Join Our Mailing List

Print this page

OF SCIENCE AND FAITH

    The Scripture says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1l, kjv).  In fact, the Christian Gospel is based upon the power of faith.

    Science is finally discovering why this principle is so important.  Studies have shown that expecting a particular outcome does something extraordinary in our brains.  If you expect a medicine to work, it often will, even when it’s only a sugar pill.  At the California Institute of Technology, when participants drank wine they’d been told was expensive, the part of their brains that registers pleasure lit up more than when they drank wine they’d been told was “cheap,” even though it was the same wine.

    When subjects at the University of Michigan were told that a lotion rubbed on their arms before they were touched with a hot instrument was “pain-reducing,” they actually felt less pain simply because they expected to feel less.

    This research shows that what we believe can change the structure of our brains.  Scientists call this neuroplasticity.  When we affirm something, our prefrontal cortex sends signals throughout the brain telling it to come into alignment with our intention.  This rewires our brains to produce positive results.

    It’s surprising that both the psychological community and the Bible tell us that these five principles are important:

    First, Analyze it:  You must have a reasonable goal.  Saying, “I’m becoming financially secure” will be more effective than saying, “I’m becoming a billionaire” because it’s more believable.  Paul said, “If you already have something, you don’t need to hope for it.  But if we look forward to something we don’t have yet, we must wait . . . confidently” (Rom. 8:24b-25, niv).

    Second, Want it:  You must be totally sincere.  It must be a deep heartfelt desire, not a passing whim.  God said, “You will . . . find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jer.  29:13).

    Third, Believe it:  You must avoid doubt!  You don’t have to believe that your request is true right now, but you do have to believe that it’s possible.  Disbelief will negate the affirmation.  James said, “Anyone who doubts is like a wave in the sea.  The wind blows the wave up and down.  He who doubts is thinking two different things at the same time.  He cannot decide about anything . . .” (James 1:6,7, edb).

    Fourth, Visualize it:  You must picture it vividly.  Sports psychologists use mental imagery to enhance performance.  The brain can’t differentiate between simulation and actuality.  So, as you focus on your affirmation, try to see it and feel it happening.  The Scripture says, “It was by faith that Noah built an ark . . . He obeyed God, who warned him about something that had never happened before . . .” (Heb. 11:7, nlb).

    Finally, Express it: You must use statements that are short, simple and positive.  Say, “I’m happy,” rather than “I’m not upset.”  If you think in the negative, you are placing your emphasis on what’s wrong rather than what’s right.  Saying your affirmation out loud implies a commitment that makes it more likely you’ll take the necessary actions to reach your goal.  Paul said, “We use our mouths to say what we believe . . .” (Rom.  10:10, edb).


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Copyrighted 2009 by Miles and Maralene Wesner, Idabel, OK.  PLEASE FEEL FREE TO USE THIS MESSAGE IN ANY WAY YOU THINK IS APPROPRIATE.  The only thing we ask is that you give credit for original material in PUBLISHED works.

NEW PERSPECTIVES is a free service from Diversity Press.

You may find other messages and a book list on our Webpage:
                                  www.ForMinistry.com/USOKSOBCOFBC5
or                               www.diversitypress.com

Email: wdiversitypress@aol.com
Phone: 1-580-286-3148

Miles E Wesner