Parsonally Speaking

By Pastor Tom Burgess

Breakthrough (Part 2)

Last week I shared on the blessings of breakthrough in our thinking, prosperity, growth, and strength. I truly believe that everyone needs a place where the Lord Jesus Christ breaks through whatever obstacles and opposition hinder us and hold us captive and defeats our enemies (2 Samuel 5:20). But breakthrough also requires an understanding on the part of Christians that, while we can only do all things through Christ who strengthens us, we must be diligent to do our part (Philippians 4:13; Hebrews 4:11).

Begin by believing. When Moses sent spies into Canaan, all but Joshua and Caleb were limited by how they viewed themselves as grasshoppers compared to the giants who inhabited the land (Numbers 13:30-33). Jesus, on the other hand, taught his disciples that, even when humanly speaking something seems impossible, everything is possible with God (Mark 10:27). In fact, the apostle Paul suggested that open doors for greatly effective opportunities virtually guarantee many adversaries (1 Corinthians 16:9).

Declare a thing. The Lord appeared to Abram when he was ninety-nine years old and changed his name to Abraham, from “Patriarch” to “Father of Multitudes,” so every time he heard or spoke his name he would be reminded of God’s promise (Genesis 17:1-5). We should likewise declare God’s truth so it will be established for us (1 Samuel 17:46-47; Job 22:28). If we believe God in our hearts without doubting and confess him with our mouths without wavering, we will have what we say (Mark 11:23; Romans 10:10).

Expect a miracle. Joshua led the Israelites to cross the Jordan River and instructed them to watch for the Ark of the Covenant, where God’s presence was manifested; “When you see the ark,” he said, “go after it” (Joshua 3:3). Elijah prayed and sent his servant to the top of the mount seven times, until he saw a little cloud the size of a man’s hand; he then sent his servant to warn the king of a heavy rain (1 Kings 18:41-44). Our prayers can be just as effective if we do not stop believing, declaring, and expecting (James 5:17-18).

Learn to advance. Job saw his friends turn on him, advancing against him as a ruinous storm through the gaping breaches in his life (Job 30:14). We must never retreat when our enemy is advancing; rather, we must by faith advance through the gates, prepare the way, build up the highway, take out the stones and stumbling blocks, and lift up a banner for the people of the nations to gather together from the four corners of the earth until the Lord who is our salvation shall appear (Isaiah 11:12, 40:3, 57:14, and 62:10-11).

We as Christians must not despair simply because things do not go as we would like. Job came to realize that, though a beginning may seem small, the latter end can increase abundantly (Job 8:7 and 42:12). Jesus, our shepherd-king, is putting together the sheep of his fold in preparation for the day when he shall return and ultimately break through with deliverance for all who willingly recognize and submit to his caring authority (Psalms 23:1 and 100:3; Micah 2:13; 1 Peter 5:4).

The Rev. Tom Burgess is pastor of Hope Christian Fellowship in Canastota.

Parsonally Speaking

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