Why Manifestation Isn't Biblical
A Christian Woman's Approach to Faith and Life
Manifestation has become a buzzword in today’s culture. From new age spirituals, influencers to everyday people, many are convinced that simply thinking, visualising, or speaking what they want into existence will bring about their desires. But as Christian women, we have to ask: does this align with our faith? Is manifestation biblical?
Spoiler alert: it’s not.
In this article, we’ll explore why manifestation stands in stark contrast to biblical teachings, particularly when it comes to how we view God's sovereignty, the power of prayer, and how we are called to live by faith. We’ll dig into key scriptures that reveal the flaws of manifestation and, most importantly, how we as Christian women can approach life with confidence—not by relying on our own abilities or “power of attraction” but by placing our trust in God.
Why Manifestation is Not Biblical
1. God is Sovereign, Not the Universe
One of the core problems with manifestation is that it suggests we have control over our destiny, bypassing God’s sovereignty. The Bible is clear that God, not the universe, is in control of all things. His will and plans are far greater than anything we could ever imagine or "manifest."
Scripture to Consider:
Proverbs 19:21 (ESV): "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."
Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
These verses remind us that God’s plans will always prevail. While we may have desires, dreams, or goals, they must be placed in God's hands, not the hands of a mystical force or the “universe.”
2. Faith vs. Control
Manifestation encourages individuals to take control of their own destiny, which runs contrary to the biblical concept of faith. Faith is about trusting in God’s timing and submitting to His will, even when it doesn’t align with our desires.
Scripture to Consider:
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
As Christian women, our calling isn’t to control every outcome in our lives but to trust in the One who holds our future. True peace comes when we surrender our desires to God, knowing that His ways are higher and better than ours.
3. Prayer vs. Manifestation
One of the most significant ways we communicate with God is through prayer, not through demanding or visualizing outcomes. Prayer is not about manipulating God or trying to "speak things into existence." Instead, it’s about humbly coming before Him, seeking His will, and submitting our requests in trust.
Scripture to Consider:
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
1 John 5:14 (ESV): "And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us."
The focus of prayer is on God's will, not our own. When we pray, we acknowledge that God knows what is best for us and trust Him to provide according to His perfect plan. Manifestation, on the other hand, places ourselves at the center, making us the authority over what should happen.
4. Contentment vs. Constant Wanting
Manifestation fosters a mindset of constant wanting—always striving for the next best thing, whether it's wealth, success, relationships, or happiness. The Bible, however, teaches us to find contentment in Christ, not in the material things of this world.
Scripture to Consider:
Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV): "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content... I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
1 Timothy 6:6-7 (ESV): "But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world."
Our peace and fulfillment come from God, not from manifesting worldly desires. Learning to be content with what God has provided helps us live in a state of gratitude, rather than always craving more.
How Should Christian Women Approach Life Instead?
As Christian women, we are called to live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Rather than relying on manifestation or attempting to control our future, we should:
Trust in God's Will: Like Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, we must say, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). This doesn’t mean we can’t have dreams, but we must always submit them to God’s greater purpose.
Seek First the Kingdom of God: Instead of focusing on what we want, Jesus instructs us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). By prioritizing God’s will, we open ourselves to His blessings, which far surpass anything we could manifest.
Rely on Prayer: Instead of visualizing outcomes, spend time in prayer, submitting your desires to God and asking for His guidance. James 4:2-3 reminds us that when we pray with selfish motives, we won’t receive what we ask for. But when we align our desires with God's will, He hears us.
In a world that promotes manifestation and the idea that we can "create" our own reality, it’s crucial to remember who truly holds the power: God. As Christian women, our calling is not to control our fate or manipulate the universe to achieve our desires. Instead, we are to trust in the sovereignty of God, submit to His will, and rely on prayer as our connection to the Creator.
Manifestation may sound appealing, but it falls short of the abundant life God has planned for us. When we surrender our hopes and dreams to Him, we can rest in the assurance that His plans are far better than anything we could imagine or “speak into existence.”
Let’s embrace a life of faith, contentment, and trust in the Lord, knowing that He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
