Does it ever seem like things get worse before they get better?
Thomas Fuller thought so. The English theologian is often attributed for the saying “it’s always darkest before the dawn,” which he wrote about in the 17th century.
While this is technically true — the sky is often at its darkest just before the sun breaks the horizon — the sentiment is more of a metaphor for people today (especially Christians).
I’ll use my life as an example. After battling alcoholism for more than a decade, I thought things would get easier once I got sober. But the opposite happened. In fact, four and a half months into my sobriety (in 2021), my marriage and mental health had deteriorated so much that I could no longer find motivation to live. I just wanted to be in heaven, done with sin and away from the frustrations of failure.
I had fought and prayed for so long to beat my alcoholism. I attended countless faith-based recovery meetings. I spent hours praying, reading the Bible and seeking out books from Christian authors that I thought would help. I listened to podcasts, put up sticky notes with reminders of God’s Word around my house and basically exhausted myself trying to beat this addiction. I even fasted at the beginning of 2021 for the first time in my life, specifically praying for a breakthrough.
I was planting good seeds, sure, but I sure wasn’t seeing any fruit. My world was getting darker and darker and my situation seemed hopeless.
And that’s when God showed up.
He gave me my spiritual breakthrough, and he revealed part of my purpose for being here. He told me that I will help some people today and thousands tomorrow. In an instant, I gained a new perspective of my past hurts and was more motivated than ever to glorify him.
Life wasn’t perfect after this event, but it sure wasn’t the same. Looking back, I can see how it really did seem to get worse before it got better. I know I’m not the only one. If you’ve been praying for a breakthrough, here are five signs you may be getting close.
1. You’re Out of Your Comfort Zone
One sign that a breakthrough might be around the corner is that you’re being stretched outside your comfort zone. Maybe you feel God calling you to do something that scares you. Or maybe it’s something uncomfortable like reconciling with a family member. For me, getting out of my comfort zone was facing negative emotions that I had avoided by drinking alcohol. It wasn’t fun for a while, but God didn’t give me more than I could handle.
“Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” (James 1:2)
2. You’re Getting Triggered Often
Old wounds can resurface when you least expect it, but an increasing number of triggers related to them could indicate an upcoming breakthrough. God is refining you and healing you, and sometimes that involves pain. But it means he’s getting ready to set you free from them for good. I know that during my alcoholism battle, I would get attacked and triggered more as I made progress. But once the breakthrough happened, what once had a big mental impact on me was something I could handle.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
3. Your Desires Are Changing
Have you noticed that certain music, movies, entertainment and activities that once used to satisfy you no longer do? Or, perhaps you’ve prioritized your career, relationships or recognition. Whatever your desires, God will replace them with healthy ones that foster your connection with him. One of the biggest desires of my life that changed was my love for basketball (and the Dallas Mavericks). It used to be the top priority in my life, as I never missed a game and each loss would impact my mood. As I got closer to my breakthrough, it just wasn’t as important to me as it once was (though I’m still a big fan, of course).
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)
4. You Feel a Nudge for More
There’s “discontent” and then there’s “holy discontent.” The former is usually associated with being restless and is simply part of being human. The latter could be a calling to depend, trust and surrender more of your life to God. In my experience, I had a huge desire to help people dealing with alcoholism, even before experiencing my breakthrough. That desire increased after the breakthrough as well.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:18-19)
5. You Feel Like Giving Up
Again, it’s going to feel like things are getting worse before they get better. You will likely experience some sort of weariness or an urge to walk away from your faith journey. This is why many believers will tell you that the days you don’t want to go to church are the days you need to be there the most. Not only do our weak moments allow God to reveal his strength, but the enemy wants to wear you down as well before you step into what God has for you. I know I wanted to give up time and time again, but here I am, thanks to his grace.
God has his perfect timing for everything, so if your breakthrough doesn’t happen right away, don’t lose heart. It took more than 10 years before God allowed a breakthrough in my life and it could take longer (or shorter) for you.
Whatever you do, don’t give up. Keep planting good seeds. Keep pursuing God. Keep running your race. Your breakthrough is coming.