Prayer for breakthrough

A breakthrough is a military concept. When one army is able to weaken an enemy's forces to the point of collapse, a breakthrough occurs, allowing that army to invade and capture enemy territory.

But in war, a breakthrough only really matters when it occurs in a strategic location. And the proof that a location is strategic is almost always the number of enemy forces concentrated on its defense. The enemy, led by experienced generals, plans to fiercely defend what he values highly.

This means that an invading army can expect that its attempt to achieve a breakthrough will be met with a barrier of strong enemy resistance. Strategic breakthroughs are always preceded by quite fierce fighting. Strategic positions do not surrender easily.

Our breakthroughs are being resisted by powerful forces

This is as true of spiritual warfare as it is of wars fought on earth. In the spiritual realm, unlike the earthly realm, the church is an offensive force. While it is easy to get into a defensive, defensive mode, Jesus makes it clear that we are not only to defend ourselves, but to attack as well. The Great Commission is to «go and make disciples of all nations» (Matt. 28:19). In a world that «lies in the power of the wicked one» (1 John 5:19), this is the language of belligerence. Our mission is to free those who are held captive by the devil to do his will (2 Tim. 2:26).

«"If you pray for a breakthrough and don't see it, don't give up. There will always be resistance before a breakthrough.".

But we must remember that strategic positions are not given up easily. Whether we are fighting for breakthroughs in our own stubborn sin, the unbelief of a loved one, or breakthroughs in our local church’s missionary outreach, reaching out to different nations, rescuing persecuted believers, orphans, victims of sexual slavery, or unborn children, we are confronted with «spiritual wickedness in high places» (Eph. 6:12). We do not know exactly what this means, except that these forces are very powerful.

The Example of Daniel

Daniel 10:12–14 gives us a glimpse of what is happening. Daniel had been praying and partially fasting for 21 days to better understand the revelations he had received (Dan. 10:3), when an angelic being finally appeared with the answer to his prayers. This messenger said that he had been trying to reach Daniel all these days but had been detained by «the prince of the kingdom of Persia.» The archangel Michael was to come and rescue him.

This experience of Daniel is an example for us. It is not a formula that can be simply reduced to praying and fasting for 21 days and then Michael will come to help you overcome cosmic forces. But it is an example of what is happening beyond our vision. God does not want us to know more about the angelic realm than what He has already revealed in Scripture, otherwise more would be revealed in Scripture. But He clearly wants us to know that there is more going on than we see, so that we will pray to Him and fast until He gives us the answer.

When God Acts, Satan Reacts

A consistent pattern in the Bible is that every major move of God is preceded by a period of increasingly difficult and frustrating opposition. And if we take seriously Ephesians 6, Daniel 10, and other texts on spiritual warfare, we will understand why: God is invading what Satan considers his territory. God’s kingdom is breaking through the lines of the kingdom of darkness: «He has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of his beloved Son» (Col. 1:13).

«"True spiritual breakthroughs are not achieved without prayer. Prayer is necessary to weaken our opposition.".

If we do not encounter opposition, we are likely not attacking a strategic position. But if we do, then we are on the right track. Where the enemy is consolidating his forces, there we must concentrate our efforts.

And where the enemy is entrenched, we will face a fierce battle if we are to make a breakthrough. We will be met with volleys of flaming arrows (Eph. 6:16). We will be attacked from behind. Spies will appear in the camp. We will face ridicule, intimidation, and accusations. There will be attempts to destroy our morale and determination.

A call to determination is what is needed for a true breakthrough.

So this is a call to holy determination. Keep praying and do not lose heart (Luke 18:1). As in any great war, there are many battles. Some breakthroughs are achieved relatively quickly, others require long, persistent endurance. But in every case, breakthroughs require determination to continue the attack.

Breakthroughs are not usually achieved by prayer alone—there are works to be done and courage to be displayed. But true spiritual breakthroughs are not possible without prayer. It takes focused, specific, persistent, and determined prayer, often by two or more people (Matt. 18:19), to break down spiritual resistance. And fasting is a powerful tool. «Fasting reveals where the heart is. And when it reveals that the heart is with God and not with the world, it deals a powerful blow to Satan.»​—A Hunger for God.

So if you pray for a breakthrough and don’t see it, but instead feel increasingly tempted to discouragement, weariness, doubt, and even cynicism, don’t give up. The increasing intensity of the struggle always precedes significant breakthroughs. Strategic positions never seem easy. You encounter more difficulties than you initially thought. But «you have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world» (1 John 4:4). He has overcome the world (John 16:33), and He will protect you (Luke 18:8).

Don't lose heart. Be determined. A breakthrough is ahead.