Need A Breakthrough?

In Matthew 17, we hear about a man that needed a breakthrough.  He wanted his son healed of epilepsy; and yet Jesus’ disciples were not successful in helping his son; but the man didn’t give up.  When he saw Jesus, he knelt down beside Him; begged for mercy and asked Jesus to heal his son.  Without hesitation; Jesus took authority, commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man’s son and within an hour, he was healed.    

Matthew 17:19-21 (NKJV) “Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.  However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

Do you need a breakthrough? Maybe you have a desire to serve God and allow Him to be Lord over your life; yet it seems regardless of all your efforts to serve Him, there are always trials or temptations that emerge in the face of adversity.  Possibly a stumbling block you continually kick away; only to find it resurfacing time and time again.  It’s as if it taunts & tempts you to jump on board for a joy ride adventure!  Maybe you’ve even prayed and sought God; asking that He remove it forever; and still it lingers and rears its ugly head at your weakest moment;  leaving you to feel absolutely hopeless in an already bad situation. Well, you’re not alone! 

When I look at temptation, I can almost envision the enemy quietly slipping a noose around my neck, spiritually of course; waiting for me to take the bait and trip; causing me to fall in the midst of sin; sin that will inevitably bring death and separation from the One I desire to serve the most; God, Himself.

Every wonder why the same trials or temptations keep resurfacing? 

We need to be careful not to blame God.  According to James 1:13-15 (NKJV), it clearly tells us, Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.  But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.”

Simply put; there is no one else is to blame except us. Truth is according to James 1:13-15….for us to “fall” into the temptation, we actually have to have some type of desire for it or at the very least; be enticed by it.  Then, before we realize it, we’ve made a decision to entertain those thoughts and "Voila” (French for 'here it is')"; we’ve kicked open a door of opportunity….to “sin”.  That’s right!  All we have to do is entertain the thought of that temptation and it won’t be long before we put it into action! That’s all it takes to start prying the door open to sin. Wow; now that’s a tough one to swallow!  Not only have I been tempted by sin; but it’s actually me that chooses to open the door and invited it in.  Not a good choice!

Don’t lose heart; even Jesus faced trials and was tempted by Satan.  But He knew how to handle all of it.  We are told in Matthew 4:1-11 that Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit to withdraw for 40 days & 40 nights; fasting, praying and seeking His Father. During that time He faced every temptation Satan threw His way; yet He battled every one of them using the Word of God. 

I believe we need to put into practice the instructions Jesus gave His disciples in Matthew 17:21, where He said, ^“However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”  Jesus exercised fasting & prayer on a continual basis.  And I can attest that prayer and fasting bring about “breakthrough”!  I’ve experienced it multiple times thru my Christian walk; and most recently this past year. 

So what spiritual battle have you been fighting lately?  Isn’t it time you see a breakthrough? He knows what you need before you even ask and He is quick to direct your every step.

Ok…so we’ve prayed; sought God; asked Him to help us get rid of the temptation and it’s still there.  What do we do? Time to get serious folks!

 It’s time you took your rightful place as a child of El Elyon, The Most High God.  Time to fast & pray! And if you choose to fast & pray, do as we are instructed in Hebrews 4:16 NKJV “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Is it really that simple folks?  Well, I can honestly say from my perspective, no. 

Fasting & prayer take determination from us.

Don’t delay; get determined! Seek God; fast & pray! 
And in the midst of asking for your needs to be met; whatever they may be, remember to enter His gates with thanksgiving in your heart and His courts with praise!

I pray that as you seek the Lord, you will walk in His total favor!
Be blessed my family & friends. 

Love you all,

Cyndy