This may very well be one of the most vulnerable blog posts I have shared, at least in a very long time. The past few Sundays Pastor Brandon has been preaching on The Anatomy of a Breakthrough and it could not have come at a better time. There is a song that says, “I know a breakthrough is coming…”, but a couple of days ago I felt the exact opposite.
I felt a breakdown coming. Anyone else know that feeling?
I watched online as hate-filled people spewed their venom. No one seemed like they had the capability to reason or talk sensibly with one another. No one wanted to listen, they only wanted to be heard. Anger, hurt, and confusion swarmed around them. I saw sin circling humanity, like vultures circle their dying prey below.
I wanted to scream. I wanted to cry. I wanted to give up.
My head was spinning with all of the hypocrisy and hardened hearts I saw. I felt helpless and I was lamenting on everything wrong in this world. I wanted to throw my hands up in the air and just quit trying. I could literally feel the tug-of-war between my soul and flesh. My flesh said, “Why bother?” But my spirit said, “Keep fighting for faith!”
Galatians 5:17 (CSB) For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.
The Holy Spirit would not let me give up and I picked up my Bible and started reading Romans 5. God spoke to me through His Word and reminded me that it’s not hopeless. The same undeserved grace He offered me He offers to all. And, if He did not give up on me, how could I give up on anyone else because of what I see? Only God can judge the heart of a man and determine his thoughts. Only God can turn the hearts of stone to flesh.
Romans 5:6 (NLT) When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.
GOD IS NOT THROUGH YET!
Breakthrough is coming. God is opening up eyes and working on hearts. As some turn away from Christ, others are running to Him.
Keep ministering to those around you, keep being the salt and light of this world, and don’t let the devil break you down by what you see on the outside. Allow God to build you up to your BREAKTHROUGH!
As Pastor Brandon preached, I started to be able to see how God took what was supposed to be my breakdown and made it my breakthrough. I have never been more focused. God’s Word is revealing waves of truths, and I am learning to lean completely on Him.
Here are the 10 ingredients to a BREAKTHRUGH per Pastor Brandon’s message:
– Impossibility
– The Feeling of Quit
– The Waiting Season
– Antagonist (The problem/enemy)
– Protagonist (JESUS)
– The Word
– Faith
– The Holy Ghost
– The want to…
– Momentum
As Pastor Brandon preached, I began checking off every ingredient I had for a breakthrough and, lo and behold, I had every single one of them! What the devil meant to break me down, God turned for my good and gave me GREATER PEACE, GREATER HOPE, GREATER JOY, and GREATER CLARITY! Now, I want to share the Good News of Jesus even more so!
I want to encourage you with this, GOD IS NOT DONE. His plan is still unfolding and His purpose shall be accomplished.
You may feel like you are on the edge of a breakdown, but look up to where your help comes from, your breakthrough draws nigh! Take this list and start checking off the ingredients to your breakthrough and trust in the Lord with all of your strength and all of your might.
Praying for you, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, may you never give up, but always persevere in the faith and BREAKTHROUGH!
Blessings,
Mandy Fender
