LEVELS OF BREAKTHROUGHS

From Delayed Manifestation to Sudden Elevation: Activating God’s Immediate Favor

MESSAGE: LEVELS OF BREAKTHROUGHS

The Christian journey is fundamentally a progression of breakthroughs—moments where the power of God intervenes to shatter limitations, reverse curses, and launch us into a new dimension of blessing. However, not all breakthroughs operate on the same timeline or with the same visible velocity. Understanding the levels of breakthroughs is crucial to maintaining faith, especially when our deliverance seems delayed.

The promise of the Lord remains constant: “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart” (Psalm 37:4). God’s faithfulness is sure, but the path to manifestation can vary wildly, requiring patience in one season and immediate action in another.

We must recognize that there are breakthroughs that require the long haul of perseverance, and there are breakthroughs that are explosive, characterized by a sudden elevation. The story of Ruth, which we examine today, provides a powerful blueprint for positioning oneself for the highest level of divine intervention.

1. The Breakthrough of Deferred Manifestation

Many great breakthroughs in the Bible were characterized by a significant waiting period. God gave the promise, but the manifestation took years to unfold, testing the faith and patience of the recipient.

Abraham’s 25-Year Wait (Genesis 18:9-14): Abraham and Sarah received a definitive promise of a son, Isaac, but the breakthrough was delayed for a staggering 25 years. This was a breakthrough established on a specific divine timing, requiring endurance through the seasons of doubt and human attempts to intervene.

Joseph’s Journey to the Throne (Genesis 41:38-44): Joseph received a dream of royalty in his youth, but his breakthrough was preceded by betrayal, slavery, and unjust imprisonment—a journey spanning over a decade. When the breakthrough arrived, it was massive, but it was earned through faithfulness in obscurity.

Moses’ Long Preparation (Exodus 3:1-15; Acts 7:22-25): Moses knew from his early days that God had chosen him to deliver Israel, yet the manifestation of his calling was delayed by forty years in the wilderness. His breakthrough required divine preparation and refinement before the promise could be executed.

These examples teach us that faithfulness in the delay is a prerequisite for victory. The time spent waiting is often the time God uses to build the character necessary to sustain the breakthrough when it finally arrives.

2. The Breakthrough of Sudden Elevation

In stark contrast to the delayed breakthroughs, the Bible also presents instances of sudden elevation—moments where God intervenes immediately and dramatically, bypassing the expected timeline.

David’s Anointing (1 Samuel 16:11-13): David, a mere shepherd boy tending sheep, was anointed as the future King of Israel without prior notice. While he still had to wait years to occupy the throne, the status change from shepherd to anointed king was instantaneous and decisive.

Esther’s Royal Decree (Esther 2:15-18): A Jewish slave girl became a queen in a foreign land—a massive, immediate shift from vulnerability to highest authority. This is a new level of breakthrough, one of divine positioning and sudden favor.

These breakthroughs are activated not by long, slow perseverance alone, but often by strategic action, obedience, and divine timing.

3. The Blueprint for New Levels: The Example of Ruth

The book of Ruth provides invaluable lessons on how the disadvantaged can position themselves for the breakthrough of sudden elevation. Ruth, a Moabitess widow, moved from a state of total loss to becoming the great-grandmother of King David—a seismic generational shift.

A. Letting Go of the Past (Ruth 1)

After experiencing sadness and sorrow, Ruth made a decisive choice: she forsook her country, her pagan heritage, and her old life. Moab was a nation of idol worshippers, but she decided to leave those idols behind to worship the God of Israel.

The New Thing Principle (Isaiah 43:18-19): You cannot keep holding on to the past if you want to experience a new level of breakthrough. God says, “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth…” To receive the new things God has for you, you must let go of your past life and old habits—past failures, past sins, and old mindsets.

B. Diligence and Integrity (Ruth 2)

In Bethlehem, Ruth did not wait for charity; she immediately went to work. She was a hardworking woman, diligently gleaning in the fields. Her diligence made Boaz notice her among the other workers and show her favor.

Work Ethic: Breakthroughs often meet people who are already in motion. Diligence in your assigned field—be it your job, business, or ministry—is a magnet for favor. Favor flows to the prepared and productive hand.

C. Seeking and Following Godly Counsel (Ruth 3)

The climax of Ruth’s breakthrough was her total obedience to Naomi’s advice—the godly counsel of her mother-in-law (Ruth 3:1-5).

Strategic Obedience: Naomi’s counsel was not conventional, but it was strategically necessary to activate the ancient law of the Kinsman-Redeemer. Ruth’s obedience was not passive; it required courage, faith, and precision. She went down to the threshing floor, took a calculated risk, and activated her destiny.

The Result: That obedience led directly to her becoming Boaz’s wife and securing permanent rest, provision, and a place in the lineage of Christ.

4. Activating Your Breakthrough

To move into a new level of breakthrough—one characterized by favor and sudden elevation—you must embrace the keys demonstrated by Ruth:

1. Obey the Word of God Completely: Your spiritual breakthrough is predicated on your adherence to divine instruction. The moment God or His delegated authority speaks, complete obedience is required.
2. Seek and Follow Godly Counsel: Surround yourself with wise, God-fearing mentors who can give you the strategic advice needed to navigate complex situations.
3. Be Diligent in All You Do: Let your character be one of hard work and integrity. Diligence is the vehicle for favor.

Your current situation is not your final address. God is ready to perform a “new thing” in your life. Position yourself through radical obedience and diligence, and watch as your breakthrough moves from a distant promise to a sudden, glorious manifestation.

PRAYER POINT

Father, please help me to obey your instructions on the things I must do to experience new breakthroughs in my life, in Jesus’ name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Matthew 14-17

HYMNAL: 30 – WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD

1 When we walk with the Lord

in the light of his word,

what a glory he sheds on our way!

While we do his good will,

he abides with us still,

and with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way

to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.