The Mind is a Powerful Tool

Linda Sanders is our guest blogger for this post. I pray her post will be a source of encouragement for you during this time!

The mind is where thoughts are formed and decisions are made. It serves as the storehouse of our thoughts. Thoughts shape our belief system and dictate what we accept as truth. The greatest battles you’ll ever face are those that rage within your mind. The mind is where battles are won or lost.

Satan knows the power of the mind. He seeks to control your thoughts because he knows they influence your actions. Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” If you’re not mindful, Satan will use negative thoughts to set up strongholds in your mind. A stronghold is something that has a strong hold on you. They’re thoughts that replay over and over again in your mind. Satan’s tactics are subtle. He injects your mind with thoughts such as, “You’re too old to start over.” “You’ll never be able to buy a new home.” “God will never heal you.” He floods your mind with negative thoughts with the intent that you’ll agree with them and act accordingly. The good news is that we’re not powerless against the enemy’s strategy.

I suffered a stroke in 2008. When I finally returned to work after the stroke, I realized something was different. Not only was I plagued with fatigue, I struggled with remembering things. Two years after the stroke I joined Bethany Baptist Church. During service one Sunday, there was an announcement that Abundant Harvest Bible Institute classes were starting. Although I really wanted to register for a class, the fear of failure kept me from doing so. Convinced I would fail, I talked myself out of signing up for a class, even though I really wanted to enroll. Still every time I heard the announcement about classes I sensed the Holy Spirit prompting me to sign up.

Succeeding in a class demanded I change my negative thoughts. Eventually I summoned up the courage to take a leap of faith. I stood on Philippians 4:13 and enrolled in a class. I kept repeating out loud, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me,” even as I was bombarded with fear of failure. I trusted God and received an “A” in that class, and all of my other classes too. I’m happy to report I’m now on my eighth class!

I encourage you to investigate the source of any thought which causes you to shrink back from what God is calling you to do. “I can’t do it.” “I’m afraid.” “I’m not smart enough.” “There’s no way I can do this.” The enemy is the source of such thoughts. His thoughts always attempt to steal the blessings God has for you. The Bible tells us the “Weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (II Corinthians 10:4-5).

Jesus modeled how to win the battle of the mind. Each time He was tempted in the wilderness, Jesus came against Satan with, “It is written” (Mathew 4:4-7). When you find yourself thinking, “I’m afraid,” remind yourself, “It is written,” “God hath not given us (me) the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (II Timothy 1:7). When you think you’re not smart enough, say, “It is written,” “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5).

How can you realistically stop the onslaught of Satan’s thoughts when they come at you  so fast? II Corinthians 10:5b tells us, “Bringing into captivity every thought.” While it’s easy to give into negative thoughts, you must be persistent. Repetition reaps results. Make a conscious decision to think about something good. When you do, the negative thought can no longer occupy the same space in your mind. My pastor prophesied that 2020 is “The Year of the Open Mouth.” Read, meditate and speak the Word of God out loud. This is how you win the battle of the mind.

The mind is a powerful tool. It was never God’s intention for your mind to control you. You were created to control your mind. The Word of God will transform your thinking. When your thoughts change, your actions change, and your life will be transformed.

Linda Sanders
Guest Blogger/Innovations Ministries Assistant Director

About Rev. Cynthia Jackson

Rev. Cynthia Jackson is the administrator of the Rhema4U Blog and Innovations Ministries Director. Rev. Jackson is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was licensed and ordained under the tutelage of Bishop David G. Evans. She is an associate minister at Bethany Baptist Church located in Lindenwold, New Jersey. Rev. Jackson founded Innovations Ministries in 2001. Innovations Ministries provides dynamic and innovative programs and services for individuals and families dealing with various health-related issues. She is a gifted teacher, preacher, conference speaker and writer. God has anointed Rev. Jackson to be a spiritual midwife with a passion to empower others to birth God's vision for their lives. Rev. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Management from Eastern University, a Master of Science Degree in Health Administration from Saint Joseph's University and a Master of Science Degree in Christian Counseling from Cairn University.