GOD IS NEAR
A Reflection on the Persecuted Church in Nigeria
"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
~ Psalm 23:4
God is near... in the darkest valley, in our weakness, God is our strength.
With time to reflect and process some of my time spent in Nigeria, I can’t help but be reminded of how challenged and encouraged I was in seeing the resilience of the believers that faced so much persecution. During my time I was overwhelmed by everything I saw and heard. The realities of persecution suddenly became very real, and very personal. It was no longer something that I read about in the news or in Bible stories. It became a dark cloud that hung over me every day as it became more and more tangible and less theoretical.
The daily choice to stand strong in their faith was a choice that would have very different outcomes, from not getting hired for a job, being denied a building permit, and even their own lives.
And yet everyone I spoke to said the same thing, “In the face of this persecution we feel that God is so near to us.”
I was reminded of the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the book of Daniel. When faced with a fiery furnace for refusing to bow down to a false god, these three men chose to stand firm in their faith. In a miraculous display, God not only preserved them, but also walked with them in the furnace.
Nigeria at times felt like a fiery furnace. Quite literally villages and churches were being destroyed around us, and there was great risk at every turn. And yet, the churches in Northern Nigeria are experiencing the reality of God's nearness as they endure persecution. Their unwavering faith, even in the midst of danger, reflects their trust that God is close to those who suffer.
I had the privilege of interviewing a pastor and visiting his church. His congregation had to meet on a police barracks because their church has been burned down, and they had been denied permission to rebuild.
And yet, those police grounds were full.
Seven different churches were meeting there and I was so encouraged to see so many believers gathering and celebrating the closeness they feel to God.
Even as I asked “But don’t you want to have your building back?” The response remained unanimous “Yes, but look at what God is doing…He’s provided a safe place for us to worship and we continue to be an example that we will not run from struggle,
but rather run towards it.”
Resilience
The resilience of the church in Nigeria isn't just a local phenomenon; it's a living testimony to the timeless truth that God is closest to those who suffer. As I reflect on their journey, I’m reminded that the promises of Scripture aren't distant words; they are living, breathing realities.
The church in Nigeria is a radiant example of God's nearness in the darkest hours, a beacon of hope for us all. May their unshaken faith inspire us to trust God's presence in our own trials and to draw nearer to Him, knowing that in our weakest moments,
His strength is made perfect.
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© 2022 Emma Fuller
