The Power of Instead: A Life-Changing Lesson from Isaiah 61

One of my favorite sermons I have ever listened to is The Power of Instead by Graham Cooke. It’s also one of my favorite topics to discuss because it applies to every circumstance. It has a practical application that is not impossible to do, and it can genuinely change lives.

The Power of a Single Word

The word instead is a game-changer. It signifies a substitute, an alternative, a divine exchange. In Isaiah 61:1-7, God uses the word instead five times. This isn’t just a coincidence—it’s a powerful principle that can transform how we think, live, and face challenges.

In a football game, an interception changes the direction, interrupts the momentum, and can even determine the outcome. That’s what instead thinking does for us spiritually. It intercepts our negative thinking, disrupts the enemy’s plans, and repositions us in victory.

The Lesson: Writing Our Own Instead

Many years ago, I used to lead a teen girls’ Bible study group, and during one of our sessions, I asked the girls to list five problems they were facing. It didn’t take long for their papers to fill up—school stress, anxiety, friendship troubles, self-doubt, and family struggles. Then, I reminded them of this truth: for every problem, God has a promise and a provision. God wants to retrain the way we think. He can transform our personal mess into the most powerful testimony of our lives, a message that we can use to help others and bring Him glory.

On the other side of their papers, I asked them to write the instead—the opposite of their problem. If they wrote “anxiety,” they replaced it with “peace.” If they wrote “fear,” they replaced it with “courage.”

The Bible is full of God’s promises, and when we apply instead thinking, we engage in spiritual warfare at the thought level. It shifts our mindset and, over time, even our circumstances.

Retraining the Way We Think and Pray

One key takeaway I wanted the girls to understand is that the way we think shapes the way we pray. Many times, we focus our prayers on our problems: “Lord, help me with my anxiety. Help me not to be afraid.” While these prayers are honest, they keep our focus on what we don’t want rather than what God promises instead.

So, I challenged the girls to shift their prayers:

• Instead of praying about their anxiety, they ask and thank God for His peace.
• Instead of focusing on their fears, they declare courage over their lives.
• Instead of dwelling on their weaknesses, they claim God’s strength.

When we pray for God’s promises, we align ourselves with His truth and power. We stop pleading for help and start walking in faith.

Prayers for Our Kids

As young people continue to navigate the challenges of school, friendships, and personal struggles, let’s stand in agreement and pray:

• They will use the power of instead in their daily lives.
• They will believe that what matters to them matters to God.
• They will seek out His promises to combat every negative thing against them.
• That they will trust God through every trial (Hebrews 11:1).
• That they will witness divine reversals of their hardships (Romans 4:17).
• Those struggling with anxiety will encounter Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and experience the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

The Instead List

Here are some common struggles and their instead replacements:

• Fear → Calmness, Courage, Boldness
• Insecurity → Confidence
• Anger → Joy
• Sadness → Joy
• Distrust → Trust, Understanding
• Weakness → Strength
• Fatigue → Energy, Strength
• Anxiety → Peace
• Envy → Love
• Jealousy → Love
• Possessiveness → Trust, Confidence
• Unforgiveness → Forgiveness
• Selfishness → Servanthood
• Shame → Forgiveness, Peace
• Guilt → Innocence, Forgiveness
• Pride → Humility
• Confusion → Discernment, Wisdom

A Daily Practice of Instead Thinking

This lesson isn’t just for teenagers—it’s for all of us. Every day, we face struggles, doubts, and discouragements. But instead of allowing them to define us, we can choose God’s alternative. We can declare His promises over our lives. We can let the power of instead change our mindset, our prayers, and ultimately, our lives.

What’s one struggle you’re facing today? Now, find your instead word. Write it down. Speak it out loud. Pray it over your life. Then, watch God transform your thoughts, heart, and circumstances.

The power of instead is real. And it’s life-changing.

Check out Graham Cooke’s website here: Brilliant Perspectives

Bible Study Products on Amazon

AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE, I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING MY SMALL BUSINESS! READ MY DISCLOSER HERE

Pin it for later