Sermon Central
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The God Who Ends Long-Term Affliction Series
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Dec 9, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: God is the covenant-keeping Father who brings divine closure to afflictions that have lingered beyond their appointed season.
THE GOD WHO ENDS LONG-TERM AFFLICTION
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: John 5:1-9
Key Verse:
“Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked…” — John 5:8-9 (KJV)
Supporting Texts: Exodus 3:7-8; Luke 13:10-13; Psalm 102:13; Isaiah 10:27; Nahum 1:9
INTRODUCTION
Long-term affliction is one of the most trying experiences in the life of any believer. It is not just the pain itself, but the weariness of waiting, the questions without answers, and the silent battles fought when others have moved on with their lives. When an affliction endures for years, it can test faith, shake hope, and leave the heart vulnerable to discouragement.
However, Scripture consistently reveals that God is not indifferent to prolonged suffering. He sees, He remembers, and He responds at the appointed time. What looks permanent to man is temporary before God. Delay is never denial when God is involved, and long-standing affliction is not proof of abandonment.
The God we serve specialises in stepping into situations that seem medically, socially, and spiritually hopeless. When He arises, years of bondage can end in a moment. This message declares with confidence that no matter how long the problem has lasted, God still has the final word.
1. GOD IS AWARE OF THE DURATION OF YOUR AFFLICTION
The length of an affliction is never hidden from God. He does not just see the problem; He knows how long it has lasted and the toll it has taken on the afflicted.
a) God knows the years, not just the pain. (John 5:5-6)
The Scripture carefully states that the man had been infirm for thirty-eight years, showing that God is attentive to timelines and seasons, not merely circumstances.
b) Prolonged affliction does not escape divine notice. (Exodus 3:7)
God told Moses that He had seen the affliction of His people and heard their cry, proving that length of suffering amplifies, not diminishes, God’s awareness.
c) Silence does not mean absence. (Psalm 13:1)
Even when God seems silent, He remains present, observing, recording, and preparing His intervention in due season.
d) God keeps records of unresolved battles. (Malachi 3:16)
Heaven keeps a record of earthly struggles, ensuring that no affliction is forgotten or ignored.
Biblical Example:
The man at the pool of Bethesda suffered for thirty-eight years, yet the moment Jesus arrived, his long affliction became divine history (John 5:5-9).
2. GOD SETS AN APPOINTED TIME FOR EVERY AFFLICTION TO END
Affliction is permitted, but it is never meant to be permanent. God assigns limits to trials and establishes a season for their conclusion.
a) Affliction has an expiry date. (Isaiah 10:27)
The yoke shall be destroyed, not adjusted or managed, showing God’s intention for complete termination.
b) God arises at the set time. (Psalm 102:13)
Even when humans lose track of hope, God moves precisely at the appointed moment.
c) Delay serves divine purpose, not cruelty. (Habakkuk 2:3)
God uses time to mature faith and align circumstances for greater testimony.
d) No affliction has authority beyond God’s timetable. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
God regulates trials and ensures that they do not exceed what His grace can handle.
Biblical Example:
Israel’s affliction in Egypt lasted four hundred years, yet in one night, God ended it decisively and gloriously (Exodus 12:40-41).
3. JESUS BREAKS THE CYCLE OF CONTINUOUS SUFFERING
When Jesus steps into a long-standing situation, cycles of pain and limitation are broken permanently.
a) Jesus confronts the root, not just the symptoms. (Luke 13:11-13)
The woman bent over for eighteen years was not merely healed physically but freed from satanic bondage.
b) Divine questions precede divine miracles. (John 5:6)
Jesus asked, “Wilt thou be made whole?” revealing that readiness is crucial for lasting deliverance.
c) Faith activates an end to repetition. (Mark 10:51-52)
Bartimaeus’ persistent faith brought a definitive end to a life of begging and blindness.
d) One divine encounter can end years of struggle. (Acts 3:6-8)
A man lame from birth was restored instantly through the power of Christ.
Biblical Example:
The woman with the issue of blood suffered twelve years, but one touch of Jesus ended a cycle medicine could not cure (Mark 5:25-34).
4. GOD’S INTERVENTION TURNS AFFLICTION INTO TESTIMONY
God does not just end affliction; He transforms it into a platform for His glory and your testimony.
a) God restores what affliction attempted to steal. (Joel 2:25)
Years lost to pain are recovered through divine restoration.
b) Shame is replaced with honour. (Isaiah 61:7)
The God who ends affliction also replaces disgrace with double honour.
c) Deliverance becomes evidence of divine power. (Nahum 1:9)
God ensures that healed affliction does not return.
d) Testimonies strengthen others’ faith. (Revelation 12:11)
What God ends in your life becomes faith fuel for others.
