Break Through
Many of us have heard the term breakthrough. We've heard people's testimony of breakthroughs, or we have personally asked God for a breakthrough. In hard or dire times, we've prayed, begged, and pleaded for breakthroughs for ourselves and others. When I hear this term, or when I use it, it usually speaks of overcoming something, getting a big break, or being set free. There are spiritual, financial, relational, physical and medical breakthroughs. For example, finding a cure for cancer would be a huge medical breakthrough! Most of us have experienced a breakthrough, and if not, many of us are waiting for one.
I've had breakthroughs in life; some very minor and some major. However, that isn't what this post is about. If you can see from the title, Break Through is spelled different; it has a space between the two words. That is because tonight, as I was showering (one of the places I pray and talk to God), I said to God out loud, Lord, just break through! Something rose up in me as I said it, not even knowing why or where it was coming from. But, as soon as those words left my mouth, that four-word sentence came with brand new insight. What does that mean you ask? Well before we get into that, let me talk more about the other breakthrough.
So often, we want an external breakthrough, something we can see, hold, touch, or feel. We want to get out of debt, overcome an illness, have good relationships, get that dream job, or for me personally, to get an A in that challenging class. We want something to happen, something that we'd consider an answer prayer. And often, it has to look like how we think an answered prayer would look like. But deep down, we just want relief! If my kids would stop doing this, if my husband would start doing that, everything would be better! This would make me so happy, that would make my life so much easier! If only I had that house, if only I didn't have this pain..... The list goes on and on. But tonight, the Holy Spirit gave me a new set of words: BREAK THROUGH.
Those words were a challenge to pray differently. Instead of asking for a breakthrough, I prayed (without knowing it), LORD, BREAK THROUGH! In doing so, I was asking God to break through all of the noise, distractions, negative thoughts, and barriers that were keeping me stuck and away from Him! I yearned to be close to Him again, to hear His voice, to fellowship with Him! Then, those words came with more depth and meaning. I needed to ask God to break through me--my defenses, hurt, pain, faulty thinking and distorted perceptions! All of those things, in addition to the noise and distractions, were keeping me from fully connecting with God.
Wow! This awareness and understanding was profound and so freeing! It reminds me of what Scripture says in John 8:32, And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Why hadn't I thought about this before?! Why didn't I see how things like my pride, ego, self-righteousness, and even fears were hindering me from my Heavenly Father? I was caught up in lies, doubt, and narrow thinking. This is the sad reality of what happens when we allow our own thoughts and emotions to supersede God. I could not hear from God when I was in my own head, and hence, I was what was blocking myself from God and His truth. That must be why the Bible says, Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing, you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2).
At this moment I think, Goodness, I miss my relationship with God! Before I started graduate school...Him and I were tight; we were close. But now, I have only given Him bits and pieces of my time. It's like He only gets the leftovers or the scraps left, after I've given everything else away. School quickly became priority and God fell to the wayside. He kept getting pushed back, while other things climbed and demanded my attention and energy. But I can say this with confidence: The knowledge I get from my education doesn't even compare with the wisdom He gives! Getting a message from God and reading His Word is amazing and beyond life-giving! It is powerful, healing and freeing! God doesn't have to lecture, He doesn't have to talk eloquently or use fascinating words or phrases, but what He says is life-changing!
James 1:5 reads, If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. I don't know what it was in that moment. Maybe that was the only place and time I would actually listen or pay attention. Whatever the reason, it was definitely a phrase and message that I (so badly) needed. Again, I am reminded that I am not smart enough to figure things out myself because I often lack perspective, truth, and wisdom. I am also reminded that I am not supposed to do this thing called life alone. He wants to unravel the huge cobwebbed that we are entangled in. He was to help and He wants us set free!
May we remember what God says in Isaiah 55:8-9,
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,
declares the Lord.
As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
I hope that this message will speak to you, in the deep and powerful way that it has spoken to me. Ask yourself right now, what is it that God needs to break through in your life?
Let us pray.
Lord God, the One who is the truth, the life, and the way,
Please show us the ways WE are blocking You and the truth. Give us awareness and understanding. Break down everything that gets in the way of You--the walls we've built, the lies we believe, our pride and ego. Many of us are caught in darkness, but You are the Light. BREAK THROUGH! Break through all the hurt, pain, and narrow ways of thinking, and replace it with the truth, Your truth! Cleanse our thoughts and give us Your wisdom and knowledge. We want to be free Lord! Set us free! In Jesus' name, amen.
Prayerfully,
Pam
