2 Timothy 3:11(KJV)
Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
Apostle Paul reminded Timothy of the specific occasions of persecution that he endured. Apostle Paul tells of the things that came against him, but endured, and God delivered him. As he sat in prison, he remembered that in Antioch, the Jewish leaders removed him from the city for preaching the Word of God(Acts 13:50). In Iconium, there was a plot to stone him(Acts 14:5). He recalls being stoned in Lystra and left to die(Acts 14:19). He knew that God was wholly able to deliver him again from the prison, so he was very peaceful. Psalm 34:19 says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” Although the righteous suffer many troubles or pains, we understand from the above Scripture that the Lord delivers them out of them all. Our afflictions are many, strange in nature, heavy in measure. But God’s mercies are more numerous, His wisdom more wondrous, and His power more miraculous. Through the many afflictions, God leads His redeemed scatheless and triumphant. Psalm 91: 9-11 says, “Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”
Afflictions and persecutions are not peculiar to Christians; they can affect every human being on earth. As a result of these afflictions, many have gotten involved in various things looking for solutions to their problems. Many ends up at places they should not go to or do things they should not, consequently finding themselves in a bigger mess. Interestingly, however, afflictions have their benefits. As Christians, we sometimes need these afflictions in our lives to shape us, for perseverance is the badge of the righteous. If God allowed us to go through our lives without obstacles, it would cripple us. There is no victory without a battle and no battle without a cause. God sometimes allows us to go through these afflictions to glorify Himself in our lives. Afflictions and persecutions are not to break us but to give us breakthroughs and promotions. When we overcome, our faith becomes solid, and our spiritual stamina waxes stronger. The athlete will have to go through many pains to be successful. After the pain comes the gain. We have to pass through the wilderness to get to Canaan. No matter how many laps we have circled our afflictions, keep walking in obedience, taking the steps of faith, for our day of shouting is coming. Those walls of pain, struggles, hardships, and sickness are coming down. Our hearts may be broken, but God has heard every prayer and has captured each tear. Weeping endures for the night, but joy comes in the morning. No matter our afflictions, God’s Word promises to deliver us. He keeps His promises from generation to generation, for He will not fail or neglect us.
Beloved, call upon the Lord on the day of your trouble; He will answer and deliver you. I do not know what you are going through or what affliction is tormenting your life today? But I have come to tell you that as long as you are a child of God, He will deliver you out of them all. The Lord is setting free His own and putting away all their infirmities. Do not be moved by the trials or pleasure of this world, for God’s version is better and superior to ours. He sees the bigger picture and the complete plan, holds our today and tomorrow in the palm of His hand, and constantly guides us toward truth. So, there is an end to your afflictions. None of the trials will hurt because it is just for a moment. Stand on the promises of God, for your joy is coming. As you patiently await God to bring you out of that affliction, ensure you stay in the Word and fellowship with God. Continue to live a holy life and give your time, talent, and ability to advance the Gospel, growing the Kingdom agenda. During the affliction or pain, develop a strong faith because your faith will encourage you to look beyond that affliction. As you continue to stand in faith, trusting the Lord for that supernatural intervention, He will arise on your behalf and scatter the pain for your good. May God deliver you out of all your afflictions in Jesus’ Name. Remember the stories of Abraham, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and Apostle Paul. They all suffered various afflictions, but the Lord delivered them. Keep your faith to the end.
O LORD, I receive the grace to live a righteous life. Today, deliver me from every form of affliction in Jesus’ Name.