Today I realized that my heart is softening.

For many years, I never had any interest in the Middle East. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I learned about the religion as part of my preparation and training to enter the field full-time, but I never thought I would really use what I learned. Even when I started learning Arabic, I didn’t think I would use it.

But as I’ve taken steps in that direction, God has used many things to soften my heart. The food. The music. The culture. Things are stirring in my heart – not just interest, but compassion. (If you’re interested, you may enjoy searching for the movie “Captain Abu Raed” which you can watch on YouTube. It’s bittersweet and very well-made!)

Today, though, I felt a depth of compassion I had never felt before. As we sang about the victory of Israel in church this morning, something stirred in my heart. I began to plead for God’s mercy for those who have risen up against His chosen people. I began to cry out for His judgment to be executed – but not on the people, but instead on the enemy that has kept them from seeing the light of the Gospel.

Will you join me in prayer?

A few months ago, I wrote a blog post entitled Famous in Syria Again.  I remembered what I had written as I saw the image above that was recently posted on Twitter. (I’m still awaiting verification that it’s legitimate, but haven’t found anything on the contrary yet.)

The death toll in Syria the past two years is near 70,000. How many of these died without having heard? Please remember to pray for peace in the Middle East and for mercy for those who have yet to hear. And pray that your heart will be softened, too.

 

Softening heart
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