The Power of Expectation
I read this study that was done with people who needed arthroscopic knee surgery. Their knees were worn down, and they needed to clean the joint out. With permission from the family, instead of actually performing the surgery, the doctors simply put a certain number of patients under anesthesia and made three tiny incisions around the knee without actually do anything.
Of course, when the patient woke up, he or she thought they had the full surgery. What's interesting is that two years later, the patients who had the fake surgery reported just as much relief from pain as the patients that had the actual surgery. And it wasn't just in their minds. When the doctors examined their knees, they could see that the knees did in fact improve. The doctors' conclusion was, "Since the brain expected the knee to get better, it got better. It helped the body to heal." You could say those doctors tricked the patients into having a new vision for themselves, and just like gravity, they moved toward it.
Scripture tells us that when we believe, all things are possible. The problem is that too many people allow their circumstances to shape their faith instead of allowing the Word of God to shape their faith.
Realize today that even if you don't feel blessed, if you'll get into agreement with God and see yourself blessed, you're going to move toward His promises. Your brain is going to say, "Come on now. Let's get going. We're supposed to be blessed." The medical report may not look good, but instead of seeing yourself going downhill, start seeing yourself strong, healthy, and full of energy and vitality. That's what you're moving toward. In the natural, your dream may look impossible, but look out through your eyes of faith and see yourself moving toward it.
As we approach the coming new year, be determined to set your expectations in the direction of His promises. Declare His Word over your life and your home. Tune out the distractions of the world and set your heart and mind on God. Let His Word feed your faith so that you can embrace the blessing and victory He has for you in this new year!
Please know that Victoria and I love you and pray God's richest blessings over you and your family as we celebrate this new season.
Of course, when the patient woke up, he or she thought they had the full surgery. What's interesting is that two years later, the patients who had the fake surgery reported just as much relief from pain as the patients that had the actual surgery. And it wasn't just in their minds. When the doctors examined their knees, they could see that the knees did in fact improve. The doctors' conclusion was, "Since the brain expected the knee to get better, it got better. It helped the body to heal." You could say those doctors tricked the patients into having a new vision for themselves, and just like gravity, they moved toward it.
Scripture tells us that when we believe, all things are possible. The problem is that too many people allow their circumstances to shape their faith instead of allowing the Word of God to shape their faith.
Realize today that even if you don't feel blessed, if you'll get into agreement with God and see yourself blessed, you're going to move toward His promises. Your brain is going to say, "Come on now. Let's get going. We're supposed to be blessed." The medical report may not look good, but instead of seeing yourself going downhill, start seeing yourself strong, healthy, and full of energy and vitality. That's what you're moving toward. In the natural, your dream may look impossible, but look out through your eyes of faith and see yourself moving toward it.
As we approach the coming new year, be determined to set your expectations in the direction of His promises. Declare His Word over your life and your home. Tune out the distractions of the world and set your heart and mind on God. Let His Word feed your faith so that you can embrace the blessing and victory He has for you in this new year!
Please know that Victoria and I love you and pray God's richest blessings over you and your family as we celebrate this new season.