A Life Rewritten: Exchanging Millions for a Relationship with God

For over 20 years, I built a career that most people only dream of. I had the privilege of living and working across the globe—in Cairo, Qatar, Paris, Amsterdam, Prague, Dubai, Dallas, and San Francisco. These cities became more than just destinations on a map; they were chapters in a life story filled with professional achievements, cultural experiences, and personal growth. But none of these places—nor the accolades and successes I gained—could fill the aching void I felt inside.

I left it all.

Not because the opportunities weren’t incredible. They were. I led multi-million-dollar projects, managed operations with teams of hundreds across continents, and negotiated contracts that saved millions. I worked in industries ranging from airlines to tech, insurance to consulting. I was the guy with the corner office, the global connections, and the six-figure paycheck.

Yet, here I am today, no longer consumed by corporate goals or chasing career milestones. I walked away from it all to follow Jesus.

This isn’t a story about rejection; it’s about redemption. It’s not about losing the world but finding my soul.


 The Allure of Success

My career began in Cairo, where I was raised, and quickly expanded into international opportunities. I moved to Qatar, one of the world’s fastest-growing hubs of business and culture. There, I honed my skills in management and customer experience. From there, I found myself in Europe—Prague, Paris, and Amsterdam—working with some of the most respected companies in the airlines and tech industries.

Each move came with a pay increase, a more prominent role, and an exhilarating sense of achievement. I managed projects worth millions of dollars and led teams in multiple languages across multiple time zones. I spearheaded efforts that tripled sales for companies in record and slashed cost in the process.

By the time I moved to Dallas, my income was in the top tier, and my global network was vast. If I calculated the financial implications of leaving it all behind, I estimate the loss to be in the millions. Yes, millions. Walking away meant leaving behind lucrative offers, a lifetime of benefits, and the comfort of knowing I had “made it.”


The Quiet Question in My Heart

But despite the external success, I was restless. Something was missing—a quiet but persistent question in my heart: “What is all this for?”

For years, I ignored it. I buried myself in work, in meetings, in international flights, and in the endless pursuit of more. I thought the next achievement, the next promotion, or the next country would finally fill the void.

But it never did.

It wasn’t until I encountered the radical love of God that the emptiness began to make sense. Raised in a Muslim household, I had always been taught to pursue righteousness through works. The idea that grace—unearned, undeserved—could be the key to salvation was a concept I struggled to understand.

I began reading the Bible, not out of rebellion against my upbringing but out of a hunger I couldn’t ignore. What I found wasn’t just a collection of ancient texts but a living, breathing story of redemption that spoke directly to my heart.

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 The Cost of Following Christ

When I decided to follow Christ, I knew there would be a cost.

In the Muslim world, leaving your faith is often seen as betrayal. For someone with a high-profile career like mine, it wasn’t just personal—it was public. My decision risked alienating colleagues, friends, and even family.

Professionally, I knew the path I was about to take wasn’t paved with financial security or worldly accolades. I left behind leadership roles in Dallas and beyond that promised more influence and income than I had ever dreamed of.

Walking away from my career wasn’t just a step of faith; it was a leap into the unknown. But when I looked at what Christ offered—a relationship with God, freedom from the chains of performance-based acceptance, and a purpose far greater than any corporate strategy—I knew it was worth it.

The Bible speaks directly to this kind of sacrifice. In Matthew 19:29, Jesus promises, “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.”

Another verse that guided me is Luke 14:33: “In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.” These words weren’t just ancient instructions—they became my reality.

From Success to Significance

Since leaving my career, I’ve found a new kind of success. It doesn’t come with a title, a paycheck, or a corner office. Instead, it comes from sharing the love of God with others, especially Muslims who are wrestling with the same questions I once had.

I now use my experience in leadership and strategy to equip others for ministry. Whether it’s through building bridges between communities, writing, or speaking, my mission is to point people to the truth of the Gospel.

My global experience isn’t wasted. The skills I gained in communication, negotiation, and leadership have been repurposed for God’s kingdom. I’ve learned that nothing is ever wasted when surrendered to Him.

 Why I Share My Story

I share this not to boast but to encourage. If you’re feeling the tug of Christ on your heart, know this: the cost of following Him is high, but the reward is immeasurable.

Jesus said, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it” (Matthew 16:25). I’ve found this to be true in ways I never imagined.

When I think about the millions I could have earned or the accolades I could have achieved, I don’t feel regret. Instead, I feel gratitude—gratitude for a Savior who saw me in my striving and called me to rest in Him.

 What About You?

Maybe you’re reading this as someone who is successful by every worldly standard but still feels that quiet ache inside. Maybe you’ve achieved all you set out to accomplish but wonder if there’s more.

Let me encourage you to explore that question. Open a Bible, reach out to someone who knows Christ, and ask the hard questions.

If my journey from Cairo to Dallas, from corporate boardrooms to ministry, has taught me anything, it’s this: no amount of success can fill the void that only God was meant to fill.

Following Him cost me everything—and gave me far more than I could have ever imagined.

What is holding you back from taking the leap?