By Matt Brown

Are you praying for a spiritual breakthrough in your life? 

Maybe you're praying for something to change in your life, or maybe you're praying for God to help you change from the inside out? 

The Bible has powerful instructions on encountering God and experiencing spiritual breakthrough in your life.

Here are 10 biblical keys to spiritual breakthrough:

1. Call on the Name of Jesus and He will breakthrough to you.

No spiritual breakthrough is greater or more important than receiving salvation by faith in Christ and what He did on the cross for us. It is through His blood we are reconciled to God. Without the shedding of His blood, there is no remission of our sins. (Hebrews 9:22) God didn't give everything for us in His Son because there are other ways.

We cannot experience the other breakthroughs God has for us until we first receive and believe in Jesus.

We do this by calling on His Name to save us. (Romans 10:13)

2. Pray for your breakthrough.

Ephesians 6:12 clarifies something, "Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." 

Often the spiritual breakthroughs we need are brought about through prayer, not by asking favors of people, or pushing for our own way. Stop looking to people for your breakthrough, and start storming the gates of heaven through prayer.

3. Persistent prayer brings breakthrough. 

Jesus shared a story about prayer about an elderly lady who banged on a judge's door until he brought justice. Jesus taught in the same way, we should be persistent in our prayers, and our Father in heaven "will see that we get justice, and quickly." (See Luke 18:1-8)

4. Fast until you see a breakthrough.

Jesus taught that some spiritual breakthroughs will not happen without prayer and fasting. (See Mark 9:14-29)

Mark Batterson writes in his new book "If," "When you abstain through fasting, it shows God you're serious. And God takes that seriously, if the cause honors Him. The reality is some spiritual breakthroughs are only possible with the combination of prayer and fasting. It's amazing how many defining moments in my life and ministry trace back to seasons of fasting." 

5. Have faith for a breakthrough.

Faith is one of the most essential ingredients of healthy daily Christianity. Hebrews 11:6 says, "He who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." 

Jesus also taught us to pray in faith believing and we will receive what we ask for (Mark 11:24), and that even the smallest amount of faith will do powerful things. (Matthew 17:20)

It's not enough to just pray about something. We need to pray with faith and confidence in our gracious and good Father who rewards us when we diligently seek Him.

We should pray with faith, not just that God will give us what we want, but that He is a good Father (See Matthew 7:7-11), and He will give us what we need the most. God always gives us what we would pray for, if we knew everything He knows.

6. Align yourself with God's will for breakthrough.

We shouldn't just pray for anything we want, rather it should be our goal to pray for everything God wants for us. We need God to give us new and better desires that are pleasing to Him.

1 John 5:14 says, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him."

But how do we know God's will? By spending time in His Word.

There few things more powerful than praying the Word of God, because it is the express will of God on the earth.

7. Patiently trust that God is working while you are waiting.

This may sound surprising, but faith is not enough to receive what you ask for in prayer. Hebrews 6:12 elaborates, "Imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised."

Faith, and ... patience. Often we do not receive what we are praying for right away. We must keep on praying with persistence and patience. We should patiently pray, trust and await God's gracious help.

8. Forgive anyone who has hurt you, and you’ll sense breakthrough.

Jesus didn't mess around - He said, if you are holding on to offense, hatred, or grudges, the devil will have a foothold in your life (Ephesians 4:26-27), and you won't be able to experience the forgiveness and peace of God in your life. (See Matthew 6:14-15)

Forgiveness is not an emotion, it is a choice. Sometimes a choice you need to make on a daily basis, to forgive as Christ commanded you.

God will strengthen you to be able to forgive, when you don't feel you can. When you forgive people who have hurt you and sinned against you, you will feel a powerful sense of God's presence break through immediately.

9. Repent of any known sin and experience a powerful breakthrough.

God didn't save our soul so we can wallow in sinfulness. He saved us to do good works. He doesn't just ask us to pray a prayer of salvation while we run the other way - He calls us to follow Him. (See Colossians 2:6-7)

If you have put your faith in Jesus, but are experiencing spiritual dissonance, maybe there is something you need to repent of, and turn away from? (See Hebrews 12:1) Surrendering your whole life to Christ in repentance, and giving Him access to be Lord over all of your life will assuredly bring about a powerful personal breakthrough.

10. Stand still and watch God work and bring your breakthrough.

2 Chronicles 20:17 contains a powerful promise that has encouraged many believers over the years, "But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD's victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!"

When you have done all of the above steps to spiritual breakthrough, this final promise is surely for you - you will not need to fight, stand still and watch God work mightily on your behalf!

What Is the Meaning of Breakthrough in the Bible?

Understanding the biblical meaning of breakthrough provides insight into its significance in our spiritual journey. In essence, a breakthrough in the Bible refers to a profound shift or advancement, often in the context of overcoming obstacles, achieving victory, or experiencing God's transformative power in our lives.

A spiritual breakthrough entails breaking free from spiritual bondage, experiencing a deep connection with Jesus, and encountering His presence in a very real and tangible way. It goes beyond only success or achievement; it is a supernatural intervention that brings about significant change and growth in our relationship with the Lord.

The biblical meaning of breakthrough signifies a pivotal moment marked by divine intervention, where God's power is unleashed to overcome adversity, fulfill promises, and manifest His glory. It may involve breaking through barriers of doubt, fear, sin, or unbelief, leading to a renewed sense of purpose, direction, and empowerment in Jesus and reaching more people with the Gospel.

What is a breakthrough in the Bible? It is exemplified throughout scripture in stories of deliverance, restoration, and miraculous provision. Whether it's the Israelites crossing the Red Sea, Joshua conquering Jericho, or Jesus' resurrection from the dead, the Bible is filled with accounts of God's faithfulness in bringing about breakthroughs for His people.

Ultimately, a breakthrough in the Bible is a reminder of God's sovereignty, His faithfulness to His promises, and His power to overcome every obstacle we face. There is nothing in this world that He cannot break through! As we seek God earnestly and trust in His timing and provision, we can anticipate breakthroughs that surpass human understanding and bring glory to His name.

Conclusion

You can have breakthroughs! The 10 keys in this blog post are biblically sound ways to find spiritual breakthroughs in your life, work, family, marriage, etc. As you navigate your life going forward, how will you position yourself to allow God to bring a spiritual breakthrough in your life? At the end of the day, God desires to bring spiritual breakthroughs—are you ready?

Matt Brown is an evangelist, author of Truth Plus Love, host of Think Eternity with Matt Brown, and founder of Think Eternity — a ministry dedicated to amplifying the gospel every day through podcasts, devotionals, videos, live events and more. Matt and his wife Michelle have three children.