SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19
Scripture: Matthew 10:16-18

It is obvious from verses 16-18 that God has a purpose for His people and that purpose is not always fun or enjoyable. There is often persecution involved. We will be brought before governors and kings for His name’s sake, as a testimony to them and to others. That is not a comfortable place. It results in persecution. It is inevitable, it is coming and it is growing. In that process our faithful stand makes people accountable for rejecting the Word of Christ. Jesus died for all. He loves all and if they reject Him eventually judgment comes. The first level of mercy manifesting as judgment is usually affliction! It is important that we don’t personally agonize over affliction we see it measured to others around us, or pray them out of it. We must always lean on the Holy Spirit in guiding our prayers! The fruit of affliction is often repentance. It may be God’s Hand at work. Affliction often comes in stages of intensity as we see in Egypt. Affliction is God’s greatest end-time asset to gain repentance! We need to learn to discern its origin. When affliction is from God, we should pray for humility and surrender to change. When it is from the devil, resist it and it will flee!