Design Your Life
By Jeff Leake
I’m not sure when I started this practice, but it has become a key factor in the progress of my spiritual life. It is the practice of designing and declaring specific confessions over my life and my situations. Romans 12:2 teaches us that we are ‘transformed by the renewing of our minds, so that we can test and approve (or step into) the will of God.’
Confessions help work the truth of God down into the fabric of our soul. How?
Identify a Problem
This should be an easy one. What problems consistently cause you discouragement or frustration in your life.
Select a Promise
What does the Bible have to say about that problem? What does God’s Word say about you? Or your future? Or God’s attitude and desire toward you?
Write a Declaration
What I do is write out a sentence that aims the truth of God’s Word at my specific situation. These are not predictions of timing or detailed results. Nor are they wishes or hopes. The are simple, memorable, reflections of truth.
Examples:
- Today, I will not just survive. I will overcome and conquer. (Romans 8:37)
- No one can stop God’s good plan for my life. (Phil 1:6)
- God’s grace is sufficient for even this. His power is made complete even through my weakness. (2 Cor. 12:7-10)
- When I put God’s Kingdom as my priority, God will place my problems on the top of his list. (Matt 6:33)
Make Daily Confessions
When I start the day, I go through the list of my confessions. I declare them to God. I speak them to stir up my own spirit. When I hit difficult moments during the day, I return to those promises and those confessions.
Contrast My Feelings With My Faith Statements
These confessions help me identify when my feelings begin to overwhelm my beliefs. When I start to hear myself say things that are contrary to my written declarations, I am reminded to align my confessions with the facts of God’s Word and not with my feelings nor with my circumstances.
This practice helps me shape my thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes about the current happenings in my life. In so doing, I train myself to ‘renew my mind’ and that helps me step into ‘God’s will, his good, pleasing, and perfect will for my life.’ (Romans 12:2)
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by Jeff Leake
Senior Pastor | Allison Park Church
Jeff has been married for 21 years to Melodie and is still hopelessly in love. They have five amazing kids (four boys and a girl) ages 9 to 18.
Visit Jeff’s Blog
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At the very core of a believer is the act of confession – most people believe that confession is only for releasing our sins. What we need to realize is that our confession is that “Jesus is Lord” is the golden key to unlock salvation. Why don’t we continue to operate in that faith and unlock the other confessions of life?
Jeff, this is an amazing article. I love the quotes, they are so true. Thank you.
Often God has given me a verse or passage of scripture to cling to in certain seasons of my life. Usually, concerning an area that the enemy is trying to tear my down and discourage me. In those times I’ve learned to react not in emotion but in faith. His word speaks to the depths of our human condition. Thanks for the good word.
I also do this. This is a way in which we can have God’s promises manifested in our lives instead of just putting up with whatever life throws at us.