A fascinating experiment was conducted a half century ago. Three men tested their strength on a gripping machine, with an average measure of 101 pounds of pressure. Then the participants were hypnotised, and the experimenter told them, ‘You cannot grip because you are weak.’ Under the power of suggestion, their average grip strength fell to 29 pounds of pressure. Then the experimenter said, ‘Now you can grip.’ Their average grip increased to 145 pounds of pressure. Their strength was increased fivefold when they said, ‘I can,’ versus when they said, ‘I can’t.’ It helps to think of Scripture as a script. While the reality of your circumstances often feels as if you are off script, you’ve got to take your cues from God’s Word. You’ve got to live as if you are who God says you are, you have what God says you have, and you can do what God says you can do. If you believe the enemy’s lies, you’re in deep trouble. But if you believe God’s Word, it’ll get you and keep you out of trouble. When you’re lonely, don’t forget His promise, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’ (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV). When you feel like you’ve lost your way, remember His words: ‘A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps’ (Proverbs 16:9 NKJV). When you’re battling illness, you can stand on His promise: ‘“For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,” says the LORD’ (Jeremiah 30:17 NKJV). The word for today is – live as if you believe it!

© 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.