THE BEGINNINGS OF A BREAKTHROUGH
Verse of the week: Hebrews 11:6
We kicked off a brand-new message series this week called, “I Need a Breakthrough.” In this series, we recognize and discuss the tough moments in life, coming to the realization that we need Godly breakthrough in every area of our lives – because life is hard.
Even as a Christian, you will have troubles in this world, guaranteed. With pandemics, inflation, wars, and countless other worries, we’re emotionally, physically, mentally, financially, and even spiritually fragile. We are under attack. But faithfully following God gives you a firm foundation in which to build your life on, so that even when troubles come, you will not be overwhelmed. Here are two simple ideas on how we can start a breakthrough today:
1. Breakthroughs begin with a BIG view of God
God created the heavens and the earth. Every star in the entire universe was designed by Him. He is greater than our minds can even conceive, but sometimes we don’t view Him like that.
Since we don’t have physical encounters with God, it can be very easy to take His greatness for granted. However, if we take the time to look around and perceive creation around us, we can expand our view of Him.
As it states in Romans 10:17, “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” We have to ask ourselves, what are we taking in? Is it holy, or giving glory to God? Is it helping us recognize His presence around us? Or is it trashy, provocative, and demeaning? Right now, our eyes and ears are held by social media algorithms that do not align with God’s word. It’s designed to hold our attention through extreme stories, blame, sensationalism, etc.
By instead rooting ourselves in His word, we can internally know His promises of good for us, and recognize His greatness all around us, thus providing us with peace even in the most stressful situations.
2. Breakthroughs begin in repentance
That being said, we’re not always the best at shutting out the less-than-Godly things of this world, making it harder and harder to receive His peace. But we don’t have to stay there. We can find forgiveness through repentance, and through repentance, breakthrough.
Even the prophets such as Isaiah recognize that they aren’t perfect. Looking at Isaiah 6:5, he says, “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.” There’s a recognition that there is stuff in him that does not align with God…and that stands true for us as well.
Our own pride can get in the way of God getting into every dark corner of our heart. Often we’re ashamed, or think that we’re unforgiveable. But God loves us that He wants to get close, even when we feel far from Him. Look what He does in Isaiah’s life when repents:
“Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” – Isaiah 6:6-7.
In a vision, Isaiah is brought to a full face-down encounter with God, brings Him his sin, and receives full forgiveness. God doesn’t want us to stay on the floor, He immediately makes us clean, and invites us to walk clean in our lives.
So, are you ready for breakthrough today? It starts with recognizing we can’t make change alone. God’s glory will not be poured out on a disinterested church – we need to have faith in Him. And for that, we need to know Him. If we really knew who we were coming before, we would let nothing stop us from getting in front of Him first. Dive into His word this week, still your hearts, and pray. Because even though the world is chaotic and busy, Jesus has overcome the world, and He wants to bring you peace.
Make sure to check out the full message below!
