Alexei Navalny’s recent death has been widely publicized in the news. He was an activist combatting corruption in the Russian government. Media reports that Vladimir Putin likely played a role in his death. What intrigued me about Navalny is that his final years were defined as much by his faith as by his politics. His faith apparently was the catalyst on how he approached the persecution that ended his life at the young age of forty-seven.
Navalny became a Christian a few years ago. It is believed that his conversion occurred in the aftermath of Putin’s previous attempt to kill him in 2020. In 2021, Navalny stated, “The fact is that I am a Christian, which usually rather sets me up as an example for constant ridicule in the Anti-Corruption Foundation, because mostly our people are atheists and I was once quite a militant atheist myself.” It was Navalny’s faith that gave meaning to his life as his circumstances became progressively dire. He found hope in the midst of darkness.
Another example of a Christian facing dire consequences is Corrie Ten Boom. She and her family were Christians persecuted during World War II for hiding Jews from persecution. Dutch watchmakers, Corrie, her sister and father were responsible for saving over 800 Jews from certain death. In 1944, they were arrested by the German
Gestapo and sent to Ravensbruck concentration camp. Her father died shortly after arrival and her sister, Betsie, survived several months thereafter. Before passing, Betsie told her sister, “There is no pit so deep that Christ is not deeper still.” Corrie alone survived the camp and went on sharing her faith and encouragement.
Some time later, Corrie faced two of the Ravensbruck prison guards and told them she forgave them for
their part in the deaths of so many. Corrie possessed strength not humanly possible.
She found hope in the midst of darkness.
There are literally thousands of reports of prisoners of war surviving horrific conditions of torture and pain. When asked how they were able to survive the persecution and mental anguish, many say it was their faith, scripture, and singing hymns that carried them through. That’s hope in the midst of darkness.
Persecution is increasing against people of faith around the world. You and I may not face the prospect of imminent death or banishment to torture chambers, but we can exhibit strength to stand against a changing culture that stands against God. We can make our stand with hope in the midst of darkness.
One of my favorite scripture says (Isaiah 40:29-31): “He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.”
Now that’s real hope!
Debby Efurd is co-founder of Cary John Efurd Ministries of Pittsburg, TX. She has been a contributor to Bound for Life and written numerous articles published in LifeNews, Christian Post and the Baptist Standard, and is the author of Go Tell It! Debby can be contacted at caryjohnefurdministries@gmail.com.
Tagged: Christians in culture, hope, prison ministry
