Breaking Through with God
Adapted from Pastor David Willis’s Message, “All I Want for Christmas is a Breakthrough.”
Last Sunday, December 15, Pastor David preached a messaged titled, “All I want for Christmas is a breakthrough.” This blog contains six days of devotions based on that message. I encourage you to return to them daily and journey through it progressively, though you are certainly welcome to read it in one sitting.
Day 1: Surrendering Control to God
Scripture Focus: 1 Chronicles 14:8
"Now when the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek out David, but David heard and went out to them."
Reflection:
David’s response to the Philistines wasn’t fear but action. He trusted God’s anointing on his life and did not hold back in confronting the enemy. How often do we cling to control, refusing to let God take full charge of a situation? Trusting God requires letting go of what we’re trying to manage on our own.
Illustration:
A tightrope walker crossed Niagara Falls to the thunderous cheer of the crowd. Desiring to demonstrate his skill further still, he grabbed a wheelbarrow and wheeled it across the falls. The crowd roared! Next, he asked for a volunteer to ride in the wheelbarrow while he pushed it across. Although he had proven his ability, no one was willing to climb into the wheelbarrow. True faith trusts fully, not partially. It is one thing to cheer while God works miracles that don’t require much involvement on our part, but God is looking for people who are willing to get involved and surrender full control to Him.
Application:
Identify one area where you’ve been holding back from God. Commit to giving Him full control over it this week.
Prayer Prompt:
Lord, help me to trust You fully and surrender what I’ve been holding back. I believe that You are faithful to lead me to victory.
Study Questions:
What does it mean to trust God fully? How can you apply this in your life?
What areas of your life are hardest to surrender to God? Why?
How can reflecting on God’s faithfulness in the past help you trust Him more?
Day 2: Taking Steps Toward Breakthrough
Scripture Focus: 1 Chronicles 14:8
"Now when the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek out David, but David heard and went out to them."
Reflection:
Breakthrough often requires bold action. David didn’t sit back and wait for God to hand him victory; he stepped out in faith. Are you actively moving toward the breakthrough you’re praying for, or are you passively waiting? The Bible is filled with examples of those who took steps toward their breakthrough, even when it was terrifying. David faced the giant with just a sling and stones (1 Samuel 17). Daniel endured the lion’s den without abandoning his faith (Daniel 6). Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego boldly declared that God was able to deliver them from the tyrannical king, but they would not bow to the king’s demands even if it cost their lives (Daniel 3). Peter got out of the boat and walked on water (Matthew 14). Breakthrough may not come while you sit still. Have faith, and take action!
Application:
Write down one specific action step you can take this week to align with God’s plan for your breakthrough.
Prayer Prompt:
Father, give me the courage to step out in faith and take the next step toward the breakthrough You have for me.
Study Questions:
What is one area where you feel God prompting you to act?
How can bold faith and practical steps work together in seeking breakthrough?
What obstacles might be holding you back from taking that step?
Day 3: Facing Giants and Ghosts from the Past
Scripture Focus: 1 Chronicles 14:9
"So, the Philistines came and raided the Valley of Rephaim."
Reflection:
The Valley of Rephaim, also known as the "Valley of Giants," reminds us that breakthroughs often require facing challenges that feel overwhelming. In the ancient world, “Rephaim” were often thought to be the descendants of fallen angels. They were envisioned by some as a supernatural race of giants and by others as ghosts of a sort, the inhabitants of death itself. David had been battling giants since his youth—some of them weren’t even his battles to fight. What giants or ghosts from the past do you need to confront? Perhaps these are not even things from your own past. It is possible to be impacted by events from your own family history that you were not directly involved in. Through faith in Christ, it is possible to experience victory in the Valley of Rephaim.
Illustration:
David’s history with Goliath reminds us that victories over giants come through God’s strength. No giant is too big when God is with us.
Application:
Reflect on any "giants" in your life—fears, unresolved issues, or generational struggles. Surrender them to God and commit to facing them with His help.
Prayer Prompt:
Lord, give me the strength and wisdom to face the giants in my life. Help me to walk in Your victory.
Study Questions:
What "giants" or challenges are you currently facing in your life?
How does your past affect how you approach challenges today?
What practical steps can you take to address these giants with God’s help?
Day 4: Asking God for Guidance
Scripture Focus: 1 Chronicles 14:10
"Then David inquired of the Lord, saying, 'Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You give them into my hand?' The Lord answered, 'Go up against them, and I will give them into your hand.'"
Reflection:
David’s first move wasn’t to act in his own strength but to ask God what he should do. How often do we forge ahead without seeking God’s direction? Many hurts that we endure are the direct result of impulsive, prayerless decisions. Followers of Christ do well to remember the wisdom of Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Breakthroughs come when we align our steps with God’s will.
Application:
Spend intentional time in prayer today, asking God for guidance in a specific area where you need breakthrough.
Prayer Prompt:
God, show me the steps I need to take. Help me to trust Your voice and follow Your guidance.
Study Questions:
When was the last time you asked God for specific guidance? What was the result?
How can you discern God’s voice in your life?
Why is it important to seek God’s direction before acting?
Day 5: Celebrating the Breakthrough
Scripture Focus: 1 Chronicles 14:11
"Then David said, 'God broke through my enemies by my hand as the breaking through of waters.' Therefore, they named that place Baal Perazim."
Reflection:
David acknowledged God as the source of his victory, calling the place "Baal Perazim," which means "The Lord of Breakthrough." Many scholars note a linguistic connection between “Baal Perazim” in this passage and “Mount Perazim” in Isaiah 28:21. This connection is very significant for a couple reasons. First, Mount Perazim is located near the Valley of Rephaim where David and his men were fighting (1 Chronicles 14:9). Second, Isaiah 28 prophetically prefigures the coming of Christ. Verse 16 of Isaiah 28 is applied directly to Jesus Christ in 1 Peter 2:6. This connection reminds us that Jesus Christ is the source of our breakthrough. He is the one who triumphs over death and hell (Isaiah 28:18; Revelation 1:18). The “breaking through of waters” that David speaks of in 1 Chronicles 14:11 supply a picture of Christ breaking through our circumstances by the Holy Spirit’s power. We do not fight alone. Our victory comes from Christ. Are you recognizing and celebrating God’s hand in your victories?
Application:
Take time today to praise God for the breakthroughs you’ve experienced, big or small. Share your testimony with someone to encourage them.
Prayer Prompt:
Lord, thank You for being the God of breakthrough. Help me to remember and celebrate all You’ve done in my life.
Study Questions:
What recent breakthroughs can you thank God for?
How can sharing your testimony encourage others in their faith?
Why is it important to remember and celebrate God’s faithfulness?
Day 6: Clearing Out What Doesn’t Belong
Scripture Focus: 1 Chronicles 14:12
"They abandoned their gods there, and David said that they should be burned with fire."
Reflection:
After victory, David made sure to destroy anything that could lead the people away from God. In the same way, breakthroughs are an opportunity to take spiritual inventory and remove anything hindering our walk with God. When God reveals His power in our lives and overcomes our enemies, it is only natural for us to stop and ponder the ways in which we might serve Him more fully. Like the Israelites, we must abandon our idols—the false gods that distract us from devotion to the One True God.
Illustration:
In the past, hunters discovered that they could trap monkeys by using their curiosity and their appetites against them. They would secure a jar to the ground and place a piece of fruit inside it. Then, they would place a lid on the jar, leaving a hole that was big enough for the monkey to get its hand through but too small for it to pull the fruit through. The monkey gets trapped for one reason—it refuses to let go of the fruit. Are you holding on to something that God is asking you to release? Is the devil using your appetites to enslave you? What would happen if you simply let go?
Application:
Identify any habits, relationships, or possessions that may be pulling you away from God. Take a step to "burn" them—remove them from your life.
Prayer Prompt:
Father, reveal anything in my life that doesn’t belong. Help me to let go and focus fully on You.
Study Questions:
What are some things in your life that no longer belong after your breakthrough?
How can you ensure that you stay focused on God after a victory?
What practical steps can you take to "burn" distractions or idols in your life?