As we prepare to turn the calendar page to ’24, I can’t help but think of all the changes in my life this past year. We added two new grandbabies to our village. I turned 60, and Heidi and I celebrated 35 years of marriage. Of course, the main one was stepping down from full-time ministry after 38 years and pursuing a new purpose in ministry. Stepping into the unknown can be daunting. I remember God telling me last January that unless something gets in motion, change will never take place. A boulder will never move until pressure is applied. And even then, it takes a lot of pressure. So I obeyed and got things moving.
Over the last week, I have been thinking a lot about 2024. I am a fan of looking forward, although it’s human nature to look back. Again, the image comes to mind of trying to move forward into one’s future, with your head turned around to look at the past. Yep, it can be a dangerous way to live. I ran into a stop sign on my bike as a child because of that! I have been pondering words for 24. I am a big fan of focused attention. In the past, some of my words were impact, change, new, favor, prosper, and completion. This year, I was thinking of the word breakthrough. I was with a group of leaders last week, and as the devotional was shared, the Lord confirmed that my attention and energy would be on breakthrough.
“Breakthrough” generally refers to a significant and sudden advance or development in a particular field or area. It implies a notable progress or achievement that surpasses previous limitations or expectations. Overall, a breakthrough represents a moment of overcoming obstacles, pushing boundaries, and achieving something noteworthy or groundbreaking.
To break through, there has to be something to break through! I know that is deep. Heidi and I have been talking about so many things we have been praying for. Some answers happen quickly. Just shoot them up, and BAM, here comes the answer. But for most, there is a process, a deepening of one’s faith. A season of doubt and insecurity that it will happen. Then, that moment when a decision has to be made. Am I going to believe it or not? Will I allow circumstances or speed of the answer to dictate my ability to trust? Just when you think you have strong faith, an obstacle appears, and you are faced with a decision. As of late, I have been asking God to remove obstacles, and seemingly, I always get the same response. Push through them. Put your head down and move forward. So, with that in mind, I am doing just that. I keep walking. I keep moving. I have created a list of things I am going to contend for in prayer. Leaders, pastors, heads of homes, it’s your job to fight. Although our faith weakens, it’s our responsibility to refill and stay in the ring. Get the gloves back up and keep fighting.
What area of your life do you need a breakthrough? What person is depending on you to pray for them today? What if you stop? What if you don’t? What if someone stopped praying for you or believing in you?
I read a recent post after I typed the title of this blog and this is what it said.
“It’s hard to experience a breakthrough when we keep returning to what broke us.”
So, for me, I press as Paul said. I contend. I believe. I trust. That list will be taken to the Lord each day. I can’t wait to see how and when God does it. But I know that He will. The sun will break through the dark clouds of night and a new day will emerge. New dreams, new visions, new goals, new answers, new relationships and new breakthroughs!
