Breakthroughs may come from unlikely - if not altogether unpleasant - sources. Their manifestation oftentimes can only be triggered by one's ability to overcome their own pride and honor someone else. Case in point.
David.
David is famous among Jews and gentiles alike. We all know his story to some extent, and that he was apparently very well-to-do with a sling. It all went down one day in a valley known as Elah by the locals. There were two armies staring each other down from each side, neither really wanting to engage because, let's face it, war is a bloody business. The decision was wisely reached to allow one person (from each army) to decide the fate for both sides. On one side, a giant. On the other, a short, ruddy, shepherd boy. Goliath of Gath, the Philistine champion, was widely favored by the looks of it. At least, the bookies were busy collecting odds on him. But it was one of those days, you see. Goliath fell, the bookies - and the Philistines - fled. It was a great day for shepherds everywhere.
Dark days loomed ahead for David, however. Fleeing from his own son some years later, his new general, Ittai, was given the choice to stay and serve Absalom, David's rebellious son.
2Sa 15:19-21
(19) Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why do you also go with us? Go back and stay with the king, for you are a foreigner and also an exile from your home.
(20) You came only yesterday, and shall I today make you wander about with us, since I go I know not where? Go back and take your brothers with you, and may the LORD show steadfast love and faithfulness to you.”
(21) But Ittai answered the king, “As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, there also will your servant be.”
Wow, what loyalty from this man Ittai! Ittai... the Gittite? YES! Another word for... Ittai, from Gath. Gath, the very home town of Goliath. Ittai was a Phillistine! Imagine, the arch enemy of Israelites everywhere. Phillistines were not supposed to be... nice. Or loyal. But Ittai was. Having perhaps one of the lowest days of his life, David, fleeing from his own family, receives help and allegiance from a mighty man whom a lesser, more shallow king would have simply terminated. David honored Ittai, and Ittai returned that honor.
Do you need breakthrough? Who is the person in your life that annoys you the most? Start there. Breakthrough is locked away in an unlikely person, and honor is our key to releasing it! Be blessed!