PREPARATION

One of God's all-time greatest gifts is our imagination. We've all got it, but some of the more analytical-rational/sequential types just haven't unwrapped it yet.

So, let's take it out for a spin. For some, it might be time for an "Imagination" bootcamp--you be the judge.

Jean Bolen, tells about being at a dinner party with friends when one woman raised a question: Occasionally, when she closed her eyes, frightening demonic images appear. Should she confront them? Examine them? Immediately turn her attention elsewhere? As they discussed the matter, a skunk started scratching at a sliding glass door in front of them, trying to get inside.The hosts had never seen a skunk in the area, and after discussing how odd it was to see one trying to approach people, they joked about how unlikely it was that anyone would open the door and welcome one. It was only later that Jean and her husband realized that the skunk forced them to think outside the box. And those images provided a metaphor that answered the question: Just as a skunk would stink up a living space, allowing demonic images in would do the same. The image was clear and convincing.

Imagination is a core necessity for faith. If you can't imagine God doing great things, wondrous things, unexpected things, impossible things, then your faith has nothing to build on, it's limited; and so is God.  Remember, even Jesus was limited by the absence of faith.

Perhaps that's why I love the MercyMe song, "I Can Only Imagine."
I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By your side.

I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When your face
Is before me.
I can only imagine.

God has impossible things planned for us in next world and in this one, if we have eyes to see: "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV

In the comedy movie, Bedtime Stories, Skeeter (Adam Sandler) lives in a story-world full of imagination. It all begins with bedtime stories. Skeeter connects with and learns to love his niece and nephew and their shared stories change his life.

The stories contain all their fondest hopes. In this world anything can happen and does. Life is forever changed by their imagination. Are you ready for it? 

Imagination opens our eyes to divine appointments and holy ground moments. It's where God does his best work. It sets the stage for faith.
 

INSPIRATION

Toward the end of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Indiana's Dad was shot by the stories antagonist, Donavan. Dr. Jones is dying and the greedy, Donavan challenges Indiana to take action, to go after the Holy Grail, or his father will die.

"It's time to ask yourself what you believe?" Dr. Jones.

Without a word, and with his dad's Grail Diary in hand, Indiana begins the three great challenges. First, "Only the penitent man will pass." He bows and that saves his head.

Second, "Only in the footsteps of God will he proceed." Indiana steps on the tiles spelling the name of God in Latin, and heads for the last challenge.

He reaches a gorge with sheer walls on both sides. The diary says he must leap from the lions head. The distance is impossible. It's a leap of faith.

In the background his dad says, "You must believe, boy, you must believe."

He steps out into the canyon and discovers what he could not see, a carefully camouflaged bridge, a narrow, unseen path, leading to the cave on the other side.

Imagination paved the way for faith and faith stepped in the unknown.

MOTIVATION

This week is imagination week. Dream a little. Make up a faith story. Tell about how the hero faces an impossible task in the darkest hour with nothing but his or her trust in God. Tell about the danger, the test, and the leap of faith. Dream about what it would be like to be that hero of faith.

Give your imagination a workout.

Then, spend some time thanking God for the gift. 

This is preparation for your coming faith test.