to our theme for 2023, we continue to explore the idea of breakthrough and the importance the Scriptures place on the concept as a whole. By definition breakthrough means, any significant or sudden advance, development, accomplishment, or increase; discovery or achievement after hard work. A breakthrough is something that changes the course of your life going forward and ensures that things will never be the same for you again. Most of what a breakthrough requires is for you to have the courage and the bravery to stops settling for second best.
King David provides us with the biblical definition of breakthrough:
1 Chronicles 14:10-11 NLT (10) So David asked God, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?” The Lord replied, “Yes, go ahead. I will hand them over to you.” (11) So David and his troops went up to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. “God did it!” David exclaimed. “He used me to burst through my enemies like a raging flood!” So they named that place Baal-perazim (which means “the Lord who bursts through”).
· Sometimes fighting is an unavoidable consequence to living
· Some people may feel like all they have ever done in life is fight We all desire peace but what if God is the one instigating the confrontation? (vs.24)
· There are times when the battle you are in is by (God’s) design
· No matter how you try to make peace you are forced to fight. In our story God is transforming his people from slaves to conquerors.
· It is one thing to be set free; it is another thing to become free.
· Conflict and confrontation are great for recognizing character (vs.25)
· God ordained outcomes require new methods (vs.26-29) o Looking to past solutions for present relief may cause you to miss your now. o What worked before is not going to challenge your inner character.
· God uses opposition to bring clarity to our purpose (vs.30)
o I will put fear of you in them o Your reputation will bring about results
· The only thing standing between you and victory might be a fight (vs.31)
o I have given you the King
o Start possessing the land
o Start fighting the battle
