Breaking Through to God's Promises
Have you ever felt like you're on the brink of a breakthrough, only to have it slip away? That moment when victory seems within reach, but somehow remains just out of grasp? We've all been there. But what if I told you that God has a plan for you that's greater than any setback or disappointment?
The truth is, we all got off to a bad start. As the Bible reminds us in Ephesians 2, we were once "dead in our transgressions and sins." But here's the beautiful part - that's not where our story ends. God, in His infinite love and mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were at our lowest. This isn't because of anything we've done, but purely by His grace.
Think about that for a moment. The Creator of the universe looked at you, in all your brokenness and imperfection, and said, "I choose you." That's the kind of love that changes everything.
But here's where many of us get stuck. We know God loves us, but we struggle to live in the fullness of that love. We let fear, doubt, and past failures hold us back. We stand at the edge of breakthrough, afraid to take that final step.
This is where we need to remember the powerful promise in Philippians 1:6: "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." God isn't in the business of leaving things half-finished. When He starts something in your life, He sees it through to the end.
So how do we move from knowing this truth to living it out? It starts with a change of perspective. Instead of focusing on our weaknesses, we need to see ourselves as God sees us - as "living stones" being built into a spiritual house, as a chosen people, a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:4-9).
This isn't just flowery language. It's a call to action. God has placed something unique and valuable in each of us. Your part in His plan matters. You fulfill a role that no one else can. When you begin to see yourself this way, it changes how you approach life's challenges.
Remember the story of the old mule who fell into a well? Instead of giving up when people started shoveling dirt on him, he shook it off and stepped up. With each shovel of dirt, he rose higher and higher until he walked right out of that well. That's the kind of resilience God calls us to have.
Life will throw dirt on you. People may try to bury your dreams. But you have a choice. Will you let it crush you, or will you shake it off and step up? As Psalm 40 reminds us, when we wait patiently on the Lord, He lifts us out of the slimy pit and sets our feet on solid rock.
This journey isn't always easy. There will be times when you feel weak, discouraged, and ready to give up. But that's precisely when you need to lean into God's strength. Isaiah 40:31 promises, "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Sometimes, the biggest obstacle to our breakthrough is our own comfort. We get so used to our current situation that we resist the very changes God wants to bring about in our lives. It's like the hunter who complained about his plane ride to a remote location, only to appreciate those same "inconveniences" after spending time in the wilderness. Sometimes, we need a change in perspective to appreciate what God is doing in our lives.
So how do we position ourselves for breakthrough? Here are a few key steps:
Trust God's Word: Stand on His promises. They're not just nice sayings; they're truths to live by.
Be Strong and Courageous: Just as God encouraged Joshua, He encourages us to face our challenges head-on, knowing He is with us.
Surround Yourself with Faith: Be careful who you listen to. Choose friends who speak life and victory, not fear and defeat.
Approach God with Confidence: Hebrews 4:16 invites us to "approach God's throne of grace with confidence." Don't let shame or unworthiness keep you from Him.
Stay Expectant: God is able to do "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" (Ephesians 3:20). Don't limit Him with small thinking.
Remember, breakthrough isn't just about changing your circumstances. It's about changing you. It's about growing in faith, developing perseverance, and becoming more like Christ in the process.
As you stand on the brink of your breakthrough, know this: God is with you. He hasn't brought you this far to leave you. His love for you is unchanging, His power is unmatched, and His plans for you are good.
So shake off the dirt of disappointment. Step up in faith. Your breakthrough is coming. And when it does, it will be more amazing than you ever imagined. Because that's the kind of God we serve - a God of surprises, a God of miracles, a God who delights in doing the impossible through ordinary people who simply trust Him.
Are you ready for your breakthrough? It starts with a simple prayer: "Lord, I need you. Every hour, I need you. You're my one defense, my righteousness. Oh God, how I need you." When we acknowledge our need for Him, that's when the impossible becomes possible.
So let's step into this day, this week, this season with confidence. Not in ourselves, but in the God who loves us, the God who is for us, the God who is working all things together for our good. Your breakthrough is coming. Believe it. Expect it. And watch in awe as God does what only He can do.
