No More Affliction

Nahum was considered a minor prophet of the Old Testament, who prophesied concerning the destruction of Nineveh. Nineveh consisted of the Assyrian empire, which conspired against the Jews and against Judah. Nahum described God’s anger against Nineveh. “The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord is avenging and wrathful; the Lord takes vengeance on his adversaries and keeps wrath for his enemies” (Nahum 1:2). Nahum described God as being slow to anger, yet not likely to allow his enemies to escape. He is described like a whirlwind and storm and the clouds are like dust in his feet.

Nahum spoke about God’s power over the elements such as the sea which he spoke to and it dried up. “The mountains quake before him; the hills melt; the earth heaves before him, the world and all who dwell in it” (Nahum 1:5). No one can stand before God’s anger and indignation and his wrath is poured out like fire. Despite these fiery descriptions, God is also described as a stronghold in the day of trouble. God is not absolute and he is able to be whatever he wants to be. Some of us understand what it is like to be calm, caring and kind, yet we know how to be harsh, challenging and difficult if we want to be.

Who we are dealing with often determines the side of us they see. In a similar way, God is gracious, caring, loving and protective of his children. God is also a dreadful, terrible God, who is full of anger and vengeance towards his enemies. So who are the enemies of God? The devil and his agents are the enemies of God. People are God’s creation and he loves us with an everlasting love. Sometimes people can become agents of the devil and be used to afflict God’s people. Anyone who allows themselves to become a pawn in the hands of satan, can expect to invoke the wrath of God.

The crux of the passage for me is in verses 8 and 9. “But with an overflowing flood he will make a complete end of the adversaries, and will pursue his enemies into darkness” (Nahum 1:8). In the next verse, Nahum asked; “What do you conspire (plot) against the Lord?” The result is that, God would make a complete end of their plots and affliction would not arise a second time. That sickness, disease and infirmity will not arise a second time against you and your family. Debt will not overtake you again and you will never again live in poverty. That affliction or calamity will not arise against you a second time.

We cancel every demonic cycle and pattern, that the enemy is trying to use to frustrate your destiny and purpose. It does not matter what it looks like and it does not matter that this new situation feels similar to the last time. We stand in faith by the authority of the blood of Jesus and we cancel the works of darkness. We command the devil to cease and desist and we declare that we shall lie down in peace and dwell in safety. “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him” (Colossians 2:15).

A.P.-Y.