If I were to take a poll of 100 people and ask, “How many of you need breakthrough in your life?” I’m sure I would get a 100% affirmative response rate. Why? Everyone is looking for growth or change in some area of their life, whether that is in finances, health, relationships or spiritual growth. Breakthrough is rooted in the promises of God, and is what moves us forward.

Many prophetic voices have spoken that 2017 is the Year of the Breakthrough. I agree!

What I find fascinating about breakthrough is that often it is preceded by signs in our natural world. Take Moses for example. Just before he received the breakthrough of leading the his people out of slavery in Egypt, he had an encounter with the Living God through the natural—and supernatural—occurrence of the burning bush. Moses saw a bush that was engulfed in a flame of fire, but it was not consumed. And from that bush, he heard the audible voice of God (See Exodus 3). If that’s not a sign, I don’t know what is.

If you’ve been following the news lately, you will be aware that the state of California has been in an historic, severe drought for the past year. 86% of California was in severe drought or worse. Yesterday, a news agency reported that California was considering lifting the emergency drought rules. The report stated, “Due to ongoing rain, 44% of California is out of severe drought, down from 49% one week ago, while 42% is out of drought entirely.” That’s amazing! And that should get our attention.

In the Bible, rain is considered a sign of God’s blessing. At the inauguration of President Trump, a light rain began to fall as he was sworn into the highest office of the land—and then it abated. The election and inauguration of President Trump is another sign of breakthrough in the natural, when the improbable and impossible took place before a stunned nation. Very few (myself included) saw that coming. Now I am looking for the spiritual breakthroughs that are to follow.

At the start of this new year, this is what the Lord impressed to me about breakthrough:

“I am teaching you perseverance. Patience is brought to maturity when you learn to persevere in Me for the release of My promises. Breakthrough does not happen in a vacuum. Breakthrough is the tipping point when all your prayers, all your agreements, all your tangible demonstrations of faith converge with My promises and shatter every objection, obstacle and opposition that have stood in the way. For breakthrough to come your way, continue to persevere in hope. Keep your eyes on the focal point of My face, not on your earthly situations. As you walk this road of perseverance, My grace grows in your heart.”

As you consider the area (or areas) in your life in need of breakthrough, I encourage you to ask the Lord for a word of promise in His living word that you can hold onto. Stand firm! This is the faith that enables grace to grow.

The definition of grace can be found in  2 Corinthians 12. In this passage, the apostle Paul talks about a thorn in his flesh,  a “messenger of satan sent to torment him.” Three times he prayed for it to be removed. He finally received an answer from God—but it’s not the answer he expected. The Lord responded and said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul responds by saying, “I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so the power of Messiah may dwell in me.”

Grace—the empowering presence of God that enables you to be all He’s created you to be, so you can do all that He’s called you to do. His grace protects and nurtures your life.

Knowing this, can you see why grace is so important—how it empowers and enables you when breakthrough comes?

A beautiful picture of breakthrough is found in Micah 2, where we are given the imagery of sheep together in a pen, like a flock within its pasture. In the middle of this scene, we read “One breaking through will go up before them. They will break through, pass through the gate and go out by it. Their King will pass through before them—Adonai at their head!”

In this year of breakthrough, remain focused in prayer. Do not give up! Your King is ready to breakthrough the gate, and you will move forward as you follow in His steps. In case you need some extra motivation, check out this song by Selah and agree in your heart for the promises of God!

Lorraine Marie Varela is the author of the devotional book “Powerful Moments in the Presence of God” and “Love in the Face of ISIS,” a book of prayer strategies for the Middle East—and for your life at home. You can visit her website here. You can also join the conversation with Lorraine on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.