Have you been praying for a breakthrough and feel like giving up? Does it seem like the more you pray, the worse things get? You’re not alone. Many believers experience intense pressure right before a spiritual breakthrough. But be encouraged … there are often signs in the spiritual realm that God is working — signs that your prayer is about to be answered.

In Daniel 10, we learn that God heard Daniel’s prayer on the very first day, but the answer was delayed due to spiritual warfare. This shows us that just because we don’t see an immediate result doesn’t mean God isn’t moving behind the scenes.

If you’ve been seeking answers and wondering when your prayer will be answered, here are 3 powerful signs your breakthrough is near.

1) You’re Facing Unusual Resistance or Opposition 

When you experience overwhelming opposition, it may not be a sign of failure — it may be confirmation that you’re on the edge of a miracle.

In Acts 12:1–5, Peter was imprisoned and surrounded by guards. Herod had already executed James and intended to bring Peter to public trial. Things looked worse than ever.

“So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.” – Acts 12:5 (NIV)

Right before Peter’s miraculous release, spiritual pressure intensified. This often happens just before a major breakthrough.

Notice that right before Peter was about to be released from prison, Herod was persecuting him like never before. It didn’t just seem as though things could get worse — they were actually getting worse! And so often this is how it goes right to this day with you and me. When all hell is breaking loose, you’re probably doing something right.

Don’t forget that Satan resists what he fears. When the enemy is running scared, he tightens his grip. But don’t worry, you’re not going to be under this pressure forever.  God is getting ready to show His power. The best way I have found to describe this period of time in a situation is that it is similar to when a woman is in what is known as the transition phase of labor. The following is something I wrote and posted on Facebook a few years ago, that resonated with a lot of people…

Are you in some kind of a transition in your life? When a woman is in the transition phase of labor the pressure is intense. She may want to cast off all restraint, say words she’s never said before in her life, maybe even hit somebody! This phase is when the most support is needed. Today you may be experiencing a shift in your life. The pressure is so great, you don’t feel like your normal self at all. You are tempted to say things you know aren’t wise to say and maybe you’ve come to the point of wanting to deck somebody. But wait. When the woman feels like she’s going to die and says, “I can’t do this a second longer!” that’s when the crowning happens and very quickly thereafter, the birth. Surround yourself with Godly, supportive people who can encourage you through this transition. You CAN move through transition without losing your mind. It’s almost crowning time! Soon everyone will marvel at God’s blessing in your life.

So friend, if you feel like you can’t do this a second longer, you’re in position for breakthrough.

2) God Is Sending You New People, Resources, or Divine Encouragement

Notice that in Acts 12 one of the main things on Peter’s side was that the church was earnestly praying for him. God will use specific people and things to speak to you, encourage you, and pray for you in your situation. Just as God provided for Peter, He will provide for you. He knows just who to send you and when to send them. These people and resources are atmosphere shifters in your life and your circumstance.

It might be as simple as you beginning to follow someone on Instagram who shares posts that seem to speak right into your situation, inspiring you to believe for more. It could be a book or a podcast a friend gives to you that speaks to your situation in a fresh new way where you feel as if they wrote the book or recorded the podcast just for you. Perhaps it will be a new group of friends the Lord led you to who are the catalyst for big changes in your life.  The new person or resource could be developing a new relationship with someone who knows how to pray with power. You could receive an unexpected financial resource or open door of opportunity.

Receive everything God is sending your way. Do not be surprised by someone asking to pray for you who has never met you or heard of your situation. What may seem random  may be prophetic confirmations that God is aligning things for your breakthrough.

3) You Feel an Urgent Pull to Pray and Press In

Another key sign that your prayer is close to being answered is an unshakable urge to pray, often accompanied by fasting or intense spiritual awareness.

A few weeks ago,  I woke up early in the morning and as soon as I opened my eyes, I became aware of something in my spirit about a situation in mine and my husband Larry’s life. I instantly knew  exactly what was happening although I knew absolutely nothing by natural means. No one had said anything to me, I had not read anything about it, or heard anything about it.  I wanted to try to confirm if what I was sensing in my spirit was true. I walked into the family room where Larry was sitting and asked him if he would check on the situation to see if anything was changing. He immediately did and sure enough, exactly what I felt in my spirit was indeed happening. The Lord moved on my heart that very morning to press in and pray for the next phase of the answer to prayer to come to fruition. Since then, numerous breakthroughs in the situation have taken place. And I’m expecting even more any moment.

When you feel the Holy Spirit prompting you to stop everything and pray—don’t delay. You are likely in the birthing room of a miracle, and it’s time to push in prayer.

Don’t Give Up! 

Even when it feels like God is silent, your prayer is shifting things in the unseen realm. You may be in the middle of spiritual warfare, but that’s often the very place where victory is born.

So if you’re wondering, Is God answering my prayer? —remember these three signs:

1. Unusual resistance may mean you’re close to a breakthrough
2. Unexpected encouragement is a sign of divine alignment
3. An urgency to pray often marks the final stretch before the answer arrives.

Your request is not falling on deaf ears. God hears you. The answer is already in motion. Keep praying, keep believing, and expect your miracle to knock at the door.

I would be honored to pray for you. If you have a request, leave it in the comments and I promise to believe with you for your breakthrough.