SERMON NOTES WITH APPLICATION - "STRATEGY" PT I - PROVERBS 16:9

Pastor William Mathis
3 days ago
2 min read

Series Themes: For Your Assignment

Sermon Title: STRATEGY PT I

Scripture: Proverbs 16:9 (KJV)Verse: "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps."

1. PRE-ENGAGEMENT

(“A man’s heart deviseth his way…”)

🧭 What it Means:

Before you take action, your heart starts planning. That’s not bad—God gave us the ability to think, dream, and imagine. But real strategy starts before movement—it starts in relationship with God.

🛠️ Practical Application:

Young People: Before you chase dreams, check in with God. Ask Him what direction you should even be aiming toward.
Adults: Don’t just make moves based on pressure or opportunity. Spend time in prayer before you make the call.
Non-Believers: It's okay to have plans—but what if there’s a higher wisdom guiding you better than luck or hustle?

2. PRE-EXPOSURE

(“…but the Lord directeth his steps.”)

🔦 What it Means:

God prepares the path before you even walk it. You may not see everything ahead, but He knows what you’ll face. Trust that He’s already working in places your feet haven’t touched yet.

🛠️ Practical Application:

Young People: You don’t need to know every step—just walk the next one with faith. God is setting things up in places you can’t see.
Adults: That delay or detour might be God protecting or preparing you. Don’t fear what’s unknown—God has already been there.
Non-Believers: What if your next opportunity isn't coincidence, but divine setup? Consider that God is opening doors before you knock.

3. PRE-EXPECTATION

(“…but the Lord directeth his steps.”)

👣 What it Means:

Expect God to move before you do. Strategy isn’t just about reacting—it’s about trusting that God is already doing something. Our job is to prepare our heart and expect Him to lead the way.

🛠️ Practical Application:

Young People: Wake up each day expecting God to guide you—at school, in relationships, in choices. Be open.
Adults: Strategy means expecting God’s involvement at every level—personal, professional, spiritual.
Non-Believers: What would it mean to expect life to have direction, not just chaos? Faith invites you to live with holy expectation.

🔑 CORE MESSAGE:

Strategy in God’s kingdom starts before you move.You plan, but He directs. You step, but He secures. Your life is part of something bigger—prepare your heart, trust His guidance, expect His hand.