Lovefast 4: Ebb & flow
Image Unsplash
Day 4 of 30
By Steve Bell from the Mahabba team
Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!
If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →
Daily verse
Thought for the day
Ebb & flow
As well as ‘movements’ of Muslims who choose to follow Christ, God is involved in the social movements of Muslim communities.
A classic example is the ‘ebb’ and ‘flow’ of the gospel history of this tall and slender Nubian people.
Things ‘flowed’ when Nubians embraced Christianity to form one of the early African churches.
Things ‘ebbed’ after the arrival of Islam, which caused Nubian Christians to shrink to just 1% of the 2 million-strong people group today.
Things ‘flowed’ (a little) as some explore Sufism in search of a personal experience of God, making them more receptive to the gospel.
Things have ‘ebbed’ again as thousands of Nubians seek work in the Gulf States to help provide for their families back home, become exposed to ultra-conservative Wahhabi Islam, making them more resistant to the good news about Jesus.
Prayer for the day
Father, thank you for your unseen involvement with Nubians throughout their history. While some are racist against them, they are still a nation on your heart. Cause them to be on the heart of others. As their lives are intertwined with the people of Upper Egypt, please call Egyptian believers to reach out to them. Although fewer Nubians come to Britain, would you follow them when in diaspora in the Middle East and also in the territory of Nubia. Amen
Daily action
Please note: actions were written before the COVID-19 pandemic. Please consult the latest advice from your local public health authority or government and adhere to any current restrictions on travel or social situations.
Check out Nubians in the book Operation World or equivalent or else online. What was Nubia called in Bible times and see if there are any promises which include them.
Your turn
Let us know how it went! Leave a comment on our online community platform, Discourse, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media.
Resources
Do you want to involve your church in blessing Muslim people through prayer and friendship?
There are new 30 Days of Prayer church resources available for you:
Pray Together as a Congregation
Small Group Session
Night of Power Prayer Meeting
Prayer Walk Guide
What’s your next step after 30 Days? There are loads of resources to help you on your journey.