Breakthrough as a lifestyle, not just a series of events

In this talk I looked at two definitions of breakthrough:

1. an action or event that represents the removal of a previously existing obstacle or barrier to progress, including a great success or recognition that takes you to a different level
2. a significant development or discovery often involving a new understanding or revelation

suggesting the definition we probably best associate with breakthrough is the first one. (We pray for breakthrough in finances, health, in the workplace, in our relationships…) And so in our heads, breakthrough often looks like an event.

But the problem with focusing almost exclusively on breakthroughs as single events is that we can miss the deeper things that God is doing because they fall under the second definition of breakthrough. Discovery can take longer, there’s a process involved in understanding that can take time, the results of revelation may not be quite so obvious and may not be worked out immediately.

As God takes a holistic approach it is probably more important to him that we experience a breakthrough lifestyle rather than live from one breakthrough event to another. Isaac is a master at living in breakthrough:

• His relationship with God is the primary thing that informs how he lives: he meditates, prays, worships, blesses, and witnesses
• He is steadfast and consistent. Isaac is steadfast in the pursuit of the blessing he wants from God, but his lifestyle doesn’t change while he’s waiting for it to manifest
• He is quick to deal with sin
• He has vision: he plants in a way that allows God to grow his harvest
• He walks in peace
• He carries breakthrough for other people
  

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Here are some things to think about as you reflect on the talk:

1. Do you have an example of breakthrough for each of the two definitions?
2. How much does your relationship with God inform how you live? Think about decisions you’ve made or things you’ve decided to do that have come from God speaking to you
3. Abimilek - the pagan king - sees how God has blessed Isaac. Do the people around you who don’t know Jesus understand where your confidence and peace come from? Is there more you could do to help them recognise who it is who is blessing you?
4. How easy is it for you to speak life? What favourite scriptures do you use to speak life over yourself, your circumstances and other people?
5. Right now, there are visions in heaven waiting to be downloaded to each of us and, also, to us a community of God’s people if only we would ask him for them. (“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” Jer 33:3). Have you asked for God’s vision for your life?
6. Would the people around you describe you as a person of peace? What tips do you have for keeping your peace in difficult situations?
7. Isaac carries breakthrough for other people. So do you! Who has God put on your heart to pray for and encourage? Whose lives are you called to speak into? What changes have you seen in the lives of people you have come alongside?

Until next time

L x