Desiring a Breakthrough

The NBA's Western Conference Finals tipped off last night with the Oklahoma City Thunder defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1, 114-88.

Tonight, the Eastern Conference begins as the Knicks and Pacers face off in a rivalry that has fans nostalgic about their battles in the 90s.

With the four teams remaining, we'll see a fresh NBA champion this year, as recent winners like the Warriors, Nuggets, Lakers, and Celtics have been eliminated.

A word we can use to describe the story of the final four teams is "breakthrough." They have already moved beyond obstacles, advanced, and improved, but they also hope and desire another breakthrough.

We know how die-hard New York Knicks fans are and hungry to see their team win, so this year's breakthrough is a huge deal. It's their first NBA Eastern Conference Finals appearance in twenty-five years! They hope to experience another breakthrough by winning the NBA Championship, something they haven't done since 1973.

Meanwhile, this version of the Thunder took a big step forward by breaking through to the Conference Finals after going out early in recent playoff appearances. They are the top seed and hope for a big breakthrough by bringing Oklahoma City their first NBA Championship.

The Pacers and T-Wolves lost in last year's Conference Finals but now have another chance to break through to the NBA Finals. The Pacers last appeared in the Finals in 2000 when they lost to the Lakers, while the T-Wolves have never played in the Finals. Neither franchise has won a championship.

The Conference Finals are set up for plenty of intrigue, and it will be fascinating to see which teams can experience another breakthrough.

When it comes to our lives, I'm sure many of us woke up today hoping for our breakthrough. Maybe we've been waiting for things to turn around at work, get on the same page with our spouse, or experience improved health.

Whatever the situation, there is probably an obstacle to overcome, and we hope and desire that the situation will improve or advance to a new level.

Many times, the most important thing we're waiting for is a spiritual breakthrough for ourselves or someone we care about. We want to experience freedom from a stronghold, the ability to move forward from our past mistakes, a vision fulfilled, living with daily peace, answers to our prayers, or forgiveness.

When we've been struggling with something for a while, and change seems impossible, that's usually when our faith is revealed and tested. With one phone call or one decision away from a life-changing breakthrough, we shouldn't give up. The key is trusting in God's power and ability to move, even in the bleakest situations.

For followers of Jesus, 1 John 4:4 (NLT) reminds us of Who we belong to and what we have access to: "But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world."

Our God is greater than anything we're up against today, so let's continue to rely on Him and go to Him in persistent prayer.

Luke 18:1 (NLT) also encourages us through the parable of the persistent widow: "One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up."

We know life doesn't always go according to our plans, but we serve a good and all-powerful God who cares for His children. When we place our hope and trust in Him, He provides amazing breakthroughs in His timing.

I'm Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, sometimes I feel like I'm hitting a wall spiritually, and my prayers aren't being answered. I pray I will trust You as I wait for a breakthrough and that my faith will be strengthened in the meantime. I know You can do anything, and I thank you in advance for the breakthroughs You'll provide. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.