My Testimony Part 10: Overcoming My Own Mind
You can find the previous parts of my testimony in order here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. This testimony will explain how I overcame my own mind and flesh by not listening to the world but instead listening to Scripture. For anyone who struggles with mental health issues, this is for you. We do not have to believe what the world says about our minds, but rather, we should believe what Jesus Christ says about our minds. This post is dedicated to Vince for doing everything he can to renew his own mind and also generously contributing to our ministry.
Introduction - Psychology Told Me...
The image I created above is an accurate representation of my mind a decade or so ago. I want to begin by sharing with readers what psychology and the world told me was true about my own mind and thoughts.
1) I struggled with alcoholism. For years, I was "on and off" in my struggles, sometimes functioning, sometimes not. The world and psychology led me to believe that I had a "brain disease" or even a disability. They told me I needed to go to AA, to go to rehab, or to perhaps do intense psychiatry to be healed. While I do not dismiss these as options for some, none of them worked for me. I was convinced I had an actual disability and would spend the rest of my life as a functional alcoholic to cope with a disastrous world. Psychology was of no help or use to me, and I felt trapped.
2) I struggled with severe anxiety disorders, such as picking my skin, which is called dermatillomania. I also had other forms of obsessive thinking, and I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) run in my family, so I felt as though that this was just part of who I was - not something that could really be "cured." I temporarily tried different medications to help, but I felt like a zombie. Often, alcohol was my solace and the only thing that comforted me. Psychology told me that the only way to fix my brain and problems was through some type of medication, but that didn't work for me. Again, I felt trapped by my genetics and my own mind.
3) I developed a hormone disorder and gained weight. Hormone issues also ran in my family, and I was diagnosed with a hormone disorder that the world will tell you can only be cured through medication. While I won't name the disorder, it is a common one women have, and if you read about it online, everybody will tell you there is nothing you can do about it. I felt trapped by my genetics and hormones.
4) I developed severe depression. When sober, I was miserable. I did go to therapy for a few years to try to address my sorrow and depression, but it just didn't seem to get to the root of my issues. Psychology told me there is no real "cure" for depression, and it was part of me. The only outlets I had were medication, therapy, and acceptance. I was trapped by my sorrowful thoughts.
5) I was a victim. I was in and out of many abusive relationships, and society told me I was a victim. I developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and psychology told me that I would likely always struggle with my trauma in some way, shape, or form. My dad told me that I would never be able to work or have a life.
He said, "You will turn out just like your mom", who ended up with severe psychological issues before her tragic death. I was a victim of everyone and everything around me.
Now, what if I had believed all of that? What if I decided, "This is just who I am, my dad is right, the psychologists are right, and the world is right. I am a victim, an alcoholic, and I have severe anxiety and depression. I will probably live a semi-functioning life with therapy and medication."
What if I believed that?
Today, none of that list binds me, and I want to walk readers through how I freed myself from the world and false psychological beliefs. While there may be truth in psychology, much of it is set up so people become addicted, often, to drugs and victimhood itself. It rarely frees anyone; rather, they are bound in chains, such as medication, false beliefs, and a victim mindset until they die.
Besides, the Bible tells us we are not of this world, and we are to be set apart from what the world, even when it comes to what the world believes is true. Psychology and psychiatry dominate the worldly views, but why should we trust what they say? Are they God? Do they have ultimate authority over our minds?
Now, at this point of the long list of problems in my life, I had found Jesus Christ, but I was a complete mess. Could Jesus Christ really free me from all of this? If so, how? Well, first I want readers to understand the most important part of this post, before I get into how I conquered my own mind.
Your thoughts are NOT you - at least, not most of the time. You do NOT have to accept every thought put into your mind.
If you believe every single thought sent to you, then you are still trapped in a fleshly mindset. The Bible says we are allowed to decide which thoughts should stay in our minds and which thoughts we are allowed to throw out. Not every thought is true, and we should not accept every thought in our mind.
For example, if you woke up with a thought that you should post a naked picture of yourself on social media, would you do that? Maybe some do, but would you, as a Christian, do that? Even if you are not a Christian reading this, would you decide that this thought is valid?
Most of you reading would say, "No", but then when it comes to other thoughts like, "You should watch porn. You are a loser. You should go eat until you pass out."...you accept them. Why is that?
You have decided that you do not have control over your own mind, and the Bible says that is not true.
Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
We can transform our own minds. We can conquer our own minds.
In this testimony, I am going to share how I conquered every single aspect of my mind that psychology and the world said was just part of me - that I could not change. Psychology and the world are wrong, and the Bible is right. So, let's begin.
1) I conquered alcohol by...realizing I had an actual demonic force working against me. This was a powerful demon that entered into me, and you can read more about the full testimony here. Now, not everyone has demons, but I would gather the majority of the world, today, has some demonic influences or demonic manifestations as part of their lives. Christians can be demonized, and demons are usually associated with addictions. Derek Prince agrees:
So, the way I dealt with this demon was through a committed cycle of fasting and prayer. While, ultimately, it took God's discipline to fully break me free, I actually asked God for that in my prayers! I believe I told God to "do what it takes" to break me free, and He did.
Moreover, some demons can only come out through fasting and prayer, and if you need help with fasting and prayer, contact us. Please also see my deliverance prayer book for more help. You can read it more than one time, and I would read it as many times as needed.
Psychology says demons are not real. The Bible says demons are real. Which view do you believe? Here is one of my favorite verses:
2) I conquered anxiety by...using Scripture to replace evil thoughts. The Bible explains that we have a choice. We can either live according to the flesh or we can live according to the Spirit. There is no in between.
5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
I started controlling my thoughts by realizing not all of them are real, and not all of them need to be part of my life. So, for example, whenever an ungodly thought enters my mind, I just say, "I cast you out in Jesus's name." I say that as many times as needed, either in my mind or out loud.
In the morning, I ask God to get rid of all of my evil thoughts and fill me with the Holy Spirit. If you do not start your day with prayer, you have decided to let the flesh rule your day. Always start your day with prayer, no matter how you feel.
To combat "ritualistic" OCD tendencies, I started doing new rituals, such as reading my Bible, going to Bible studies, and praying. These actions have replaced many obsessive thoughts. I always tell Witness 1, "I'm going to go pray" when I am bombarded with obsessive or negative feelings.
In the past, I used to pick my skin due to anxiety, and I decided to start running. Strangely, now after a good run, I do not feel anxious or mad anymore. We are allowed to start doing things. We are allowed to go outside. We do not have to be on our phones or computers all of the time. If you do not like to run, start walking. It's really good for you.
I decided I DO have control over my mind because the Bible tells me so! My thoughts are NOT me, and if they are, I can choose the thoughts that I allow to become me, which are holy, Godly thoughts.
Treat your mind like its own country. Would you let just anyone enter? Check every thought at the border, and cast out the lies, the evil, and the things that do not aid you.
Psychology will tell you that you have to accept the thoughts given to you. The Bible says you have complete control over your own mind. That is the freedom Christ provides!
3. I solved my hormone disorder and weight issues by...prayer and fasting.
That's it!
Fasting helped me learn to control my food intake, and it helped me discipline myself. While I did seek a doctor for some help, she offered me natural methods to stabilize my hormones, and I did not have to get addicted to any pills or weight loss medication.
At this point, intermittent fasting is one of the best things I can recommend on this blog, especially for women.
Society is telling women they just have to accept weight gain as they get older, and they push a "toxic body positive" movement that tells women being unhealthy is okay. While I think it is good to be positive about ourselves, we need to be realistic with our beliefs.
To note, this isn't about superficial reasoning for weight loss. The Bible tells us that God looks at our hearts, and our outward appearance is not as important as the world will tell you.
However, what I am getting at is I had false beliefs about my own health that were destroying me. I thought I had an incurable hormone disorder, but the truth is, I am a very petite women, and I really do not need much food. I had to learn to control my food intake through intermittent fasting. On top of that, prayer helped me control my cravings - I didn't need to be snacking and eating every time I "thought" I was hungry. Was I hungry or bored? Was I hungry or angry? Was I hungry or just operating on routine?
Well, I lost all the weight, my hormones then regulated, and here is what happened at my recent trip to the doctor.
The doctor said, "Elisha, you look fantastic!"
My blood work was perfect. I looked and felt good, and even the doctor noticed! That was one of the best moments I had in years.
Now, I feel and look the best I ever have in my life. This is not because I focused on outward beauty. In fact, I stopped caring completely about what I physically looked like, and I started beautifying my thoughts and actions. When I started working on the inside of myself, I was purified, and my beauty has transformed to both an outward and inward godly beauty.
4. I solved my depression...through a gratitude mindset. Have you ever heard this saying?
Comparison is the thief of joy.
Many are unhappy because their thoughts are rooted in envy and jealousy, and Scripture tells us this is a sin, and that we can overcome these false thoughts.
I spent so many years watching others instead of just improving myself.
God is telling readers, "Stop 'stalking' people and start living your life." If needed, get off social media. If needed, start taking breaks from your phone.
God loves YOU and He made you just how he wanted you for specific reasons, even things the world may view as flaws.
Everything I used to hate about myself, I now love! I used to hate being short, but now I see it makes me more approachable in my career. I used to hate my light hair and eyes, but now I see them as angelic! I used to hate how talkative and excitable I was, but now I use these qualities to help others.
What are the things you hate about yourself? How can God turn them around for good? If you don't know, email me, and I will tell you through the Holy Spirit.
The Bible also teaches us to be grateful at ALL TIMES - not just when we are happy or things are going well for us. Do we only thank God when things are perfect?
Every day, Witness 1 and I tell God 5 unique things we are grateful for in our lives. If you can't think of anything, I bet most can say at least one of these:
- 1. I am grateful I ate today.
- 2. I am grateful I slept somewhere warm last night.
- 3. I am grateful I am alive.
- 4. I am grateful I am breathing.
- 5. I am grateful for Jesus.
You see, we all have something to be grateful for, even right now, even in this very moment - even if you are at the lowest of lows.
In the past, the world was telling me that I should feel sorry for myself, that I was a victim. The world was telling me not to forgive my abusers, but to hold on to grudges and seek vengeance. The world was telling me to hate men, and to compare myself to women around me.
Now, God tells me to be thankful for everything. Jesus tells me to forgive everyone. Jesus tells me to help others, and to even forgive those who abused me. Jesus tells me I am allowed to be in a state of gratitude, and so are you.
5) I am not a victim. Thinking you are a victim is a demonic mindset! You are a victor in Christ - not a victim!
Right now, psychology is telling everyone they are a victim, they need to feel sorry for themselves, and they cannot escape their own minds. This is leading many, especially teens, to suicide.
I remember in high school, I went to see a counselor due to suicidal ideation. The counselor told me, "You know, high school doesn't last forever."
She was right. I laughed because it was ending in a few months.
Here we are, now, telling teens that if they are depressed in their teenage years, they will be depressed forever. How dangerous!
We are telling adults they have inescapable psychological conditions, and they should stay medicated until they die. How dangerous!
All I needed, as a teen, was someone to just tell me nothing lasts forever. Things can change. It's true.
So, then, what should we do to escape depression?
According to the following video, start with your words. Your words shape your reality, and your tongue may need healing:
You have a choice every single moment of the day. You have a choice right now.
If I had listened to the world, I would be fat, sick, depressed, anxious, drinking, and trapped in expensive therapy and dangerous medication.
I decided I would NOT listen to the world, and I changed my entire life and mindset through Jesus Christ.
I am completely full of joy, like never before. Anytime depression or anxiety enters, I cast it out. When going through challenges, I participate in longer fasts to ask God for help, like Scripture tells me to do. My life is not perfect, and it never will be, but I now understand how I have control over my own mind and how to react to the evil around me in the world. It is all through Jesus Christ who strengthens me.
Since I am living righteously, God answers my prayers often, and I would say the vast majority of my prayers are answered because I now pray in accordance with His will!
The world would say I am lying or this impossible, but the fruits of this ministry show my testimony is true.
We are now running a ministry that helps thousands upon thousands around the world, and it wouldn't be possible in my previous life.
While I still have bad moments, I know how to handle them differently. I understand not every emotion I have is permanent, and that I do not need to believe every thought and emotion that enters my mind. I can cast out any thought or emotion I want to at any time.
By reading Scripture daily, I keep my mind stable. By helping others, I keep my gratitude mindset in check. By understanding my victory in Christ, I realize I am not a victim.
And neither are you.
Now, this release from victimhood doesn't happen overnight. You have to start somewhere. I know this is a comedy, but I always liked it. It starts with "baby steps."
Today, where can you start? If nothing else, start with your thoughts. Here are ten thoughts you can say to get started and repeat as needed:
- 1) I am not a victim in the name of Jesus Christ.
- 2) I forgive others in the name of Jesus Christ. Lord, help me forgive others.
- 3) I can conquer my addictions through Jesus Christ. I am conquering them right now.
- 4) I cast out all negative thoughts and emotions in Jesus's name.
- 5) I am not a loser in Jesus's name.
- 6) Jesus loves me in His holy name I pray.
- 7) I cast out all demonic thoughts being sent to me in Jesus's name.
- 8) I am in control of my own mind in Jesus's name.
- 9) I break all contracts with Satan in Jesus's name.
- 10) I am free in Jesus's name!
You can do many variations of these and do them as needed throughout the day.
You have a choice. You can choose your flesh or the Spirit. The flesh says the world is in control of you. The Spirit says God, our Lord Jesus Christ, is in control of you.
Which is it?
Now, let's go back to me about a decade ago. What if I had listened to the world? Where would I be now?
You see, start now. A year from now, you will thank yourself.
I pray this post helps as many people as possible become free in Jesus's name!
If you do not believe in Jesus Christ, then this post will not help you. It can only be done through Jesus Christ, and you can only be fully free through Him. If you do not know the true Jesus, contact us, and we will help you.
Please check back either tonight or in the morning because I have a prophecy update!
Love,
Witness 2 aka Elisha
I am free in Jesus Christ! I am joyful in Jesus Christ! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!