MY AFFLICTION MUST EXPIRE

TITLE: MY AFFLICTION MUST EXPIRE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 4:17 
Supporting Texts: Psalm 30:5, Isaiah 10:27, James 1:12

INTRODUCTION 
Afflictions are often the trials, challenges, and difficulties we face in life. However, these afflictions are not meant to last forever. The Bible assures us that though we may experience trials, they are temporary, and God’s purpose is to bring us out of them stronger. This sermon will focus on understanding that affliction has an expiry date and how, through faith, prayer, and divine intervention, we can experience victory over every challenge.

1. AFFLICTION IS TEMPORARY 

a) Affliction Has an Expiry Date 
2 Corinthians 4:17 reminds us that our “light affliction is but for a moment.” Affliction is temporary and will pass. God allows trials for a season, but He never intends for us to remain in affliction forever. It is important to hold onto this truth during seasons of hardship.

b) Joy Comes After the Night 
Psalm 30:5 declares that “weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Just as night gives way to day, so does affliction give way to joy and deliverance. We must maintain our faith, knowing that God will bring us into a season of joy after the night of affliction.

Biblical Example: Job (Job 42:10-16) 
Job experienced severe affliction, but it had an expiry date. After his trials, God restored everything Job lost and gave him twice as much as he had before. This shows that no matter how difficult the affliction, God can turn things around.

2. GOD'S PROMISE TO END AFFLICTION 

a) The Yoke of Affliction Will Be Broken 
Isaiah 10:27 promises that the burden and the yoke of affliction will be destroyed because of the anointing. The power of God, through His anointing, breaks the chains of affliction. When we rely on God’s power, He lifts the heavy burden and breaks every yoke.

b) God’s Timing Is Perfect
Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us that “to everything, there is a season.” There is a season for affliction and a season for deliverance. When God’s time for your affliction to end comes, nothing can delay it. It is important to trust in God’s perfect timing, knowing that He is never late.

Biblical Example: The Israelites in Egypt (Exodus 12:40-41) 
The Israelites were afflicted in Egypt for 430 years, but when God’s appointed time came, He delivered them. This shows that no matter how long the affliction has lasted, God has set an expiry date, and deliverance will come.

3. OVERCOMING AFFLICTION THROUGH PRAYER 

a) Prayer Changes the Season of Affliction 
James 5:16 says, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” Prayer is a powerful weapon that can turn around affliction. When we pray, we invite God’s intervention into our situation. Like Hezekiah, who prayed and had his life extended, we can pray for God to bring an end to our affliction.

b) Persistence in Prayer Brings Results
Jesus teaches us to persist in prayer (Luke 18:1). Persistence is key in seasons of affliction. Even when the situation seems unchanged, continuing in prayer shows faith in God’s ability to bring the affliction to an end.

Biblical Example: Hezekiah (Isaiah 38:1-5) 
When Hezekiah was afflicted with sickness and given a death sentence, he turned to God in prayer. God heard his prayer and extended his life by 15 years. This shows that prayer can change the outcome of any affliction.

4. FAITH IN GOD'S PROMISES 

a) Faith Activates God's Power 
Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith, it is impossible to please God. Faith is crucial in overcoming affliction. It is through faith that we access God’s promises and power. Even in the midst of challenges, holding onto God’s word by faith will activate His power to bring deliverance.

b) Speak to Your Affliction 
Mark 11:23 encourages us to speak to our mountains (challenges). Instead of focusing on the affliction, speak God’s word and promises over your situation. Declare that your affliction has an expiry date and that God is bringing you out.

Biblical Example: The Woman with the Issue of Blood (Mark 5:25-34) 
The woman had suffered affliction for 12 years, but her faith in Jesus brought her healing. She believed that if she could touch the hem of His garment, her affliction would end. Her faith activated her healing, showing the power of faith in overcoming affliction.

5. YOUR AFFLICTION WILL BRING GLORY TO GOD 

a) Affliction Prepares Us for Glory 
2 Corinthians 4:17 says that affliction works “a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” Affliction is a tool that God uses to shape us for greater glory. Just as gold is refined in the fire, affliction prepares us for a greater manifestation of God’s glory in our lives.

b) God Will Be Glorified Through Your Victory
When God brings you out of affliction, His name is glorified. Your testimony of deliverance will become a powerful tool to encourage others and demonstrate God’s power. Just as Lazarus' resurrection glorified Jesus, your victory will glorify God.

Biblical Example: Lazarus (John 11:4) 
Jesus said that Lazarus’ sickness was not unto death, but for the glory of God. When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, it brought glory to God and led many to believe in Him. Your affliction, too, will bring glory to God when He delivers you.

CONCLUSION 
Affliction is a part of life, but it is not permanent. As we trust in God, pray fervently, and stand in faith, we will see our afflictions come to an end. God has promised that the yoke of affliction will be broken, and He will turn our sorrow into joy. Hold onto His promises, for your affliction must expire!

PRAYER POINTS 
1. Father, I declare that every affliction in my life must expire in the name of Jesus. 

2. Lord, break every yoke of affliction in my life by Your anointing. 

3. Father, give me the strength to persist in prayer until my affliction is over. 

4. I decree that every prolonged season of affliction in my life must come to an end. 

5. Lord, turn my mourning into joy and my sorrow into dancing. 

6. Father, release Your power to overcome every trial and challenge I am facing. 

7. Lord, let Your perfect timing bring an end to every affliction in my life. 

8. I declare that no affliction shall hold me back from fulfilling God’s purpose for my life. 

9. Father, increase my faith to believe that my affliction has an expiry date. 

10. Lord, let my testimony of deliverance bring glory to Your name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS 
1. I declare that every affliction in your life is temporary and must expire in the name of Jesus. 

2. The yoke of affliction that has burdened you is broken by the anointing of God. 

3. I decree that you are stepping out of your season of affliction into a season of joy and breakthrough. 

4. Every prolonged challenge in your life is coming to an end, and your victory is assured. 

5. I declare that the Lord’s power is bringing you out of every affliction into a place of peace. 

6. You shall not be defeated by your affliction; the Lord is turning your situation around. 

7. The grace to persist in prayer and see your affliction expire is released upon you. 

8. I declare that your faith is rising, and God is moving on your behalf to bring deliverance. 

9. Every mountain of affliction before you is removed by the power of God. 

10. I prophesy that your testimony of victory will bring glory to God and encourage others in their faith.