Breakthrough

I wonder how many times people give up just before a breakthrough - when they are on the very brink of success - Joyce Meyer

God will not give you an instruction, assignment, vision or dream without giving you directions, strategies and resources to bring them to pass! Expect breakthroughs, surprises, checks in the mail, uncommon favor, promotions & miracles to happen all year long - Dr. Cindy Trimm

“So David went to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. ‘The Lord did it!’ David exclaimed. ‘He burst through my enemies like a raging flood!’ So he named that place Baal-perazim (which means ‘the Lord who breaks or bursts through’)” - 2 Samuel 5:20, NLT

Sometimes we are faced with issues that seem to be insurmountable. There are things we are dealing with that we feel insignificant, powerless or fearful to address. But on this 30th day of our 40-day fast, God promises us a breakthrough. As Jesus said in Matthew 17:21 (NKJV), "However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting”, be assured that any issue you're faced with, regardless of its kind, must go through this fast and prayer. God is a good father and He desires to give us the best in this life. If He was able to break you out of sin's stronghold, He can and will manifest your desired breakthrough.

In the different spheres of life we've been addressing and interceding for, there are often obstacles that stand in the way to stability or advancement. Take science and technology for instance. Research processes often delay or stagnate until there's a sudden discovery paving way for the next level of information or remedy. The treatments for cancer and AIDs have been typical examples but today we thankfully have had breakthroughs that are benefitting more people. ChatGPT is another breakthrough in Artificial Intelligence that is currently riding the airwaves because of the vast possibilities it's opened up for several applications. But all these discoveries came about by the dedication, consistency and perseverance of teams that went against the obstacles and maintained grounds for a breakthrough. In the same vein, God wants us to experience our sudden breakthroughs too. But, through faith, we must partner with Him to resist oppositions and move from our comfort zones to possess the enemy's gates.

As we saw yesterday, when we approach enemy territory in pursuit of God's promises, we are bound to face oppositions. These often manifest as long waits or delays and we can grow weary and give up on the pursuit. Those are the times when we pass comments like 'I'm tired! I can't do this anymore! Whatever will happen should happen!" But, beloved, we serve a God who has a proven track record of breaking His people through the most unlikely challenges with sudden unexpected victories. When you feel overwhelmed and you reach the limits of your strengths and strategies, that is when the God of Breakthroughs often shows up.

Such was the encounter of David as He led Israel to secure victory over a long-standing foe. When the children of Israel entered the Promised Land, they managed to conquer some grounds but the zone of the Jebusites was considered a no-go area. The people of Judah were content to settle along with them there because they could not disloge the original inhabitants.

But the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the people of Judah could not drive out; so the Jebusites dwell with the people of Judah at Jerusalem to this day (Joshua 15:63, AMPC).

In fact, the Jebusites considered Jerusalem their fortified stronghold and were convinced that no one can break into that area they felt as ease there.

But David had a different belief and the narrative ended in his time. He knew who his God was and he believed that no territory was insurmountable with God and by His God.

As a man who walks with God and fights in His name, he roused his men to march on and attack this city.

David and his men immediately set out for Jerusalem to take on the Jebusites, who lived in that country. But they said, “You might as well go home! Even the blind and the lame could keep you out. You can’t get in here!” They had convinced themselves that David couldn’t break through. But David went right ahead and captured the fortress of Zion, known ever since as the City of David.

2 Samuel 5:6-7, MSG Perhaps, you have been dealing with some Jebusites too. Certain problems have lingered so long they feel like strongholds. The mere thought of them saps the strength out of you and the enemy has been having a field day as you have settled with that issue. But, if you will arise like David and confront that situation by your God, you will be amazed at the results you'll get in this season. David and his men conquered the 'unconquerable' land and the king made that His capital. This same land became the city of David and the building grounds for the Temple.

Who is this king that prophet Micah is speaking of? Who is this One who breaks open the way and breaks through the gate? It is our Lord, Jesus, the Messiah. He is the breaker, and through His resurrection He proved that the gates of Hades, hell and the grave cannot withstand Him. God is a God of process but He is also the God of the 'suddenly'. As He goes before us as the Head of the Church, oppositions must give way. Doors must open! But, we must take the step out in faith when the Lord commands us to pursue and possess the gates of the enemy.

When David was anointed king over Israel, the Philistines spread out against him to attack him. So David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?” The Lord answered him, “Go, for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hands.”

So David went to Baal Perazim, and there he defeated them . He said, “As waters break out, the Lord has broken out against my enemies before me.” So that place was called Baal Perazim. (2 Samuel 5:19-20, NV).

Water has many attributes and its lends us a powerful imagery of God's breakthrough power. It can flow into crevices, break through rocky barriers and push past anything its way. Ever seen a dam exceed its brink or floodwaters break open? The flow is simply unstoppable and it completely sweeps everything in its way. That is a picture of the breakthrough God gives His people when He goes ahead of them. His strength is unstoppable and He wants to show Himself strong in similar manner on your behalf!

David experienced many profound victories but this defeat of the Philistines was such a joy to him that he named the place as a memorial to Yahweh.

Baal Perazim - the God who breaks through - will always come through for him. Whereas many wait for their breakthrough to come, David took the battle to the enemy and defeated them. Breakthrough happens when we take a proactive approach. David didn’t sit back avoiding the enemy. Instead he pursued these giants because he knew so far as they existed he will not have any peace. What have you put off fighting because of fear?

Shawn Bolz said, 'spiritual breakthrough isn’t just about breaking off something; it is also about advancing in unprecedented way'. God wants us to break through more than we do - from hardship, stagnation, delays and setbacks to advance on this side of life. The time of disappointments, delays and denials regarding your wellbeing, health, education, marriage, children, career, finances are over. It is time for your breakthrough. It is time to arise by your God and experience a breakthrough.

I believe strongly that divine breakthroughs are being birthed for God's people. As we lift our prayers in faith, the Lord is about to fill our mouths with new songs. We will join the Psalmists to declare the testimonies below:

God, all at once you turned on a floodlight for me! You are the revelation-light in my darkness, and in your brightness I can see the path ahead. 29 With you as my strength I can crush an enemy horde, advancing through every stronghold that stands in front of me. 30 Yahweh, what a perfect God you are! All Yahweh’s promises have proven true. What a secure shelter for all those who turn to hide themselves in you, the wraparound God.

Psalm 18:28-30, TPT

A new song for a new day rises up in me every time I think about how he breaks through for me! Ecstatic praise pours out of my mouth until everyone hears how God has set me free. Many will see his miracles; they’ll stand in awe of God and fall in love with him!

Psalm 40:3, TPT

Scripture Reading:

2 Samuel 5:17-21 & 5:6-10, Micah 2:13, Isaiah 22:22, Revelations 3:8, Psalm 18:28-30