BREAKING THE YOKE OF AFFLICTION

Title: BREAKING THE YOKE OF AFFLICTION

By Rev Samuel Arimoro 

Main Text:  Isaiah 10:27 
"In that day his burden will be lifted from your shoulders, his yoke from your neck; the yoke will be broken because you have grown so fat."

Supporting Text: 2 Corinthians 1:10 
"He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us."

INTRODUCTION
Affliction can be a heavy burden, manifesting in various forms such as physical illness, emotional distress, financial hardship, or relational difficulties. Yet, the Bible assures us that the anointing of God has the power to break every yoke of affliction. Today, we will explore how God’s anointing works to lift these burdens, provide relief, and restore us to wholeness. This sermon is an invitation to trust in God’s deliverance and to seek His power to overcome every form of affliction in our lives.

1. THE NATURE OF AFFLICTION

a) The Reality of Affliction (Job 14:1)
Job 14:1 states, "Mortals, born of woman, are of few days and full of trouble." Affliction is a part of the human experience, affecting everyone at different points in life. It is important to acknowledge that affliction is real and impacts our lives in various ways, but it is not the final word on our condition.

b) The Purpose of Affliction (James 1:2-4)
James 1:2-4 explains, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Affliction can serve as a process of growth and strengthening, shaping our character and deepening our faith.

c) The Divine Response to Affliction (Psalm 34:19) 
Psalm 34:19 says, "The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all." God is attentive to our afflictions and provides deliverance from every trial. This promise reassures us that God’s response to our suffering is one of compassion and intervention.

2. THE ANOINTING THAT BREAKS THE YOKE OF AFFLICTION 

a) The Power of the Anointing (Isaiah 10:27)
Isaiah 10:27 declares that the yoke will be broken because of the anointing. The anointing represents God’s power and presence that acts to remove burdens and destroy yokes. It is a divine intervention that changes our circumstances and brings healing and restoration.

b) The Anointing in Jesus' Ministry (Acts 10:38)
Acts 10:38 reveals, "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him." Jesus' ministry was marked by the anointing that broke the yokes of affliction and delivered those who were oppressed. This same anointing is available to us today.

c) The Anointing for Healing and Deliverance (Luke 4:18)
Luke 4:18 states, "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free." The anointing brings about healing and deliverance, addressing both physical and spiritual afflictions.

3. ACCESSING THE ANOINTING FOR DELIVERANCE

a) Seeking God Through Prayer (Luke 11:13)
Luke 11:13 advises, "If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" We must earnestly seek God through prayer, asking for His anointing and intervention in our lives.

b) Living in Obedience and Faith (John 14:15)
John 14:15 says, "If you love me, keep my commands." Our obedience to God and faith in His promises create an environment for the anointing to flow. Living in accordance with God’s will positions us to receive His blessings and deliverance.

c) Expecting and Receiving God’s Deliverance (Psalm 40:1-2)
Psalm 40:1-2 declares, "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." We must expect and receive God’s deliverance with faith and patience, trusting that He will act on our behalf.

4. PRAYING FOR DELIVERANCE FROM AFFLICTION

a) Prayer for Healing (Jeremiah 30:17)
Jeremiah 30:17 says, "But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord." We pray for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing, asking God to restore us to full health and wholeness.

b) Prayer for Release from Oppression (Isaiah 61:1)
Isaiah 61:1 states, "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners." We pray for freedom from all forms of oppression and captivity.

c) Prayer for Strength and Comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble, with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." We pray for God’s comfort and strength in times of affliction, trusting in His care and support.

CONCLUSION
Breaking the yoke of affliction is possible through the anointing of God, which provides divine intervention, healing, and deliverance. As we seek God’s anointing, live in obedience, and expect His deliverance, we can experience freedom from every form of affliction. Let us trust in the power of the anointing and rely on God’s promises to lift our burdens and bring us into a place of wholeness and restoration.

PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, we ask for Your anointing to break every yoke of affliction in our lives.

2.  Father, bring healing to every area of physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering.

3. O God, release us from all forms of oppression and captivity, setting us free by Your power.

4.  Lord, grant us strength and comfort in times of trouble, and help us to experience Your peace.

5. Father, restore us to health and wholeness, lifting us out of every pit of affliction.

6. O God, let Your anointing flow in our lives, bringing transformative change and deliverance.

7. Lord, empower us to live in obedience and faith, positioning ourselves to receive Your blessings.

8. Father, let us experience the fullness of Your deliverance and freedom from every yoke.

9. O God, surround us with Your comfort and support as we face and overcome challenges.

10. Lord, we celebrate the breaking of every yoke of affliction and trust in Your healing power.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. I declare that every yoke of affliction is broken by the anointing of God in our lives.

2. I decree that God’s healing power is bringing restoration to every area of suffering.

3. I proclaim freedom from oppression and captivity through the transformative power of the anointing.

4. I declare that God’s comfort and strength are filling our lives, providing peace in times of trouble.

5. I decree that restoration and wholeness are manifesting as God lifts us out of every pit of affliction.

6. I proclaim that the anointing is bringing significant change and deliverance in our lives.

7. I declare that obedience and faith are positioning us to receive God’s blessings and freedom.

8. I decree that God’s deliverance is complete, and every yoke of affliction is removed.

9. I proclaim that God’s comfort and support are evident as we overcome challenges and difficulties.

10. I declare that we celebrate the power of God’s anointing to break every yoke of affliction and bring healing.