Bilquis Sheikh (1912–1997)

I’ve wanted to read this book for a long time, and recently, I was able to get it as an audiobook and listened to it while on a trip. What a fascinating story—but also a great reminder of Who God is and what He has done for us!

I think the biggest thing that struck me about this story was what an intimate relationship God wants to have with us. Of course, the way it looks changes from person to person, but I loved seeing how He dealt with Bilquis to draw her closer to Himself. She was very sensitive to His leading, and I think that may have saved her a lot of grief in the long run.

As far as the setting goes, I didn’t feel like I got to know Pakistan very well through this, although it’s obviously a beloved country to Bilquis. Due to the way she lived, almost as a hermit, that wasn’t such a big part of the story. At the same time, I think her lifestyle may have protected her to some extent, too, so there aren’t such violent things in her story as we may hear from other Christians in that country.

This wasn’t the most fascinating book I’ve ever read, but I’m glad I was able to take the time for it. It’s refreshing to hear other Christian’s stories, and I came away blessed by this read. Recommended!… (mais)