They Grew Despite Affliction

Devotion for Friday September 20, 2017

Topic: They Grew Despite Affliction

Text: Exodus 1:8 – 12

Afflicting someone out of sheer jealousy and envy will only amount to blessing on the person being afflicted. We know the case of Joseph, Mordecai and many others in the scriptures. Times of affliction have often been the time the church grew as Christianity spread most when it was persecuted.

The King that does not know Joseph arose to become jealous of God’s blessings upon Israel and decided to punish them (Exodus 1:8 – 11). Unfortunately, the more he does that, the more God bless them and they grew in population. Do you afflict or punish a child of God because you are jealous of what God is doing in his or her life or what God has given to him/her? Repent today before God’s anger will descend on you. Despite the affliction and torture, the Israelites multiplied and grew because of God’s blessings (Exodus 1:12).

How can your enemies and those who afflict you become afraid of you? This can only become possible when you are in the will of God. Psalm 1:1 – 3 speak a blessed man. A blessed man has the favour, protection and backing of God. He prospers despite oppositions or afflictions. The level of your commitment to reading, meditation and application of God’s word to your life, will help you live the life that people will dread of just like the Egyptians were afraid of the Israelites. The choice to do or not to do is all yours.

Food for Thought: Matthew 5:10 – 12

Memory verse: Exodus 1:12

Prayer: Grant that my life will please you, O Lord, so that you will bless me to the extent  that my enemies will begin to dread me in Jesus name.