For a Breakthrough, Stay Focused on God

[For a Breakthrough, Stay Focused on God]( Current Teaching Series [Seeking God for a Breakthrough]( [Listen to Today's Broadcast]( [For a Breakthrough, Stay Focused on God]( By Rick Warren — 09/07/2021 [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Pinterest]( [Email]( “Jehoshaphat was frightened and prayed to the LORD for guidance." 2 Chronicles 20:3 (GNT) In a crisis, it’s natural to start explaining to God what’s going on and asking him for help. He wants you to talk to him and pour out your heart to him. But don’t start your prayer by telling God what you need. First, he wants you to focus on him. When three enemy nations decided to team up against King Jehoshaphat and Israel, the king knew there was no way he could overcome those odds, and so he prayed. His prayer shows you how to start your prayers by focusing on God. First, remind yourself of God’s greatness.Jehoshaphat prayed, “O LORD God of our ancestors, you rule in heaven over all the nations of the world. You are powerful and mighty, and no one can oppose you” (2 Chronicles 20:6 GNT). When you’re praying for something you can’t control, don’t focus on the problem. Focus on God’s greatness. The bigger God gets in your mind, the smaller the problem becomes. Next, remind yourself of God’s unlimited power.“When your people Israel moved into this land, you drove out the people who were living here and gave the land to the descendants of Abraham, your friend, to be theirs forever” (2 Chronicles 20:7 GNT). When you realize that God has all the power in the world, you can just trust him. As you pray, think of all the ways God has helped you, other people, and people in the Bible. Then, remind God of his promises.Jehoshaphat reminded God he promised Israel that the land would be theirs forever. God has made promises to you too. In fact, there are thousands of promises for you in the Bible. When your kids remind you of the promises you’ve made to them, it can be frustrating. But God loves to have his Word quoted back to him. Finally, ask God for a breakthrough.Jehoshaphat said of the attacking forces, “Punish them, for we are helpless in the face of this large army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but we look to you for help” (2 Chronicles 20:12 GNT). Don’t just ask God to bless your life. Focus on him and then tell him the specific thing you need for your breakthrough. Then you’ll see him provide as you pray like Jehoshaphat. [PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>]( Talk It Over - Who is the first person you talk to when you are facing something that seems out of control? At what point do you bring your concerns to God? - What is a specific situation in which you need God to give you a breakthrough? - How can you know what God has promised you in his Word? The post [For a Breakthrough, Stay Focused on God]( appeared first on [Pastor Rick's Daily Hope](. [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Pinterest]( [Email]( [Get the Experience God's Power Through Prayer Guided Experience Book when you give a gift to support Daily Hope]( When you want to see transformation in your life—whether in your health, career, finances, or relationships—you have two choices. You can either look to man-made solutions to meet your needs, which may work for a little while . . . Or you can look to God—the only dependable source for all your needs. To help you tap into God’s power by developing a more persistent, faith-building prayer life, we want to send you Pastor Rick’s guided study book, Experience God’s Power Through Prayer. This dynamic, hardcover book, filled with full-color devotionals, Bible teachings, Scripture, and engaging exercises, provides inspiration that will dramatically transform your prayer life. And if you’re able to become a Partner in Hope with your first monthly gift below, we’ll also send you an exclusive Daily Hope welcome gift to say thanks. [LEARN MORE]( [Complete Audio Series (Purchase)]( Includes 5 full-length messages from Pastor Rick's series Seeking God for a Breakthrough. [LEARN MORE]( [Series Summary]( Message 1: How to Pray in a Crisis Message 2: Praying and Fasting for a Breakthrough Message 3: How to Pray a Breakthrough Prayer Message 4: Talking to Your Heavenly Father Message 5: Why Must I Keep on Praying Persistently? [PLAY TODAY'S BROADCAST]( Pastor Rick Warren [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Linkedin]( Enjoy today's devotional? Listen to Pastor Rick’s daily audio teaching at [PastorRick.com]( Did someone forward this devotional to you? [Subscribe to Pastor Rick Warren's Daily Devotional.]( As the founding pastor of Saddleback Church with his wife Kay, Dr. Rick Warren leads a 30,000-member congregation in California with campuses in major cities around the world. As an author, his book [The Purpose Driven Life]( is one of the best-selling nonfiction books in publishing history. It has been translated into 74 languages and sold more than 50 million copies in all formats. His book [The Purpose Driven Church]( was named one of the 100 Christian books that changed the century. Rick also founded [The PEACE Plan]( to address five global issues—spiritual emptiness, self-serving leadership, poverty, disease, and illiteracy—through the power of ordinary people in the local church. You can listen to Pastor Rick’s Daily Hope, his daily 25-minute audio teaching, and sign up for his free daily devotionals at [PastorRick.com](. © 2021 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission. You can unsubscribe by clicking the link below. Sent to: {EMAIL} [Unsubscribe]( Pastor Rick's Daily Hope, 23182 Arroyo Vista, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, United States