Until we are willing to give the kind of time and attention to God’s Word that produces change in our thinking, we’ll continue to be swayed by our feelings and the things we see and hear. All the devil heard from the lips of Jesus when tempting Him was “It is written,” and he was powerless against Him. Whose report are you going to believe, the devil’s lies or the report of the Lord?

To really eradicate the habit of sickness and disease, you have to stop listening to the voice of your body, the symptoms and everything that is going on in the natural, and instead focus your attention and expectation on what God says. Those other things may be momentary realities, but what He says about it is always the truth!

People wonder why God isn’t moving, and He’s wondering why people aren’t moving. Jesus’ part is done and His job complete. God has given us the power to do what He does. It is a power over sickness and over devils. It’s no longer a matter of what He is going to do, but rather, what are WE going to do?

Jesus said that we will have trouble in this world, but to stay happy! Why? How? He overcame everything that could keep you down, sick, weak, or poor! If you’re born again He lives within you, giving you the strength and wisdom you need to overcome in any situation. “I have told you these things, so that IN ME you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 emphasis mine).

We are equipped with the indwelling Spirit of God to focus on solutions, not problems. We are equipped to speak what we want, not what might be currently happening. We are equipped to experience joy in the expectation of answers, rather than the stress of waiting for them!

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect [complete, mature] in love” (1 John 4:18, brackets mine). When we’re fully walking in Christ and understanding the amazing depth of God’s love for us, the fears are gone. All of His peace and joy and love and kindness and goodness are constantly flowing out of us and into our lives. The world doesn’t know this kind of real love, but it’s the life the Father meant us to live, and the Gospel we’re supposed to be preaching!

Say what God says! Reciting His promises and thanking Him for all the amazing things He has done for you in Christ is the heart of true praise and worship. “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1).

Since the fall of Adam the image of God has been distorted little by little, like a photocopy where each copy is a little less clear than the copy before it. Eventually the image is barely recognizable, until fresh toner is installed and the image becomes crisp and clear again. If your walk with God has become faded and lacking clarity, only the Word of God can give you fresh perspective and a clear view of the exciting, limitless life that has been set before you in Christ!

When the Israelites brought an offering to the priest to atone for their sins, the priest didn’t inspect the people to see if they were worthy, he inspected the offering they presented. If you have received the gift of salvation through the blood of Jesus, God isn’t inspecting you to see if you’re worthy of His forgiveness and blessing—He looks at the perfect offering—His Son!

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). God is not far away! Once you came into Christ, He is now right there with you continually. If you feel He’s far away, make sure your faith and expectancy are in the right place, and your fear isn’t pushing God farther away from you than where He desires to be!