Potomac Conference

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6, NKJV).

Growing up in a loving Muslim home—led by my generous, strong, industrious mother—was a tremendous blessing to me. A commitment to the five pillars of Islam provided a foundation upon which I developed a reverence for an omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent God.

However, that foundation also left me seeking more. In spite of my questions and misgivings, I persisted in my desire to walk with God unreservedly. I wanted to know truth—even if it made me uncomfortable. One day, while at my university campus job, I lowered my head onto the desk and prayed, “God, please show me truth. No matter how you direct me, I just want to know truth.”

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Prov. 3:5–6, NKJV).

The book was How People Grow, by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend. I had been courageously absorbing its wisdom for several weeks. Eventually, though, I had to stop and address a painful realization: I’m nowhere near the emotionally healthy adult I should be.

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jer. 29:11, NIV).

Throughout my life, this verse has always reminded me that God is in control. There are times when I wonder why things happen the way they do or if something in my life is the right thing for me. However, each time these doubts fill my mind, I remember that God puts everything in my life for a purpose.

Story by Debra Anderson

In following the theme of Potomac Conference's mission to expand ministry beyond the walls of the physical church, on Sabbath, September 11, 2021—the 20th anniversary of 9/11—volunteers from the Takoma Park (Md.) church led an effort to extend help to a neighbor in need.

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7, NKJV).

If someone were to ask me what the best advice I have ever received was, I would quote this verse. I have learned that the Bible is a guide, a place I can go to learn what I need to do.

Satan is the king of lies. He left heaven with that title. And there is no doubt that if he deceived the angels, he can and will deceive us. The devil even deceived me in more ways than I can explain.