After a year and a half of preparation, I made it to my placement! I arrived in the Middle East almost two weeks ago and since then, I’ve been acclimating to my new home. I spent most of my first week here sleeping to help my body adjust to the new time zone. But now that my sleep schedule is in order, I’ve been itching to get out and explore. I’ve been able to explore some since being here, but most of it will have to be put on hold until the month of Ramadan is over.
I arrived in the Middle East during Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month on the Islamic lunar calendar, and during this month, it is believed that Muhammad received the first revelations of the Quran. The Quran requires followers to fast from sunup to sun down every day during Ramadan, and many Muslims take this time to “clean up” their devotion to Allah by going to the mosque more often, offering voluntary prayers, and partaking in charity work.
During the short time that I’ve been here, I’ve been thinking about fasting in Islam and Christianity, especially as Ramadan this year overlaps with Lent. I have felt the Lord press my heart on why we fast. In Matthew 9, John’s disciples ask Jesus “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus replies: “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.” We don't fast to prove ourselves to God, we fast to prepare for the return of our bridegroom, Jesus Christ! Especially now in this Lenten season, fasting helps us remember Jesus’ journey to the cross, primes our hearts to celebrate the resurrection, and focuses our attention on His return.
Lord, hasten the day when our faith shall become sight. May my work here in the Middle East help prepare your Bride for the day of your return!