As my son and his friend were attempting to climb a large tree today, I stood back and watched them come up with many different ideas for a way up that tree. First, they tried to climb it with their hands and feet, then they tried jumping up, then they worked together to make a contraption with a hose and a stick. No matter how many times they failed, they never gave up! My son looked at me at one point asking if I knew how they could get up there. My answer was yes! When he asked me to give him a hint, my hint was, I know one way; there are many ways to the top. If one way doesn’t work, try another!

See, if they did not keep on trying; even when it looked as if there was no way, they would have never made it to the top. They would have been stuck down below in the grass, without even trying. You’ve got to try before you can climb. Breakthrough only happens when it is least expected. When you are at your lowest, you are being stretched. You are growing through the hard times. That’s why it hurts so bad. Through the hurt is when you realize that things cannot stay the same. Becoming so fed up with the way things are, brings about change!

When Jesus went through all the turmoil and abuse years ago, most did not believe He was the Son of God. They believed what they saw, Jesus getting cursed and beaten. That’s it. They did not see someone willingly taking the beating for the ultimate breakthrough. This breakthrough would not have happened if God was content with the way society was. The only way to a breakthrough is through sweat and tears and a realization that things need to change.

Your breakthrough is right around the corner, what changes are you believing for?

Ashley Fordinal is the Children’s Church volunteer at Family Life Church in Sulphur Springs, TX.