The Power of Breakthrough: Standing in the Presence of God

Brothers and sisters, friends in the work—have you ever felt like the weight of the world, or perhaps the weight of the mission field itself, was pressing down? Like the famine described in the scriptures, or the cultural pressures we face today, threatening to compromise the pure testimony we hold?

It’s easy to look at the challenges—the skepticism, the apathy, the sheer volume of work—and feel overwhelmed. We read about the mighty acts of Elijah, the power of the Apostles in Acts, and we see breakthrough. But what is the secret ingredient that allows breakthrough to happen when the odds seem insurmountable?

It comes down to one vital thing: the presence of God. As we study the scriptures and watch these modern testimonies, it becomes crystal clear that the power for ministry, the power for *us*, comes first in the presence of God.

The Necessary Presence

Think about the prophets: Moses had to be in the presence of God. Daniel had to be in the presence of God. The early disciples had to be in the presence of God. It wasn't just a nice thing to *be* near Him; it was a vital necessity for them to change the world. The Spirit of the Lord—that divine power—flows from that sacred space.

This isn't just for those of us who are called to stand on the pulpit or lead a ward function. This is for every one of us who are called to be an internet missionary, a disciple anywhere, all the time. The power to share the gospel, to withstand the inevitable doubts, to keep going when the initial excitement of the mission prep phase wears off—that power is sustained by drawing near.

Conquering Fear and Making the Choice

The transcript highlights something so crucial: fear. Fear isn't the absence of God; it's the struggle we overcome *because* we know what God has. David didn't lack fear; he overcame it because he knew God. Peter didn't lack fear; he overcame it because he knew the Savior.

And what is the ultimate act of faith that allows us to step out of fear and into breakthrough? It’s making a decision. It’s the Elijah moment: "Decide Israel, make up your mind."

Being a disciple means being decided. It means that when the world screams "compromise," when the pressures of the day try to pull us toward the easy path, we have already made our choice. We have decided to follow Jesus Christ. There is no wavering room for indecision when the Spirit prompts us to share the gospel.

A Skill for the Field: Being Decided

So, how do we cultivate this state of being decided? How do we ensure the presence of God is our first stop? I want to share a small piece of missionary preparation wisdom with you today. When you feel that creeping doubt or fear about a conversation you need to have—whether it’s with an investigator, a family member, or even a friend who needs a gentle nudge toward the gospel—don't just recite doctrine. Instead, pause, and intentionally ask yourself: "What would the Spirit prompt me to do *right now*?"

This practice forces you out of your head and into the Spirit's guidance. It’s a way of keeping the mantle of Elijah—a man who was unafraid because he was connected to the source of all power.

If you want to deepen this study, I highly recommend diving into the teachings on righteous living and prayer. Check out the Iron Rod authors available in LivingBook—there are some incredible insights into keeping our focus on Christ.

For those of us who are newly returned, or even those who are lifelong disciples feeling the pull back into the field, let’s commit to this week: Before we tackle any difficult conversation, let's pause and intentionally seek that quiet, powerful presence. Let's be decided.

If you need a companion to walk through these tough questions, remember that Davee is ready to help you practice your responses using the AI Investigator role. Or, if you prefer a structured study, consider joining a Book Club or Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. Let’s keep the momentum going!