The Power of Belief
- RJ Boatman Ministries
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
“As a man thinks, So he is ”: The Power of Belief
A condemned prisoner stood on the edge of death — not by the hangman’s noose, but by something even more deceptive: the power of belief.
His captors told him, that rather than being hanged, he would die from the venom of a deadly snake. They showed him the serpent, blindfolded him, and then pricked his skin with a needle. No venom was ever injected, yet his body responded as if it had been. His heart raced. His breath shortened. And soon… he died. Not from poison, but from the fatal power of his own belief.
Though startling, this story reflects a profound spiritual truth: what we choose to believe can shape our reality — sometimes even our destiny.
1. The Bible Acknowledges the Power of the Mind and Belief
The mind is not just an organ — it is a battlefield. Our thoughts are not neutral. Scripture declares:
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…”
— Proverbs 23:7 (KJV)
What a man believes about himself, his situation, or his future has tangible consequences. This is why the Apostle Paul commands:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
— Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Just as the prisoner believed he had been poisoned, leading to his death, so too can we fall victim to false beliefs — about our worth, our future, or God’s love for us, and suffer spiritually, emotionally, and even physically.
2. Fear is a Liar, but Faith is a Liberator
Fear thrives in deception. The prisoner didn’t die from venom — he died from fear. This is why Scripture says:
“God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
A sound mind is God’s gift to us. It is a mind disciplined by truth, guarded by faith, and filled with hope. When our thoughts are grounded in God’s promises, we walk in power — not panic.
3. The Mind Must Be Guarded with Truth
Jesus said plainly:
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
— John 8:32 (NIV)
What killed the man in this story wasn’t a serpent, but a lie. It was falsehood that led to fatality.
Likewise, we must guard our hearts and minds with the truth of God’s Word. The devil is called “the father of lies” (John 8:44), and his most effective weapon is deception. He wants you to believe you are unloved, hopeless, and defeated.
But God says:
“You are fearfully and wonderfully made.”
— Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
“You are more than a conqueror through Him who loved us.”
— Romans 8:37 (NIV)
4. Choose Life with Your Thoughts
Deuteronomy 30:19 reminds us:
“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”
Choosing life begins in the mind. When we set our thoughts on God’s love, mercy, and power, we align with life, peace, and strength.
“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”
— Romans 8:6 (NIV)
Your Mind Is a Gatekeeper
The man in the story died believing a lie. But we, as children of the Most High God, are called to live by faith in the truth. Your thoughts are not trivial — they are spiritual forces shaping your emotions, decisions, and health. What you believe matters.
Let this be your daily confession:
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.”
— Psalm 19:14 (ESV)
Renew your mind with the Word. Refuse to fear. Choose to believe in the goodness and greatness of your God. And you will not just survive — you will thrive.
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