Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is a good and pleasing and perfect. (Rom 12:2 NLT)
In March 2015 I was rushed to the hospital because of a stroke. While in the emergency department tests were conducted. A neurosurgeon from Miami Valley Hospital told me I had suffered a stroke and that I was having a second one as he talked to me.
That was a life changing experience. Some have told me I was fortunate because others who had similar experiences had died. I later learned from other stroke survivors that some had suffered various disabilities. I am thankful to be able to still walk, although I sometimes use a cane. While I can still talk, I have had issues with my mind. It may take me time to process things, and I have had some memory lapses.
I am thankful that the Lord still prompts me and brings some things to my mind from time to time. One of those things is Romans 12:2, which is a key to how the Lord is renewing my mind by focusing on Scripture.
When I had my strokes it was like how a computer crashes. Not all my mind was destroyed, but a lot of it was affected. God’s Word is helping me to renew my mind to become what He wants me to be.
The Scriptures have the power to make us new creations.
Noted neurosurgeon Dr. Caroline Leof has extensively written about how God’s Word can positively affect our brain.
Joshua 1:8 tells us that meditating on God’s Word helps us become an overcomer. in Isaiah 55, we learn that god backs up His Word. Jeremiah 1 also tells us that.
John 6:63 is a foundational verse for our church. It tells us that the Lord’s Word bring us life and has spiritual power.
Since those strokes I have learned I need to continually meditate on God’s Word of Life.
Coupled to that is the habit of speaking positive words that agree with God’s Word. Isaiah 57:19 tells us that God creates what we speak. Job 22:28 echoes that precept.
During the past year I have undergone physical, occupational and speech therapy, but most importantly, spiritual therapy.
The devil came to kill, steal and destroy but Jesus is helping restore me to His abundant life through His Word and my words.
Jesus is doing a restorative work in me, and He will do the same for you.
