# Jesus, Our Shepherd and Breaker: 

Embracing the Gates to Our Breakthrough

## Introduction.

In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, we often find ourselves yearning for guidance and breakthrough. We seek someone who can lead us through the darkness and into the light, who can break down the barriers that hold us back.

That is where Jesus comes in—as our Shepherd and Breaker. He is the one who not only walks alongside us but also paves the way for our spiritual journey. As we delve into this topic, let us explore the profound ways Jesus helps us navigate life's complexities, guiding us toward the green pastures of His promises.

## Jesus as Our Shepherd and Breaker.

Jesus is not just a distant figure; He is intimately involved in our lives as our Shepherd. In Psalm 23, we are reminded that with Him, we "shall not want." He leads us to green pastures and still waters, providing for our needs and nurturing our souls. But Jesus goes beyond simple provision—He is also our Breaker, the one who shatters the chains that bind us and clears the path for our spiritual freedom.

In ancient times, shepherds faced many dangers. During the night, they would protect their sheep from predators by creating barriers. When morning came, they would break down those walls to lead the sheep to safety and sustenance. Similarly, Jesus breaks down the walls in our lives, whether they are obstacles of fear, doubt, or sin. He invites us to step through the gates of His grace and experience the abundance of His kingdom.

As we reflect on the significance of Jesus as our Shepherd and Breaker, we recognize that our journey requires us to actively follow Him. It is not merely a passive waiting for breakthroughs; it involves our willingness to trust Him and step through the gates He opens for us. Are we ready to embrace the path He has laid out?

Join us as we explore the gates to our breakthrough, the importance of sacrifice, and how humility and obedience play vital roles in achieving the blessings that await us. Together, let us understand how to navigate the transformative journey with Jesus leading the way.

## Understanding the Gates to Our Breakthrough.

### The Narrow Path to Freedom.

As we embark on our journey with Jesus, it's essential to recognize that breakthroughs often come through gates—narrow openings that require us to make intentional decisions. These gates symbolize transitions from one place to another, beckoning us to leave behind old habits, mindsets, and fears. When we stand at the threshold of change, we face a choice: to remain in our comfort zones or to step boldly into the unknown, trusting that Jesus, our Breaker, will guide us through.

### The Call to New Beginnings.

Each gate represents a new beginning, a chance to embrace the blessings of God's kingdom. As we pass through these openings, we must be willing to shed the weight of our past. This journey is not about what we leave behind but rather what lies ahead.

Just as the shepherd opens the gate to lead the sheep to greener pastures, Jesus invites us to step into the life He has prepared for us. By trusting in His guidance, we can discover new opportunities that await on the other side of our fears.

### Embracing Change and Growth.

Navigating through these gates often requires us to adapt and grow. We may encounter new leaders, technologies, and strategies that challenge us to think differently. Yet, within these changes lies the potential for exponential growth.

Are we willing to learn new skills and embrace innovative ideas? When we approach these shifts with an open heart, we position ourselves to experience the fullness of God's promises. He stands ready to equip us for the journey ahead, ensuring that we are not alone in this endeavour.

### The Power of Sacrifice.

Finally, as we consider the gates to our breakthrough, we must acknowledge that sacrifice plays a crucial role in our transformation. Just as the shepherd may need to leave behind comforts for the safety of the flock, we too may need to release the familiar in order to gain the extraordinary.

This sacrifice is not in vain; it is the seed of multiplication that leads to abundant blessings. With every step we take through these gates, we are reminded that our willingness to let go opens the door to divine increase.

Together, let us embrace the challenges ahead, knowing that Jesus is breaking through for us, leading us toward the fullness of His grace.

## The Importance of Sacrifice in Our Journey.

As we journey with Jesus, we soon realize that sacrifice is a significant aspect of our spiritual growth. It often requires us to leave behind familiar comforts, relationships, and even certain aspects of our identity. This process can be challenging, yet it is essential in opening the way for greater blessings in our lives.

Just like the rich man in Luke 18:18-30, we are called to examine what we hold dear and be willing to let go of what hinders our walk with Christ. The eye of the needle represents that narrow path we must navigate to enter the fullness of God's kingdom.

Sacrifice is not just about relinquishing; it's also about gaining. Through our willingness to give up, we pave the way for God's increase. Here are a few key points to consider regarding sacrifice in our journey:

- **Leaving behind the old**: We must be ready to shed old ways of thinking and habits that no longer serve us. This shift opens the door to new experiences and divine encounters.

- **Embracing vulnerability**: Sacrifice often places us in vulnerable positions. However, it is in this vulnerability that we find the strength to grow closer to Jesus, who understands our struggles.

- **Cultivating trust**: Letting go requires a deep trust in God's provision. As we sacrifice, we learn to rely on Him fully, knowing He will take care of our needs.

By embracing sacrifice, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's grace. Each step we take in letting go becomes a testament to our faith.

As we partner with Jesus in this journey, we discover that what we relinquish is minuscule compared to what we gain in Him. Let's commit to making the sacrifices necessary to walk through the gates He has opened for us, trusting that our obedience will lead to abundant blessings.

## Embracing Humility for God's Favour.

Humility is a powerful yet often misunderstood quality. In a world that often equates success with arrogance and self-promotion, we find a different truth in the teachings of Jesus. He exemplified humility in every aspect of His life, from His humble birth to His servant leadership.

As we strive to follow Him, we must embrace humility as a prerequisite for receiving God's favour. It is in our recognition of our need for Him that we truly open the door to His grace.

When we cultivate humility, we position ourselves to receive God's blessings. Psalm 25:9 tells us, "He leads the humble in what is right, and the humble He teaches His way." This verse reminds us that God has a unique path for each of us, but we must be willing to set aside our pride to walk in it.

Humility invites God to work within us, aligning our hearts with His will. As we acknowledge our limitations and surrender our desires, we create space for God's guidance and wisdom to flow into our lives.

To embrace humility effectively, we can focus on several key areas:

1. **Recognition of Our Need**: Acknowledge that we cannot navigate life's challenges alone. We need God's strength and guidance in every decision and endeavour.

2. **Willingness to Learn**: Approach life with an open heart, ready to learn from others, especially those who may seem different from us. This attitude fosters growth and understanding.

3. **Serving Others**: Shift our focus from ourselves to those around us. Jesus washed His disciples' feet, modelling the importance of serving others with love and grace.

Let us remember that humility is not a sign of weakness, but a strength rooted in our relationship with God. The more we humble ourselves before Him, the more favour we will find.

As Proverbs 18:12 says, "Haughtiness comes before disaster, but humility before honour." Embracing humility positions us to receive God's blessings and to be used as instruments of His love in the world.

By letting go of our pride and embracing a humble spirit, we invite God's favour into our lives, transforming our journey of faith into one filled with grace and purpose.

## Conclusion.

As we reflect on our journey with Jesus as our Shepherd and Breaker, we find that His guidance is both profound and transformative. We have explored how He lovingly leads us through the gates to our breakthroughs, breaking down barriers that once seemed insurmountable.

In doing so, we are reminded that our path is illuminated by trust, humility, and obedience.

Each of these elements plays a crucial role in our spiritual journey. Sacrifice teaches us the value of letting go, while humility opens our hearts to God's grace. Obedience to His word allows us to walk in faith, stepping boldly into the opportunities He provides. Together, these principles guide us toward the abundant life He promises.

As we move forward, let us embrace the notion that breakthroughs are not merely events but ongoing processes. They require our engagement and readiness to act. With Jesus leading us, we can confidently navigate life's complexities. Together, let us step through the gates He has opened, trusting in His unfailing love and faithfulness.

In Christ, we find our breakthrough. Let's continue to seek Him, follow His lead, and celebrate the rich blessings that await us on this incredible journey.

## FAQ.

### 1. Who is Jesus in the context of this blog post?

Jesus is portrayed as our Shepherd and Breaker. He intimately guides us through life's challenges, providing both protection and the means to break free from obstacles that hinder our spiritual growth.

### 2. What does it mean for Jesus to be our Shepherd?

As our Shepherd, Jesus leads us to spiritual nourishment and safety. Just like a shepherd cares for their sheep, He provides for our needs and nurtures our souls, ensuring we are not lacking in what truly matters.

### 3. How does Jesus act as our Breaker?

Jesus breaks down the barriers in our lives—be it fear, doubt, or sin—that keep us from experiencing His grace and abundance. He clears the path for us to move forward into the blessings He has in store.

### 4. What are the "gates" referred to in the blog?

The "gates" symbolize the opportunities and pathways to breakthrough in our lives. Jesus invites us to step through these gates, which represent the journey toward spiritual freedom and fulfilment.

### 5. Why is sacrifice important in our journey?

Sacrifice is essential because it demonstrates our commitment to following Jesus. It often involves letting go of our own desires or comfort in order to embrace the path He has laid out for us.

### 6. How do humility and obedience factor into achieving breakthroughs?

Humility allows us to recognize our dependence on God, while obedience aligns our actions with His will. Together, these attributes position us to receive the blessings and breakthroughs He desires for us.

### 7. What can we do to actively follow Jesus on our journey?

We are encouraged to trust Him wholeheartedly, to seek His guidance in our decisions, and to remain open to the paths He opens for us. This active engagement is crucial for experiencing the breakthroughs we long for.

### 8. How can this blog post inspire readers in their spiritual journey?

This blog aims to inspire readers by highlighting the transformative role of Jesus as our Shepherd and Breaker. It encourages us to embrace our journey with faith, sacrifice, humility, and obedience, reassuring us that with Jesus, breakthroughs are possible.

Written by Pastor Graeme Foster

Apostolic Praise Centre

Apostolic Prophetic Training network

aptm.podia.com