During the last week of Ramadan I asked several people when the Night of Power would be – 50% answered with certainty. Then I asked when the end of Ramadan would be – 100% were uncertain.
“Insha’allah” (“If its God’s will”) is very frustrating when the normal rhythms of life has been put on hold in the name of Ramadan. Ramadan is often compared to the Christmas holiday. For families here, it may be compared to celebrating Advent except without all the stories. You prepare food for days, clean your house, make space for guests, take off from work, and spend a lot of yourself for others… Imagine preparing for the Christmas feast every night… for a month!! On top of that- you are FASTING from food AND water– with 100% uncertainty that any of this will be acceptable to God, but you hope it will be. This inspired my prayers a lot this year during Ramadan. Oh that our friends and neighbours would experience the love and assurance from Jesus!
On my street, the local mosque is just 4-5 houses down. During Ramadan they decided to increase the decibel level of the 6 speakers they have so more can be called to pray at the extra time of prayer added for Ramadan. They also forgot to check if the speakers will work well so there’s feedback too. But they do not stop to fix it because saying prayers are more important. These are the moments when religious zeal can turn any practical thinker against religion. However this is also when I need to switch from the eyes of man, and look to the ways of God; not to get angry, but to trust God — shouting while muffling my ears — “God, only you KNOW!!!!!” and “Only YOU can save!”. Yes, the Lord is faithful to show us our own hearts when the pressures rise. Thank God He does understand and thank God He forgives each time.
This year I believed that the Lord was telling me to stand firm in the freedom He’s given me. I’ve explained that I fast only to draw near to God and to petition for special requests. I drink water and may fast for longer than one day. My young language helper was amazed and said, “We HAVE to fast. It’s not a choice”. Then she talked about how she looked forward to the Night of Power because “whatever sins you have, if you’re sincere, God will grant you forgiveness.” This turned into a very interesting conversation.
Thank God for the many spiritual conversations that took place during Ramadan this year. Please continue to pray that Jesus will reveal Himself to people who are searching for the truth, and searching for the assurance of eternal life that we know comes through Jesus.