Patterns of Breakthrough

September 14, 2018

When he [Jehoshaphat] had consulted with the people, he appointed those who sang to the Lord and those who praised Him in holy attire, as they went out before the army and said, “Give thanks to the Lord, for His lovingkindness is everlasting.” When they began singing and praising, the Lord set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; so they were routed. 2 Chronicles 20:21-22

1. START WITH PRAISE. Praise brings breakthrough. When armies came to attack Judah, King Jehoshaphat immediately directed his people to seek God and he began praising God.

2. WAIT. When we wait for God, we gain strength. (Isaiah 40:31). It’s important to settle down, calm any impulsiveness, and let God act on behalf of those who wait on Him (Isaiah 64:4).

3. CONFESS. This is your bold declaration of what you believe: who God is, what His capabilities are, and what He has provided for you (Romans 10:9-10; Mark 11:23).

4. PRAY GOD’S WORD. Find scriptures to attach your faith to and then pray them out loud.

5. WATCH. Resist distraction and dullness and instead be alert in your spirit and “watchful in your prayers” (1 Peter 4:7 NKJV).

6. INTERCEDE. Praying on behalf of someone else is part of our calling as Christians. We are to intercede for all people, including those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1).

7. PETITION. When we minister to the Lord and worship Him, it helps us get our priorities straight and then, as we ask in faith, we receive direction and wisdom from God (Acts 13:2).

8. THANK GOD. Thank God all day long – for what He has done, for what He is doing, and for what He is going to do.

9. SING. God surrounds us with songs of deliverance (Psalm 32:7). Before going into battle, King Jehoshaphat sent out people who sang to God. So sing to God often – sing in the Spirit and sing out God’s Word.

10. MEDITATE. Take time to ponder and focus on the Lord (Psalm 19:14).

11. LISTEN. Like King Jehoshaphat prayed: We don’t know what to do, “But our eyes are on You.” Tune in to God and listen for His voice (2 Chronicles 20:12).

12. END WITH PRAISE. From beginning to end, God deserves our worship. Jehoshaphat began with praise before they had won the battle and ended with praise after God delivered them.

Press on!
Pastor Jeff Perry

pattern, noun
A model considered worthy of imitation.

Copyright © 2018 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. “pattern.” Memidex Dictionary/Thesaurus. Web. 12 Sep 2018 .