Month of Breakthrough: “Immediately Breakthrough”

Scripture for Today: Mark 5:21-34

Sunday 1 December 2024

God is Good All the Time – A Reflection for December.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1).

As we step into the first day of December, the final month of 2024, let us take a moment to reflect on the goodness of God. He has carried us through 11 months, demonstrating His faithfulness, love, and provision in ways beyond our comprehension. Truly, God is good all the time!

For some, this year brought breakthroughs and blessings; for others, it may have been marked by trials and challenges. Yet, through it all, God has been our refuge and strength. He has opened doors we never imagined, provided when we were in need, and comforted us in moments of sorrow.

Today, as we stand on the threshold of a new month, let us renew our hope. December is a season of fulfillment, and God’s promises are yes and amen (2 Corinthians 1:20). What He began in your life in the past 11 months, He is faithful to complete. Praise Him for the greater things He is doing and trust Him for even greater things to come.

Let December be a month of gratitude and expectancy. God’s goodness has no limits, and His plans for us are always for our good and His glory (“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” Jeremiah 29:11). Hallelujah!

 Introduction

The story of the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5:21-34 encapsulates the theme of breakthrough. For twelve years, this woman faced despair, pain, and rejection. Yet, in a moment, her faith led to her healing. As believers, this account serves as a profound reminder that God can orchestrate immediate and transformative breakthroughs in our lives. This month, as we meditate on this theme, let us open our hearts to divine interventions that defy human limitations.

Four Keys to Experiencing an Immediate Breakthrough

1. Persistent Faith Amid Challenges

“She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better, she grew worse” (Mark 5:26).

Faith that endures adversity is crucial for breakthroughs. The woman with the issue of blood had every reason to give up. Her resources were depleted, her health had worsened, and societal norms ostracized her due to her condition. Yet, she chose to persist.

Enlarged Point:
Persistent faith requires:

• Trusting God when circumstances seem hopeless: This woman’s faith drove her to seek Jesus despite years of disappointment. Similarly, we must remind ourselves that God’s timing is perfect, and His ways are higher than ours (“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. “Isaiah 55:8-9).
• Overcoming fear and societal barriers: Cultural stigma dictated that she stay away from crowds, yet her desperation and belief in Jesus propelled her forward. Sometimes, breakthroughs demand boldness to defy societal norms and step into God’s promise.
• Daily renewal of hope through the Word: Romans 10:17 tells us, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” To maintain faith amid trials, we must continually immerse ourselves in God’s promises.

2. Taking Bold and Decisive Action

“When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind Him in the crowd and touched His cloak” (Mark 5:27).

Faith without action is dead (James 2:17). This woman did not simply believe in Jesus from a distance; she acted on her faith. Her action was bold, as it involved pressing through a crowd despite her condition, and it was decisive, as she believed touching Jesus’ garment would heal her.

Enlarged Point:
To experience breakthrough, bold actions are essential:

• Faith that steps beyond comfort zones: The woman’s decision to move into the crowd was a step of courage. Likewise, breakthroughs often come when we step out of familiar territories, trusting God’s leading.
• Aligning actions with beliefs: This woman’s touch symbolized her conviction. Our actions should reflect our trust in God, whether through persistent prayer, serving others, or taking tangible steps toward our God-given goals.
• Rejecting excuses and procrastination: Delays can rob us of opportunities for breakthrough. Like this woman, we must seize the moment when faith stirs our hearts to act.

3. Acknowledging the Power of Jesus

“Immediately her bleeding stopped, and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering” (Mark 5:29).

The power of Jesus is the foundation of every breakthrough. The woman’s healing was not because of her own strength or merit but because of the divine power flowing from Jesus. Acknowledging His authority in every situation positions us for immediate transformation.

 Enlarged Point:
To tap into God’s power:

• Recognize Jesus as the ultimate source of healing and restoration: In moments of desperation, we must remember that no human effort can substitute for God’s power. This woman had exhausted all earthly options, yet one encounter with Jesus changed her story.
• Cultivate an atmosphere of worship and surrender: Power flows where God is honored. As believers, worship draws us closer to God’s presence, where breakthroughs abound (“But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” Psalm 22:3).
• Seek divine encounters with expectancy: The woman touched Jesus with faith, believing she would be healed. When we approach Jesus with expectation, we align ourselves with His ability to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

4. Testifying to the Glory of God

“Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth” (Mark 5:33).

Testimonies are powerful tools for glorifying God and encouraging others. The woman openly declared her healing, which not only affirmed her faith but also strengthened those around her. Our breakthroughs are not just for personal gain; they are opportunities to showcase God’s faithfulness to the world.

Enlarged Point:
Testimonies amplify breakthroughs by:

• Encouraging others to believe in God’s power: Her testimony undoubtedly inspired those in the crowd to trust in Jesus. When we share our breakthroughs, we ignite faith in others who may be facing similar challenges.
• Overcoming the enemy’s accusations: “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” Revelation 12:11 reminds us that we are overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Speaking of God’s goodness silences doubts and reinforces His work in our lives.
• Building a legacy of faith: Generational faith often begins with testimonies. Sharing how God intervened in our lives creates a ripple effect, encouraging others to seek Him wholeheartedly.

The testimony of Hudson Taylor’s Immediate Breakthrough in China

Hudson Taylor, a missionary to China in the 19th century, faced immense challenges in his early years. After arriving in China with the vision to preach the gospel, he struggled with financial support, cultural barriers, and language difficulties. At one point, his resources dwindled to almost nothing, and he was tempted to return home in defeat.

But Hudson chose to press on, much like the woman in Mark 5. He prayed fervently and acted boldly by dressing in traditional Chinese attire to bridge cultural gaps—a controversial decision at the time. He believed God had called him to reach the unreached, and he held onto that promise despite the overwhelming odds.

One day, in a seemingly impossible situation, he received unexpected financial support from a donor who had felt led by God to contribute to his mission. This provision was immediate and timely, enabling him to continue his work. Hudson’s faith and persistence birthed the China Inland Mission (now OMF International), which brought the gospel to thousands of villages.

Hudson Taylor’s testimony reminds us that breakthroughs often come when we align ourselves with God’s purpose, act boldly, and trust Him wholeheartedly.

Conclusion

Mark 5:21-34 reveals the transformational power of faith, boldness, and divine intervention. The woman’s story serves as a testament to what God can do when we place our trust in Him and act decisively. This month, let us pursue breakthroughs with unwavering faith, recognizing that God is still in the business of performing immediate miracles.

The testimony of Hudson Taylor and the biblical account of the woman with the issue of blood demonstrates that God is always working on behalf of His children. Through faith, bold action, and unwavering trust, immediate breakthroughs are possible. Let us pray, act, and testify to God’s glory, knowing He is faithful to fulfill His promises in our lives.

As you step into this month of breakthrough, remember these keys: persist in faith, take bold action, acknowledge the power of Jesus, and testify of His goodness. May your story be one of divine transformation, bringing glory to God and inspiring others to seek Him.

PRAYER TIME

 Powerful Prayer for Immediate Breakthrough.

Heavenly Father, You are the God of miracles, the One who makes the impossible possible. Today, i  come before You with a heart full of faith, just like the woman with the issue of blood. Lord, i acknowledge that no one else but You has the power to bring healing, restoration, and breakthrough into my life. I surrender every challenge, burden, and limitation into Your hands. Let Your divine power flow into every situation I face, breaking every chain and opening every closed door. Father, I declare Your Word over my life, that with You, all things are possible. As I step out in boldness and faith, I believe i will see Your hand move immediately. Thank You, Lord, for my breakthrough. i give You all the glory and honor. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

 

Call to Action

• Reflect on areas in your life where you need a breakthrough.
• Commit to persistent prayer and bold steps of faith.
• Share your testimony when God manifests His power in your life.

Let this month be marked by immediate breakthroughs as we align ourselves with God’s purpose and power. God bless you abundantly.