Increasing the Likelihood

Increasing the Likelihood

By Steve Backlund

“This is going to be the best day of my life yet!” I frequently say that after I wake up. It does not guarantee it to happen, but the moment I say it, the likelihood of it happening increases. It is a great belief. 

I do focus much on beliefs—and rightly so—because what we believe is ultimately more important than what we do, but today if we truly believe, our beliefs will propel us into action. Hope-filled people do not just believe for a better future; they position themselves for it.

Hope is not wishful thinking. People of hope believe the future will be better than the present, and they believe they have the power to help make it so. Hope does not wait for a better future. Hope helps build one.

What do you want to see happen in your life?

• Increased personal evangelism?

• Deeper heart connections with family?

• Decrease or eliminate debt?

• See more miracles?

• Write a book?

• Build and orphanage?

• Something else?

Hope People Give God Something to Work With

Hope-filled people do not just desire change—they invest in it. They ask, What can I do today that makes tomorrow’s breakthrough more likely? What can I build into my life that supports what I am believing for? What actions agree with the future I want to see?

This is not striving. It is living with the understanding that our daily choices matter and that small acts of faith create momentum.

We already understand this principle in everyday life. We put reminders on our phones. We bring a water bottle to work. We play praise music in the car. We take walks with family or friends. We sit down together for meals. None of these things guarantees a result, but they do increase the likelihood of a good outcome.

Practical Ways to Increase the Likelihood Of Our Desires Happening

If we want breakthrough or growth in specific areas of life, here are ways to apply to your situation.These things do not guarantee a result, but they do position us for greater fruitfulness.

1. Believe and speak higher about it

Higher beliefs increase the likelihood of breakthrough because current mind renewal creates future transformation (Romans 12:2). They raise expectation, strengthen perseverance, and influence the choices we make. Speaking life matters because our words reinforce either faith or limitation. When our beliefs and words agree with what we are hoping for, we are much more likely to see fruit. 

2. Feed on teaching and testimonies about it

What we consistently hear shapes what we expect, and what we expect often shapes what we believe and attempt. Feeding on teaching and testimonies increases the likelihood of breakthrough because it builds faith, renews perspective, and keeps us focused on what is possible.

3. Knock on doors about it

Breakthrough becomes more likely when we take initiative. Doors rarely open for people who never approach them. Knocking on doors increases the likelihood because action creates opportunities that passivity never will. When we ask, seek, try, apply, reach out, or start something new, we create room for favor, learning, connection, and momentum.

4. Connect with people about it

Many desires and goals are fulfilled in the context of a relationship. People connections increase the likelihood of breakthrough because the right relationships can bring wisdom, encouragement, favor, partnership, and open doors.

5. Have Holy Spirit “brainstorming” sessions about it

God promises that if we ask for wisdom, He will give it (James 1:5). His wisdom is the best. One Spirit-inspired idea can do more than a long season of striving. When we  set time aside individually, with a friend, with family, or our leadership team to write down ideas, we dramatically increase the likelihood of finding THE key we need. 

Hope Creates Movement

If we truly believe the future will be better, we will be energized to do things that align with that belief. If we want stronger relationships, we initiate. If we want better health, we adjust routines. If we want spiritual growth, we create space. If we want greater influence, we step forward.

None of these actions guarantees a result, but they create momentum breakthrough in our lives. Hopeful people do not just desire fruit. They organize their lives around it.

Great Questions to Ask Yourself

• What do you desire or need to happen?

• How can you implement the practical ways above?

• Who can you have a Holy Spirit brainstorming session with about it? 

• Who can help you follow through on implementing the most steps to take?

  
  

Final Thought

I do focus much on beliefs—and I always will, but hope people add actions to their beliefs.

Hope is not passive.

Hope moves.

Hope takes action.

Hope gives God something to work with.

In Exodus 14, God’s people felt completely stuck. Their future was blocked (Red Sea). Their past (the Egyptians) was catching up.

And God didn’t say, “Wait.” He said, “Move forward.”

That is still His word today. 

The breakthrough we are waiting for is usually connected to a step we have not yet taken. It is not a step that guarantees breakthrough, but it is a forward moving step that increases the likelihood of it. So we move forward. We do something that agrees with what we are believing.

Our forward movement in life truly causes Red Seas to part.