PREPARATION FOR A MIGHTY BREAKTHROUGH
Achieving anything worthwhile in life requires adequate preparation. Breakthroughs do not happen by accident, there are definite paths that lead to breakthroughs.
Tomorrow’s pinnacle of success depends on today’s preparation. Even Christ underscored the importance of preparation (Luke 14:28-33). Just as the type of structure we intend to erect will determine the type of foundation we lay, so also the type of breakthrough we envisage will determine the level and thoroughness of our preparation.
DEFINITE REPENTANCE FROM SIN
Isaiah 59:1,2; 55:6,7; Proverbs 28:13; 13:15; 1 John 1:7-9; Acts 3:26,18; 2:38; 2 Chronicles 7:12-15; Psalm 107:17; 119:67.
The greatest obstacle on the path to a mighty breakthrough is sin. It is what separates us from God and builds a barrier between us and God and prevents His hand of help and mercy from reaching us (Isaiah 59:1,2).
Covering our sin ensures that we never prosper. Confessing and forsaking our sins brings divine pardon, forgiveness, blessing (Proverbs 28:13; Isaiah 55:6,7; 1 John 1:7-9; Acts 3:26,18; 2:38).
Repentance from sin will lead to an open heaven over us (2 Chronicles 7:12-15). Forsaking every form of disobedience will enable God to rebuke the devourer for our sakes (Malachi 3:8-12; Zechariah 3:1-5).
The way of the backslider is like a hedge of thorns. Going astray brings affliction (Proverbs 13:15; Psalm 107:17; 119:67).
DECISIVE RECONCILIATION WITH THE SAVIOUR
2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Romans 5:10; 6:1-18; 9:30,31; 8:14-17,32; Ephesians 2:12-20; Hosea 6:1-3; Luke 15:11-24
True repentance is only effective when coupled with faith in the atoning blood of Christ. We must reconcile with God (2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Romans 5:10; Ephesians 2:16). We must come back into the Father’s favour. We must be part of God’s family before we can enjoy the family provision (Ephesians 2:12-20). We pass from death to life. We cease to be children of wrath and become children of mercy. We cease to be servants of Satan we become heirs of God (Romans 6:1-18; 9:30,31; 8:14-17,32). Have you gone astray? Come and let us return unto God (Hosea 6:1-3; Luke 15:11-24). There is room for every repentant, returning prodigal!
DELIBERATE REKINDLING OF OUR SACRIFICE
2 Corinthians 12:15; Philippians 1:20,21; Galatians 2:20; Genesis 15:9-11; Deuteronomy 28:1-13; 26:1-15; Proverbs 3:8,10; Malachi 3:8-12; Ezekiel 44:30.
Paul the apostle declared that he will spend and be spent for the gospel (2 Corinthians 12:15). He declared that for him to live is Christ (Philippians 1:20,21; Galatians 2:20).
Some of us have made commitments like these to God. We have laid our sacrifice like Abraham on the altar. However the birds of worldliness, deceitfulness of riches, coldness and formality in divine service have already started to desecrate the sacrifice. Will we not drive these birds away (Genesis 15:9-11).
The fire on the altar is going out. The embers are fast turning to ashes. Will we not fan it to blazing pitch again?
How about the commitment of your time, talent and treasure? How do you expect God to have time for you when you have no time for Him? How do you expect God to enrich your storehouse when you do not enrich His storehouse? (Deuteronomy 28:1-13; 26:1-15; Proverbs 3:8,10; Malachi 3:8-12; Ezekiel 44:30).
DIVINE RENEWAL OF OUR STRENGTH
Isaiah 40:27-31; 41:1; 10:27; 61:1-3; Judges 15:13-16; 1 Samuel 11:1-15; 16:1-23; 17:1-52; Acts 3:19; Zechariah 10:1,2
The man who is weak cannot take advantage of opportunities even when they knock at his door. The power to pursue and conquer may be what is lacking. The game (bush meat) is near but there is no gun powder. The door is open but no strength to walk through the impossible.
However the Lord has promised to renew our strength so that we don’t faint and can move up with victorious wings as eagles (Isaiah 40:27-31; 41:1).
A fresh anointing will turn us into bondage breakers (Judges 15:13-16; Isaiah 10:27; 61:1-3) and giant killers (1 Samuel 11:1-15; 16:1-23; 17:1-52).
DIVINE RELEASE OF THE SUPERNATURAL
Exodus 14:6-20; Joshua 6:1-20; Isaiah 40:3,-5; Luke 3:4-6; Philippians 4:19; Deuteronomy 28:1-13; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Ephesians 1:3.
Once we have made the adequate preparation, there will be a divine release of the supernatural – every Red Sea will part, overflowing Jordan will give way, the impossible walls of Jericho will crumble, every crooked path is made straight, every valley is filled , every mountain is leveled, every need is met, every stubborn pursuer is drowned in the Red Sea (Exodus 14:6-20; Joshua 6:1-20; Isaiah 40:3,-5; Luke 3:4-6).
The Lord will supply every need (Philippians 4:19). The Lord will open His good treasure unto us (Deuteronomy 28:1-13; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Ephesians 1:3).