Hope in Turmoil

In the book of 1st Peter, Peter addresses those who suffer and highlighted the recognition of the presence of God, even in adversity. We can find these words in chapter 1:
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,
7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ...

James echoed a similar theme in chapter 1 of his book, instructing us to "count it all joy" when we encounter trials.  When we suffer, we can look to the power of God and we can rejoice that He is with us. He does not abandon us when we encounter trouble; no, He is there with us, comforting us, giving us strength, and producing His fruit and character through our times of suffering.  No wonder we hear of the growth of the Church when persecution is occurring. 

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Jesus has taught us and shown us that He is with those who suffer and walks with us in our times of trial; 1st Peter chapter 4 relates:
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.

Afghanistan was already a place where Christians faced danger, and with the return of the Taliban to govern the war-torn nation in the summer of 2021, concerns were heightened about the treatment of Christians.  For the first time in two decades in early 2022, that country topped Open Doors' World Watch List of the leading countries persecuting Christians. 

North Korea returned to the top of the list this year, with Afghanistan falling to #9. But the concern is certainly strong. The Open Doors website states:

More than a year after the Taliban's takeover, any promises they made about recognising freedoms have proved to be false. Following Jesus remains a death sentence, if discovered.

The rigid form of society imposed by the militant group leaves no room for deviation, meaning Christians – almost all of whom are converts from Islam – must keep their faith secret. Leaving Islam is considered shameful and punishable by death under the prevailing Islamic law. Consequently, Christian converts face dire and violent consequences if their new faith is discovered, even from family members who must save their so-called 'honour' by getting rid of them.

A recent Faithwire article featured comments from David Curry of Global Christian Relief; it stated:

“The Taliban seized control of the government,” he told CBN’s Faithwire. “It’s been 18 months of the Taliban returning to a very draconian, medieval rule.”

Curry continued, “Their theology drives the way they see the world. It’s a medieval interpretation of Islam. Women can’t go to school, can’t hold jobs, females’ faces are covered.”

And that’s not all. Curry said there are “extreme, bizarre, brutal punishments” being waged against anyone who challenges Islam or the Taliban, with other extremist groups like the Islamic State trying to push the Taliban to even more depraved behavior.

Curry is quoted as saying: “We’ve got to start thinking about what we can do to help get Christians solidified, stabilized in the country, and maybe even think about how can we help and go into this country, this difficult area, and try to build the church and try to build our influence in the name of Jesus.”

He added, “A lot is going on that’s both brutal and bizarre...And we need to do everything we can to strengthen the church.”

But there is hope for the people of Afghanistan; the Faithwire article said:

Release International, a U.K.-based group monitoring Christian persecution, marked the first anniversary of the Taliban’s harsh rule with a news release indicating its belief that, despite severe and even deadly restrictions, Christianity could exponentially expand.

Despite noting “the persecution of Christians is continuing unabated,” Release International also stated that “there are early signs that the Christian faith could be growing among Afghans despite — or because of — violent persecution.”

And, according to Shoaib Ebadi, president of Square One World Media, young people there "...are eager to hear about new things because their way of life that has continued for centuries has not brought peace or forgiveness, and the people are not prospering,” he told Voice of the Martyrs Canada, according to Faithwire, adding: “It’s always fighting and revenge. They are questioning everything: their own faith, their past, their present, their future.”

It is important that we are consistently aware of the plight of Christians who are facing severe persecution, even to the point of death, in countries around the world.  But, we can also rejoice in that Jesus is building His Church.  Even out of the fires of affliction.  And, strong faith is being produced in the crucible of suffering. 

We can also remember that wherever there is Jesus, there is hope. He is the One who brought life out of death, and can produce His new life in the hearts of those who would believe on Him, even in times of difficulty.  There is assurance and comfort in our trials through the presence of Jesus...

...and the power of prayer.  No prayer - no power.  But, with awareness, we can respond prayerfully to those who are suffering, recognizing that prayerful response can produce dedicated, God-inspired action.