Afflictions - God's avenue for blessings

Afflictions: An Opportunity for God’s Blessings

By Rev. Nicholas Mulli

The Bible records in the book of Psalms 34: 19 that “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all”. As a child of God, you should not be discouraged by those challenges or hardships you are facing. Instead be of good cheer for God will make you victorious. The afflictions provide an opportunity for God’s blessings.

In the book of Esther chapter 3, Haman the son of Hammedatha was greatly honoured and elevated by King Ahasuerus. All the loyal officials honoured and bowed before him. However, Mordecai, a Jewish captive refused to bow down before Haman. He refused to worship a human being. Mordecai’s defiance angered Haman. Infuriated, Haman resolved to kill Mordecai and all the Jews. He made a plot to eliminate all the Jews and co-opted King Ahasuerus into his plan. The king issued a decree that all the Jews be slain.

After learning about Haman’s plot, Mordecai was very distressed. He went to his cousin Esther, who was by then the King’ wife and pleaded with her to ask the King to spare the Jews. As a queen, Esther had gained favour and honour before the king. As Haman was busy plotting the slaying of the Jews, God was busy making an escape for them (read Esther chap 5). Instead of Mordecai being hanged, God changed the course of events and Haman was hanged instead. The king thus exalted Mordecai and the decree issued against the Jews was immediately revoked.

Child of God, even though the enemy has a plan to finish you, rejoice because God has a good plan for you! You may be discouraged but take heart; God has prepared a good end for you. When everything has been said and done. When all the accusations have been leveled against you, stand firm for God is about to revoke the enemy’s decree. People may have risen against you in your place of work, threatening you; your family could be in turmoil and financial constraints and diseases may have weighed you down. Brethren these problems will never overwhelm you, God is making a supernatural way out for you.

In Genesis 37, Joseph was sold by his brothers to be a slave in Egypt. They were jealous of this “dreamer” and did all they could to thwart his vision. In Genesis 39, we see God’s mighty favour upon Joseph in Potiphar’s house and in prison “But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him”. Joseph was later to become a Prime Minister in Egypt. Nothing could stand in his way for the Almighty God was with him!

Child of God, the door God has opened for you no man can shut. God is blessing you in your place of work; He’s healing your family, finances and your health. Instead of worrying or fearing, start looking at problems as God’s open door for your blessings. Do not complain, doubt or blame God for the challenges you face. Instead, be steadfast, focused and faithful for God is making a supernatural way out for you.

Reverend Nicholas Muli is the Senior Pastor of God’s House of Prayer, a ministry of Gospel Revival Centre.