Guest Writer - Denise Syed - Christian, Muslim and Married

I am so pleased to introduce a new guest writer to Spiritually Unequal Marriage, Denise Syed. Denise has written her amazing testimony of how God reached out to her in undeniable circumstances to offer her salvation. But the story continues, as our God continues to supply all that Denise needs on a daily basis.

Denise has a compelling story about her interfaith marriage, Christianity and Islam. In spite of immense spiritual opposition, she continues to grow in her relationship with Jesus Christ as well as her husband.

Denise has been married for almost 20 years to her husband, Ashraf. They live in New York and have six children, all of whom are homeschooled. Denise enjoys reading, learning about learning, and all kinds of art, especially fiber art. You can visit with her at Heart Threads.

It is my sincere hope and heart felt prayer that Denise’s life will inspire a husband or a wife that is struggling in their own life, to stay the course and focus on our Savior.

Lord, I life Denise before your throne and ask your protection over her this week. It has been a brave step for Denise to share her testimony. I ask that you would let her story sink deep into the hearts of all who read it. May they be changed in some manner that would bring glory to your name? Amen

Now Part I of III:

Twenty years ago, after a flurry of commotion and miracles, my husband and I were free to marry. I was quite unsaved, quite in love, and quite pregnant, so it was with ease that I agreed to his terms to become a Muslim and raise our children in the Islamic faith. His zeal and commitment to Islam was a big part of what attracted me to my husband. His faith really meant something to him and I liked that. Religion had never meant much to me. I grew up on the fringes of secular Christianity, hardly attending church, except maybe on Christmas or Easter. I don't recall hearing the gospel as a child or before I was married.

My husband, it seemed, had risked everything for me. As I gladly set about becoming a Muslim to honor my husband, Jesus Christ set about to bring me to Him. He sent me unrelenting crisis and unmistakable miracle. These experiences primarily involved my first-born daughter, Nylah, who was born with spina bifida and a host of serious medical complications. By the time she was four weeks old, when my husband and I were in our third month of marriage, she had had three major neurosurgeries and a one very near death experience. On Christmas Eve, while she was miraculously recovering in the Intensive Care Unit, I had a meeting with her neurosurgeon and an incredible encounter with God. The real and unmistakable God. It is one of those experiences that are hard to describe, so I won't try, but afterwards I knew that God had been there. I knew that He truly existed and I knew that He had brought me a miracle. It was incredible.

Our lives went on and God, who had snagged my attention in the ICU, continued to speak to me and reach after my heart. It was a long battle for God or perhaps, you might argue, a slow learning curve for me. It took many years, continued crisis, and more than my unworthy share of miracles. God also drew me close by giving me the desire to home school and then He sent me His word through home schooling textbooks. He sent me His love through other Christians: first one, then another, and then - you know how it goes - soon they were everywhere I turned. He sent me Christian radio station and I became a devoted attendee of the underground car church. Finally, fourteen years after my first encounter with God in the ICU, and after the dog days of yet another lengthy hospital stay and another near death experience for my daughter, I knew that neither God nor I could tolerate the disconnect that occurs when you pray to Christ for a blessed showing, but have not confessed Christ as your personal Savior. So, in the pew of my bucket seat, one day when my fear of staying away from Him far outweighed my fear of coming close, I did confess Christ. Six months later, I confessed it also to my husband. 

Next post, Part II. Thanks for stopping in. Be blessed, Lynn

Comments

[Melissa]

Denise I know you will be blessed for your obedience to God for sharing your story, as hard as it has been to do so. May God pour out his blessings in abundance upon you and your family.

[Curious Servant]

Thank you for sharing! I loved reading it.

I also like the way you turn a phrase:

"...and I became a devoted attendee of the underground car church..."

and

"...I knew that neither God nor I could tolerate the disconnect that occurs when you pray to Christ for a blessed showing, but have not confessed Christ as your personal Savior..."

A welcome read!

[Dineen Miller]

Wow, can't wait to read part 2. Thank you for sharing yourself, Denise!

[Rena]

Wow, what a great story. Amazing and such a glory to God

[Janice (5 Minutes for Mom)]

Wow - that is an incredible testimony - can't wait to read the rest!!!

[Vicki]

Completely fascinated with your inspiring story and praising God for drawing you to Him....keep going--can't wait to read the rest.