disappointment and sadness that they had “failed” with Nabeel. They all grew to sincerely care for the young man. He felt that they had been given a great opportunity, and that they had failed to fulfill what God had called them to do in this season. I spoke firmly and lovingly into this, they had had redeemed the time, and had sown many seeds. They had proclaimed the Gospel into this man, just as they lived it in front of him. They invited him into fellowship just as the Father invites us. It was the Holy Spirit who would draw and convict. Their job was to continue to pray for Nabeel, and to trust the Lord to water the seeds that had been sown.

That was a couple of years ago. Imagine my surprise when Nabeel walked in the door! Were were gathering that evening for the Fellowship, and I was visiting with a new student. We have grown a bit since the ISF days, and we had quite a crowd already gathered, including some new students. As I was talking to the new student, a small crowd came through the door, and I looked over to see who had arrived. Amidst a sea of regulars, I noticed Nabeel, looking right at me with a giant smile on his face! I closed the distance quickly and gave him a big hug!

He is no longer referring to himself as “Muslim,” but as a seeker of truth

Over the coming days we reconnected. I learned that the seeds that had been planted years before by the ISF had slowly but surely begun to grow roots. Nabeel is seriously wrestling with his faith and he had many questions. He has not yet committed his life to Jesus, but he is reading the Bible, and asking the Lord to show him what is true. He is openly and overtly seeking. He is no longer referring to himself as “Muslim” but as a seeker of truth. Please join me in praying for Nabeel, that as he seeks truth, the Lord reveals and confirms THE Truth. Pray that he discovers Jesus, who loves Nabeel deeply, and who has a purpose for his life.

The seeds that were planted have taken root and are growing, even as we slept. We don’t understand how. We get the privilege of sowing Gospel seeds, and of watering, even where others have planted. Sometimes we get to reap. Those are truly times of rejoicing. But the growth itself? The growth is from the Lord! This is true of Nabeel, but it is also true in your life. it is true in your children or grandchildren. It is true with your lost loved ones. It is true in those you minister to and those you pray for. Don’t lose hope, and continue to pray that the Lord gives the growth!

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