November 18
A Choice That Changes
Everything
"Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me. Anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."
Matthew 10:37 (NIrV)
Amar zipped up his backpack and glanced at his phone. A message from Liam flashed across the screen: Hey man, you coming to youth group tonight?
His heart pounded. He wanted to go. He always felt peace there—something he never experienced anywhere else. But he knew what it would mean if he went.
Growing up in a devout Muslim household, Amar had never questioned his faith. It was woven into every part of his life—prayers five times a day, fasting during Ramadan, trips to the mosque with his father. But then he met Liam. At first, their conversations about Jesus were just friendly debates—Amar defending Islam while Liam talked about grace, love, and salvation. But the more he listened, the more something stirred inside him.
The words of Jesus were different. They weren’t just rules; they were life. They spoke to his heart in a way that nothing else ever had. And slowly, he began to believe.
But belief was one thing. Admitting it—especially to his family—was something else entirely.
That evening, he sat at the dinner table, barely touching his food. His father noticed. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Amar muttered.
His mother reached for his hand. “You know you can tell us anything.”
Could he? What would happen if they knew? Would they be disappointed? Angry? Would they kick him out? He had heard stories of others who had left Islam—some had lost everything.
That night, he lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, torn between love for his family and love for Jesus. Is it worth it, Lord? he prayed. I don’t want to hurt them. But I know You are real.
A verse Liam had shared came to mind: Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.
Tears welled in Amar’s eyes. He didn’t want to turn his back on his family. But he couldn’t turn his back on Jesus either.
Taking a deep breath, he made a decision. Tomorrow, he would tell them. He didn’t know what would happen, but he knew one thing—no matter what, he would follow Christ.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Following You isn’t always easy.
Sometimes, it means making choices that others won’t understand.
Please give us the courage to stand firm in our faith, even when it’s difficult.
Help us trust that You are with us, no matter the cost.
May we love our families deeply, but may we love You even more.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
