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

Wiley Petersen, from Fort Hall, Idaho, dreamed of being a Professional Bull Rider since he was ten years old. He became a devoted follower of Jesus Christ when he was eighteen and now uses the platform he has as a Pro Bull Rider to share his faith with everyone he meets.

“Since the day that I committed my life to Christ, my eyes have been opened to so many amazing things that God is doing. My life now has purpose. Everyday I fall more in love with my Savior and best friend.

I know that God is calling me into some sort of ministry (as He does everyone who surrenders to Him), and I just take life one day at a time. I know that I must keep my eyes on Him and my ears open to His voice.

Since I was ten years old, I have dreamed of being a Professional Bull Rider and now with God, I have seen that dream come true. I know that the same can be true for everyone. All we have to do is put God first in our lives and be willing to do what He wants us to do. Everything falls into place when we let God do the work.” -Wiley Peteresen

Learn more about Wiley at www.wileypetersen.com