A while back, I read about a study that was done with people who needed arthroscopic knee surgery. Their knees were worn down, and they needed the joint to be cleaned out. With permission from the family, a certain number of patients went in for surgery. But instead of actually performing the surgery, the doctors simply put the patients under anesthesia and made three tiny incisions around the knee but didn’t actually do anything.

Of course, when the patient woke up, they thought they had the full surgery. What’s interesting is that two years later, the patients who had the fake surgery reported just as much relief from the pain as the patients who had the actual surgery. And, it wasn’t just in their minds. When the doctors examined the knees of the patients, they could see that there was, in fact, improvement. The doctors’ conclusion was, “Since the brain expected the knee to get better, it got better. The expectation helped the body to heal.” You could say those doctors tricked the patients into having a new vision for themselves, and just like gravity, they moved toward it.

Scripture tells us that when we believe, all things are possible. But too many people allow their circumstances to shape their faith instead of allowing the Word of God to shape their faith. Realize today that even if you don’t feel blessed, if you’ll get into agreement with God and see yourself blessed, you’re going to move toward His promises. Your brain is going to say, “Come on now. Let’s get going. We’re supposed to be blessed.” The medical report may not look good, but instead of seeing yourself going downhill, start seeing yourself strong, healthy and full of energy and vitality. In the natural, your dream may look impossible, but look out through your eyes of faith and see yourself moving toward it. Set your expectations according to God’s promises and move forward into the blessings He has for you!

(By: Joel Osteen)