We live in a world of instant gratification. A world where we know what’s going on across the globe in a matter of seconds. A world where we can get a dopamine rush in mere moments after we post something praiseworthy online and the likes and shares start piling up. A world where recording the moment is more important than living in it.
We are the social media generation. And our perceptions have been warped because of it.
What’s good is bad, what’s wrong is right and there’s more confusion and subjectivity than ever before. This is even true when it comes to good things like breakthroughs. The methods God designed to grow us spiritually have been twisted by the enemy to distort our focus. We don’t want to have to go through brokenness to get to our breakthrough (although that brokenness is often what God uses to help others). We get impatient waiting for our breakthrough (wouldn’t it be nice if we didn’t have to wait in the suffering?). We want others to recognize our breakthrough when it happens (instead of focusing on what God’s done, it can be tempting to want to hear what a great job we’ve done persevering through our trial).
We want a “Hollywood” version of breakthrough: a big moment in front of everyone that makes everything in our life better. One that means we won’t have to deal with struggle and pain ever again. But is this how breakthrough really works? Or is it more subtle?
As someone who has been attending recovery groups for more than 13 years, I’ve seen many people experience breakthroughs. (I’ve experienced it myself.) And I can tell you that it doesn’t look the same for everyone.
Here are a few things our culture gets wrong about breakthrough:
1. “It’s a Formula”
Our world loves formulas. If we “do X,” then we’ll “get Y.” That’s how math works; shouldn’t it be the same for life? If we apply certain steps and principles, we’ll get our reward, right? Well, this isn’t how God works most of the time. Breakthrough isn’t as simple as reading the Bible, a self-help book or praying a certain number of times. God isn’t a genie or a vending machine. He’s a father, so he values relationships over routines.
Look at Job, for example. He did everything “right,” yet suffered deeply. His breakthrough didn’t come from following a checklist or set of rules — it came from encountering God face-to-face (Job 42:5-6).
Takeaway: Breakthrough isn’t about mastering the right method. It’s about meeting the master (Jesus).
2. “It’s Fast”
Technology has trained us so that if something isn’t happening quickly, we think it’s broken. But God often works slowly on purpose to teach us patience, trust and more. Just as Joseph waited more than a decade between being sold into slavery and seeing God’s plan fulfilled in Egypt, you may have to wait some time to see your breakthrough happen. God works on us until he determines we’re ready.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
Takeaway: God is far more interested in forming our character than meeting our deadlines.
3. “It’s for People Who Have It All Together”
Comparison is the thief of joy, especially when you’re comparing your “before” to someone else’s “after.” But that’s what we see when someone experiences a breakthrough: their healed body. Their new relationship. Their dream job. You don’t see all the heartache, pain and struggle they experienced beforehand. Remember this: Weakness is valued in the Kingdom of God and it’s often the gateway to breakthrough. You don’t need to be strong to succeed — you must simply depend on the one who is strong enough to carry you through.
Takeaway: Breakthrough isn’t reserved for perfect people. It’s for surrendered people.
4. “It’s Always a Big Moment”
Culture will tell you that breakthroughs are always visible and you’ll always be able to tell when someone has a breakthrough. But spiritual breakthroughs are often invisible (at first, at least). Some of the greatest breakthroughs and healing happen inside:
As Paul wrote about in 2 Corinthians 4:18, “We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen,since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” As such, breakthrough might not be perceptible on the outside, but it can mean everything on the inside.
Takeaway: Even if breakthroughs don’t come with fanfare, they aren’t any less miraculous.
5. “It’s All About You”
Lastly, this one might surprise you: your breakthrough isn’t just about you. It’s not some personal achievement, a medal you wear to show others what you’ve done. Rather, it’s an opportunity to glorify God and help others who have struggled in the same area as you. When Peter was freed from prison in Acts 12, for example, it wasn’t just so he could go home and rest. It was so he could continue the mission.
Takeaway: We are blessed to be a blessing. Your breakthrough might be someone else’s lifeline.
At the end of the day, we’re all unique, so it makes sense that our breakthrough experience is unique as well. There’s only one way to salvation (through Jesus), but the road after that can vary from person to person. Just trust that God has you on your road for a reason and that your breakthrough will be amazing once it happens.
Daniel has been writing professionally for nearly 20 years, authoring HOPE for the Hurting Marriage and several other books about addictions, mental health issues and spiritual warfare. He, his wife and two children live in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
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