IMAGINATION

IMAGINATION

 Because we have been designed in the image of God, our Creator has graciously endowed us with a very fertile and productive imagination.  Imagination is the first cousin of faith since it envisions, anticipates and actualizes the promises of God.  On the other hand, fear should be understood as the erroneous use of our imagination because fear consistently believes for the worst, not the best. 

 God-given imagination is an extremely powerful and effective weapon.  Deploy it wisely.

 Consider the story of a frustrated salesman, who while driving on a country road one dark and rainy night, had a flat tire.  He opened the trunk, only to discover that there was no lug wrench.  The light from a nearby farmhouse could be seen dimly down the road.  He set out on foot through the driving rain.  Surely the farmer would have a lug wrench he could borrow, he thought.  Of course, it was late at night and the farmer would likely be sound asleep in his warm, dry bed.  Maybe he wouldn’t even answer the door.  And if he did, he’d be angry at being awakened in the middle of the night.

 Picking his way blindly through the dark, the salesman stumbled on.  By now his shoes and clothing were soaked through and through.  Even if the farmer did answer his knock, he would probably shout something like, “What’s the big idea waking me up at this hour!”  The very thought of this made the salesman quite angry.  What right would that farmer have to refuse him the loan of a lug wrench?  After all, here he was stranded in the middle of nowhere, soaking wet in the pouring rain.  This farmer was a very selfish clod indeed--no doubt about it!  The salesman finally reached the house and banged loudly on the door.  A light went on inside, and a window opened above.  “Who is it?” a voice called out.  “You know darn well who it is,” yelled the exasperated salesman, his face red with anger.  “It's me!  You can keep your blasted lug wrench.  I wouldn’t borrow it now if you had the last one on earth!”  Making a guttural scream,  he jogged off in the rain toward his dysfunctional vehicle.

 This stranded and hapless salesman had allowed the worst part of his imagination to get the best of him.  Had he only assumed a more positive perspective as he approached the farmhouse, his results would certainly have been remarkably different.

 The Apostle Paul suggests a spiritual strategy that allows every winner-believer the ability to keep an affirmative spirit and a firm grip on life-victory.  Recorded in II Corinthians 10:4-6, Paul writes:

 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.  Casting down [unproductive] imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. (II Corinthians 10:4-6)

 As we allow ourselves to embrace crystal-clear IMAGES of the promises of God, revealed through the Word of God, we are empowered to walk in divine truth, fulfilling promised blessings in and around our lives.  I love how Joshua frames it: “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth; but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it.  For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua 1:8, NKJV)

 My friend, what are you imagining (imaging) concerning your divine purpose and destiny?

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!