We’ve prayed for breakthrough. Believed for it. Stood on the
Scriptures that tell us to ask, believing, and anything is possible with God.
So, what are we missing? Why haven’t we seen the promised
breakthrough? Has God not said that He rewards those who diligently seek Him?
Maybe He’s withholding, waiting for us to learn some lesson
we’ve not gotten the text book to.
OR, perhaps the thing we’re missing is a little perspective.
After all, didn’t He also say that His ways are higher than ours, His thoughts
are not ours?
If this is true, then it could be that the breakthrough has
been His.
Have you ever been through boot camp? I haven’t, but have
heard stories. It’s tough. Rigorous. Painful. Confrontational.
But oh, so necessary.
Throughout the struggles I’ve faced over the years, there
has been little doubt whether God’s been with me. This doesn’t mean doubt has
remained silent. No. In fact, it has mixed its words with the reality of
situations in order to cause the waves around me to threaten certain death—or at
least destruction.
Those subtle lies usually sound a lot like, “This is the way
it’ll be for you. Accept it.” Or “You’ll always be on the outside looking in,
wishing you could join the fun.” Or “Last picked—again—should you expect
anything different?” Or a myriad more thoughts that have been nurtured through
the voices of unsuspecting agents.
Other lies include fears, paradigms, habits, and sometimes
coveted relationships. Those are things that stand between me and a vibrant
intimate relationship with the One who has called me by name before the
foundation of the universe was laid. They are walls of separation that God has
set out to break through. If Christ
intercedes on our behalf, perhaps these are His prayer focus.
Looking back over the years, I can see where attitudes have changed.
Beliefs have shifted. Trust has grown. Insecurities have diminished. Hindsight,
as we know, has the potential to make things crisp and clear.
The physical circumstances have changed little. To the naked
eye, it might be said it’s worsened. I have no idea when these particular
trials will end. I do believe they will, though. One day, when the time is
right and the harvest is ready.
What I do believe is that boot camp doesn’t graduate flabby,
weak-hearted, irresponsible, insecure, unsure, second-guessing, knee-knocking,
fearful candidates for the rigors of life. It is important to submit to the
training and grow through it. See it as something that will one day create a
formidable foe to the enemy of our soul.
And know this: God isn’t cracking the whip, demanding,
beating our backs, diminishing our worth, or mocking our efforts. It is Him at
our side, in front of us, at the finish line, beckoning, “Come. Another step.
You can do it. I know you can. I’m with you. I’m for you. I’m your rest. Your strength.
Your comfort. Your hope.”
He knows what you’re capable of. He created—fashioned and
designed—you. Each detail of your being, He carefully placed and meticulously
planned for greater purposes than you’ll ever imagine. He’s not about to crush
that. He’s calling it out. Strengthening it. Completing the creation He
envisioned so long ago when you were conceived in His heart.
This is the breakthrough He’s after: Your Freedom.
Weaving words for the heart and soul,
