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Phil Lewis, our National Director, lived and worked in central Asia for almost 10 years. He writes about his experiences with a very common phrase ‘Inshallah’ that set the tone for a way of life dependent on God.
One of the earliest words I learned in my time overseas was one that I probably heard said the most: Inshallah. Literally meaning “if God wills”, it comes from the Arabic Insha (to will) and Allah (God).
Muslims use Inshallah in both ordinary and profound ways. In daily life, someone might say, “I will attend the meeting tomorrow, Inshallah”, or “We will finish this project next week, Inshallah”. Yet the same words are used in moments of vulnerability, such as a community facing hardship may cry out, “Inshallah, we will overcome”. The juxtaposition shows as the same phrase moves between casual planning and heartfelt cry, showing that trust in their God is woven into both ordinary and extraordinary moments of our life.
Christian traditions express similar sentiments. We use phrases like “God willing”, “Lord willing”, or “if the Lord wills” (James 4:15).
Here at Interserve GBI, we have been looking at our organisational values at our monthly staff meetings, and one of those values is Dependence on God. As I was preparing for our staff session on this value, a particular verse came to mind – one that I felt God gave me when I was joining Interserve in August. I was driving to my first day, feeling nervous, and wanted to see my lengthy commute as a blessing rather than a frustration (anyone who has commuted on the M6 can sympathise, I’m sure!). I used the time to listen to devotions and spend time with God, and one of the refrains from the devotion that I listened to kept repeating in my mind: Proverbs 3:5-6, a reminder to trust God rather than lean on my own understanding.
Inshallah captures this same truth. It’s a reminder that our efforts matter, but they work best when combined with humility and trust in God. We can plan and act, but ultimately, the outcome is guided by God, trusting that we’re part of something bigger.
So, when you hear the word Inshallah, may it remind you of that important connection between the work we do and the guidance we receive. It reminds us that in everything – big or small – we rely on God.
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