How to Be Successful

Proverbs 3:5-6

Adrian Rogers


Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: Proverbs 3:5-6

God has not engineered us for failure; rather He has programmed us for success. God has cultivated wonderful plans for our lives. But tragically, few people know the will of God, much less do the will of God for their lives.

As children of God, we have been given a wonderful promise of guidance. God has individual instructions for each of us on how to be successful. In order to know the will of God for our lives, we must first express a full dependence on the Lord.

Proverbs 3:5-6 explains: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

It is difficult to trust in someone we don’t know; we must know and love the Lord in order to trust and obey Him. We are to receive God’s wisdom rather than lean on our own understanding. When we search for God’s wisdom and get serious about knowing His will, He promises that we will find it. When we have complete confidence in God, and constantly comply with His will, we will receive His faithful direction.

God has promised to direct our paths, and He will do it through the Word of God.

Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” The Word of God reveals God’s will concerning our salvation, the Holy Spirit, and sanctification.

God often directs us through prayer; He speaks to our hearts, directly as we pray to Him.

He also guides through wisdom and directs us by His providence; He is the one who closes and opens doors. After we receive faithful direction from God, a forceful dynamic takes place: the Lord clears the path for us. Where there were once obstacles, He makes a path straight through.

Adrian Rogers says, “When you worship, and your walk and your wealth are given over to Him, you’ll know the will of God.”

Apply it to your life

Are you serious about knowing God’s will for your life and how to be successful in it? Express your full dependence on Him and receive His faithful direction. Begin by knowing and trusting Him; then obey Him.