Spiritual Breakthroughs Are A Normal Part Of The Christian Life

In running and other endurance sports such as cycling there is a condition that affects many athletes called “hitting the wall.” What happens is that at a certain point, often around 20 miles in a marathon, runners run out of energy and are so overcome with fatigue that some can’t finish the race. (For a detailed explanation click here.) Something similar commonly happens to people in their Christian lives. I've heard people say

I’m going through a spiritual dry spell

I feel stuck in my Christian life.

For some reason unknown to them the Christian life gets hard. The energy and vitality and power to press on just aren't there. If the Christian life were compared to a race, we would say they hit the wall. You're not alone. From time to time we all need spiritual breakthroughs. [Tweet "We all need spiritual breakthroughs at some point in our Christian lives"] The Bible uses a race as a metaphor for the Christian life in Hebrews 12:1-3. This passage gives four strategies for what to do to experience spiritual breakthroughs.

4 Strategies for Spiritual Breakthroughs

1. Look around, you're not alone. Don't forget the many heroes of the faith who've gone before you.  There's a whole chapter of the Bible devoted to them Hebrews 11. Spiritually we're surrounded, not by spectators but with a crowd of witnesses who ran the same race and finished well (Hebrews 12:1). Allow their stories to encourage you! Imagine them cheering you on. We are in this together.[Tweet "Even if it seems like it, you're never alone in your spiritual journey"]
2. Shed some excess spiritual weight.  “Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely” Hebrews 12:1. Trying to live the Christian life with sin in your heart is like trying to run a marathon carrying a bag of garbage. Get rid of it right now. Confess your sin 1 John 1:9 and when the next evil attacking thought comes into your mind to be a hypocrite or to get angry or to talk evil about someone put it off! Colossians 3:8; 1 Peter 2:1[Tweet "God wants us to give Him our spiritual burdens not carry them alone"]
3. Purpose to stick with it. Run with endurance. Sometimes the Christian life is easy, but that isn't when you hit the wall. Suffering is one of the hardest things to struggle through Hebrews 10:32-33. Know at some point hard times will hit. Purpose to press on when suffering comes your way. As you press on God will restore you 1 Peter 5:10.[Tweet "Your unwavering commitment to press on will lead to spiritual breakthroughs"]
4. Keep your eyes on the finish line. You will see not only the end, but our champion, Jesus! The ultimate strategy to get you moving is to turn your eyes upon Jesus! He is the supreme example of one who ran the race with endurance. Do you spend much time thinking about Jesus? Looking at Him will enable you to not grow weary or faint-hearted or hit the wall Hebrews 12:2-3.

[Tweet "Jesus is at the finishing line of life waiting for us and cheering us on."] Let’s run this race together! Please leave a comment or question below.