BREAKTHROUGH

So the three mighty men BROKE THROUGH the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless he would not drink it, but poured it out to the LORD – 2 Samuel 23: 16

There are unique dimensions of blessings that, for want of a better word, we would describe as “BREAKTHROUGHS.” In general, Breakthroughs could relate to scientific inventions, technological innovations, military feats or a financial avalanche, but our primary interests as Christians are “Spiritual Breakthroughs” – those with spiritual relevance and eternal impact! Although the word “breakthrough” is not found in the Bible exactly as it is commonly used in Christian circles, there are biblical contexts and occurrences that portray the reality of such phenomena. David’s “three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines” to fetch water out of the well of Bethlehem, won the King’s heart, and their places in destiny (2Sam.23). “Spiritual Breakthrough” could refer to an experience of a new level of spirituality, best known to the person who is “breaking through.” Such could be in the contexts of conception, childbirth, career, marriage, ministry or other life settings.

The idea of “breakthrough” suggests a preceding struggle that finally peaks and finds resolution. Examples of breakthroughs abound in the Scriptures: Jacob’s life-changing encounter with the Angel of the Lord (Gen.32); Jabez’ destiny-transformation (1Chr.4:9-10); David defeating Goliath and turning the table on the Philistines (1Sam.17); David’s three mighty men “breaking through” the host of the Philistines to satisfy the King’s thirst (2Sam.23); Elisha obtaining the double portion of Elijah’s Spirit (2kgs.2); Samaria’s overnight , dramatic change in financial fortunes (2Kgs.7); Isaiah’s Vision of the Thrice-Holy God seated on His throne, with His train filling the temple (Isa.6); Paul’s first-time encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ on the Damascus road (Acts 9); Peter’s ‘spiritual watershed’ on the rooftop in Joppa, through which he learned that the gospel was for all people, Gentiles included (Acts 10); and the conversion of Lydia on the outskirts of Philippi – being the first-known believer on European soil (Acts 16).

Spiritual breakthrough can refer to a time when a person is saved, gains a deeper understanding of biblical truth, receives an awesome answer to prayer, overcomes a besetting sin, or wins the victory over Satan, demons, and works of darkness. Breakthroughs can assume diverse forms, including a change:

• from bondage of sin into the liberty of grace;
• from unrighteousness into righteousness;
• from worldliness and sinfulness into holiness;
• from satanic affliction into Kingdom dominion;
• from spiritual dryness into freshness and flourishing;
• from the desert of dryness into well-watered gardens;
• from barrenness and fruitlessness into fertility and fruitfulness;
• from pain and losses into productivity and profit;
• from falls and failures into seasons of success;
• from scarcity and poverty into abundance and prosperity;
• from spiritual deficiency into efficiency and effectiveness;
• from stagnancy and retrogression into pathways of progress; and
• from averageness and mediocrity into distinction and excellence.

Word of caution: do not pursue empty, emotional excitement in place of the real thing. Intimacy with God does not require spectacular, spiritual “highs.” Real, life-transforming breakthroughs can be quiet and sublime, yet highly impactful. Walking in the Spirit does not mean living “in the clouds.” You must not, while seeking breakthroughs lose sight of the blessings of “spiritual maturity” which result from daily disciplines of godliness. Healthy human relationships are not based on emotional highs but on steady, patient maturity through faithfulness and love. It is no different in relating with God. Breakthroughs occur as He wills. We sometimes receive amazing answers to prayer or times of extraordinary insight or seasons of intense joy. But these are delicious “icing”, not to be sought as the substance of our relationship with God.

If we focus only on spectacular manifestations, we might miss the beautiful, quiet moments when God works unseen. Elijah learnt this deep lesson that God was not in the wind, earthquake or fire, but in the “still small voice” (1Kgs.19:11-12). Your most profound breakthroughs can actually come through the avenue of the “still small voice”! When you seek the Giver more than His gifts, there is no gift profitable to your destiny that He’ll ever withhold from you – including Breakthrough Blessings!