A Life in Exile

There are several verses in my Bible that carry names in the margins. Some are prayers for children or remind me of moments in history. Today’s verse in Proverbs holds that of my late husband’s name: Raouf Ghattas. Let me share the verse and I’ll tell you why.

When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. (Proverbs 16:7 ESV)

A man who pleased the Lord

Since I’ve written several blog posts about my husband and a book as well, I won’t recount every story here, but this verse carries his name, first and foremost, because he was a man who sought to please the Lord in all he did and said. From his time in the Word and prayer each morning to conversations with the hurting and lost, Raouf’s life was about the daily surrender to the Lordship of Christ. He made few plans (I have a calendar to prove it) because he allowed each week to fill with the things God prepared in advance for him to accomplish.

When he pastored the Arabic Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, he had a sign above his desk that read: “We will not rest until all the Arabs of Ft. Worth and Dallas hear the good news of Jesus Christ.” His urgency to share the gospel of Christ motivated his every day and led him to leave the Land of Opportunity to return to the Middle East in order to reach Muslims. He never saw his call to overseas missions service as a sacrifice, because he only wanted to please the Lord who had saved him.

At peace with enemies

Because Raouf pleased the Lord, he found peace with his enemies. When questioned by authorities in multiple countries, he would engage them in conversation, get them to laugh with him, and ultimately release him. Before leaving one country, the secret police officer assigned to us called and made sure we knew that they were not behind our expulsion. He would miss the weekly conversations when he asked Raouf the topic of his Sunday sermon, which, to Raouf, meant that he would simply preach it to him over the phone.

When meeting with a local imam, we were shown great hospitality. Though the man shared with arrogant confidence that our city would soon become Muslim, Raouf assured him that he would not give up sharing Christ with the Muslims. He was not afraid of the intimidation, and it would later prove true that because of Raouf’s love for Muslims, the imam would have to speak to his congregants to beware of Raouf Ghattas. His love was enticing and inviting. They didn’t know that love in Islam.

For this reason, we found Muslims coming to us in times of need. They sought out Raouf’s counsel and guidance. How can you be at war with a people you love? They knew him as a man of God in every country to which we traveled and lived, and it brought their respect and honor.

You can have the same

But this verse isn’t about Raouf Ghattas, it’s about any man or woman who pleases the Lord with their actions and words. Enemies may not become friends, but they do honor those who live with integrity of faith, even if they eventually kill you for it.

I remember when a dear Christian doctor was killed in Yemen. Who grieved her the most? The Muslims she served for decades. They were upset that one man took her life, knowing that she loved God and their people. She always did good for them. Who would kill her?

You may not be living among what some see as “active enemies” but as a Christ-follower, you do have enemies. There are those who prefer you not to be so good, not to speak up for Christ, not to invite people to your church, not to offer to pray for them. These are enemies of the cause of Christ in your midst. What do you do?

This verse tells us. Continue to seek to please the Lord in all your ways. Put Him first above all others. Live in accordance with His Word. Seek His guidance for all you say and do.

Then, as you love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, you will love your neighbors as yourself—in peace. As you honor God, your enemies will notice. They will see your good works on their behalf and on behalf of the God you serve and leave you in peace.

Whatever the outcome of a life lived for Christ, He will be honored through our life or death to the glory of God the Father. Please the Lord in all your ways and watch what happens.

Grace and Peace

If you missed the last Friday Focus post, click HERE, or start this Walking in Wisdom series from the beginning.