Sermon Title: “Positioned for the Breakthrough”

Theme: Faith, Gratitude, and Readiness Before the Promise

Key Scriptures (NKJV): Joshua 1:9; Psalm 118:24; Isaiah 60:1; Habakkuk 2:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Psalm 100:4

I hope my church family has grace for me as I have split my focus between our 46 days of Fasting and Prayer and trying to care for my mother and prepare our home for mom to return under Hospice care. Know that I want to video my Sunday messages but I will not let the devil win. We proceed with faith, knowing, not seeing and still believing and we press forward toward our next place of ministry. With that said, let us proceed with this weeks message. 


Introduction

 

 

As we approach Palm Sunday, we are stepping into a powerful spiritual moment.

The same crowd that would soon cry “Crucify Him” first cried “Hosanna!”—because they believed their breakthrough had arrived.

But what they didn’t understand was this:

Breakthrough doesn’t always come the way you expect—but it always comes the way God promises.

And in this final stretch of fasting and prayer, God is doing three things:

  • Teaching us to walk boldly
  • Preparing our hearts
  • Positioning us through gratitude

Before the breakthrough comes…

God prepares the vessel.


 

1. Walk Boldly in What God Has Promised

Scripture: Joshua 1:9; Psalm 118:24

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NKJV)

“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24 NKJV)

Truth: God’s provision requires participation

God has already declared provision—but He still commands movement.

Joshua had a promise…

But he still had to step into the Jordan.

Walking boldly means:

  • Moving when you don’t see the full picture
  • Trusting God’s voice over your feelings
  • Acting in faith before results show up

Fasting has been training you for this moment.

Every sacrifice has been building spiritual courage.

Connection to Palm Sunday:

Jesus didn’t sneak into Jerusalem—He rode in boldly.

He knew what was coming…

Yet He still moved forward.

Application:

What step is God asking you to take right now?

  • In your ministry?
  • In your finances?
  • In your calling?

Breakthrough doesn’t come to the passive—

It comes to the obedient.


 

2. Prepare Your Heart for What God Is Releasing

Scripture: Isaiah 60:1; Habakkuk 2:3

“Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1 NKJV)

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time…” (Habakkuk 2:3 NKJV)

Truth: You must be ready to receive what you’ve been praying for

God is not just releasing provision—

He’s looking for prepared hearts.

Because unprepared hearts can mishandle divine blessings.

Preparation looks like:

  • Letting go of fear and doubt
  • Surrendering control
  • Aligning with God’s timing
  • Staying faithful in the waiting

Fasting has been a heart preparation process.

  • It refined your motives
  • Sharpened your hearing
  • Strengthened your dependence on God

Connection to Palm Sunday:

The people were excited—but many were not spiritually prepared.

They wanted a King…

But not a Savior who would suffer.

Don’t miss your breakthrough because it doesn’t match your expectation.

Application:

Ask yourself:

  • Am I ready to steward what I’ve been asking for?
  • Is my heart aligned with God’s will—or just my desire?

God prepares you before He promotes you.


 

3. Let Gratitude Unlock the Breakthrough

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Psalm 100:4

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV)

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving…” (Psalm 100:4 NKJV)

Truth: Gratitude is the gateway to God’s presence and provision

Before God opens doors…

He looks for a thankful heart.

Gratitude does three things:

  1. Shifts your focus – from lack to abundance
  2. Strengthens your faith – reminds you God already moved
  3. Creates the right atmosphere – where breakthrough can happen

You don’t wait to thank God after the breakthrough…

You thank Him before it happens.

Connection to Palm Sunday:

The people praised Jesus before the cross.

Their praise was right…

Even if their understanding was incomplete.

Praise is prophetic—it declares what you believe God is about to do.

Application:

  • Thank God for what you don’t see yet
  • Praise Him for what’s already in motion
  • Speak gratitude over your church, your family, your future

Gratitude turns waiting into worship.

 

 

Closing: The Pattern Before the Breakthrough

Before resurrection… there was surrender.

Before provision… there was obedience.

Before breakthrough… there is thanksgiving.

This is your moment:

  • Walk boldly
  • Prepare your heart
  • Lift your gratitude

Because just like that first Palm Sunday…

You are stepping into a divine moment of fulfillment.


 

Prayer:

Lord, we thank You for what You are doing—even now.

Give us boldness to walk where You are calling us.

Prepare our hearts to receive what You’ve promised.

And teach us to live with gratitude before the breakthrough comes.

We trust Your timing.

We trust Your provision.

We trust Your plan.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.