God-centered resources from the ministry of John Piper

You might be aware that in the last few months, significant political changes have been occurring in Pakistan. My friend Joe and his wife just got settled there for long term work in one of its major cities. I asked him to briefly describe his perception of how these political changes are impacting the people and affecting the spread of the Gospel.

He writes,

On March 24 the National Assembly of Pakistan appointed a new prime minister to lead the nation alongside President Pervez Musharraf. The appointment of Makhdoon Yusuf Raza Gilani is considered by many to be a major step toward a more democratic and just government. Whether or not this hope will be fulfilled remains to be seen, but we are thankful to God for the relatively smooth transition of power that has taken place in recent weeks.

Though there is a renewed sense of stability in the higher echelons of government and mild optimism among some Pakistanis, life remains hard for the overwhelming majority of people in this nation. The high cost of food, the constant threat of sickness, and the lack of access to basic services will not disappear quickly. These problems are vast and even a well-performing government will have a difficult time addressing the numerous issues.

Sadly, Pakistanis have been waiting all their lives for better days. Many politicians, leaders, and generals have come in their 60-year history, promising to bring about greater peace, stability, and prosperity. In reality, the people of Pakistan have been left with mostly unfulfilled promises and plans.

On March 23, we celebrated the resurrection. The Apostle Peter writes that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is all about hope: “he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). Hope is what more than 100 million Pakistanis are desperate for. Many in this nation have given up on things changing for the better and have turned to drugs, religion, or escape to the West. Some have once again decided to put hope in the government to make things right.

Let’s pray, as Paul instructed in 2nd Timothy, for those who are now in high positions of power in Pakistan. Let’s pray that through them God would be pleased to bring greater peace, stability, and prosperity to this nation that has been labeled “The World’s Most Dangerous Place.”

But more than that, let’s pray for the people of Pakistan, and let’s be ready to go and share with them the “living hope” of Jesus Christ. This is a hope that is certain, grounded in both his death and resurrection. And it is a hope that has the power to bring about true joy even in the midst of the most difficult and seemingly hopeless circumstances (1 Pet 1:6).