Blog Mysterious Ways

By Mark McPeak

A missionary friend recently told an amazing story from North Africa about God's powerful and mysterious workings. A couple came to know Christ in a Muslim country where conversion is strictly forbidden and the population closely monitored.

Overwhelmed by the love of their Savior, the man and wife wanted to share the gospel with someone - anyone. They prayed for wisdom to know what they should do. Their caution, being "wise as serpents and harmless as doves," was based on their knowledge that any potential convert was also a likely informant. Interest in the Message could be a cover for seeking out unlawful evangelists.

At the same time, a man in a nearby village grew dissatisfied with his faith in the Qur'an (the Muslim holy book). He sought the Truth-the "true Truth" we might say. His most intense time of seeking was accompanied by a recurring dream. Each night he dreamed of boarding a bus to a neighboring town where he exited and immediately asked, "What is the Truth?" This happened night after night, until the dream changed slightly. The final night, he saw the number of the bus. The next day, with intent, the seeker boarded the bus and journeyed to the destination he saw in his dream.

Imagine the shock and sheer joy of the prayerful couple when a man stepped off a bus in front of them and asked the question that was an answer to their prayer!

He is at work-this I know. For me, God is as faithful as he was to the Muslim seeker. He speaks in ways I can hear and even understand. The question is, am I listening?

A little more than a year ago I was championing a major new marketing initiative for a leading Christian company. One Thursday, on my drive home, James Forlines, General Director of International Missions, called to ask if I would pray about becoming IM's Director of Communications. I prayed.

Over breakfast I told James, "I can see myself in this role; it fits my passion and my preparation." But, I also had a major concern. I told him, "It would seem irresponsible for me to leave my new role just as things are gearing up." We agreed to pray about the situation while he traveled to India for three weeks.

Later that very day, my boss met with me to tell me the new initiative had been unexpectedly terminated. He felt bad for me. (He's a great guy.) He pledged his support and we began to map out an alternative plan for me to remain on his team.

Although I was shocked at the decision to cancel the initiative, I was not ill at ease. While sitting in my boss's office I was overwhelmed with peace and a sense that God is in control and I can trust Him. He spoke through that situation and provided loving guidance for me. Even though I had a lot of questions, I walked through the door He opened. I'm glad I did.

While my story is less dramatic than the one from North Africa, it's still as miraculous for me. The One true God, the God of the nations, cares enough to speak into my world and guide me. I'm really glad I was listening. Even though, in the retelling, it sounds like you'd have to be an idiot not to see God at work, I'm thankful it was during a time when I was really seeking Him.

So, let me encourage you-seek Him. Ask God to show Himself in your life and to give you something significant to do for Him. He will guide you. And all you have to do is follow!

"And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart."
(Jeremiah 29:13)