We as humans have our natural eyes and our spiritual eyes. Through our spiritual eyes we see beyond what is in front of us. One could also say that when we “see” in this way we are also using our imagination. All people were born with an imagination and the ability to see things differently than what they are.

Even though there are similarities between the two, there are also distinct differences. Our imagination is housed within our minds, and through our heart, we believe. But I think that both can be used in tandem with each other for the believer, as he or she, walks out their daily life, “seeing” how something can be accomplished and fulfilled through the plan of God.

Through the act of our imagination, one can see the past and can “imagine” the future. Our memory uses the imagination. When we are thinking, planning, or coming to some conclusion about something, one is using their imagination. Successful athletes use their imagination when they are training. They see beyond where they are, and the potential of where the finish line might take them. Children have very active imaginations and yet, as one grows older, and experience more of life, they tend to use their imagination less and less.

Everyone has used their imagination negatively by worrying. One can imagine all types of fears if they allowed themselves to do this. We should use the same process in a positive way, based on God’s Word, and place our faith and our imagination in Him, and “see” it all walked out ahead of us.

The act of faith is very much like how imagination works, in that we are looking beyond what is in front of us. We aren’t looking with our natural eyes, but with our spiritual eyes.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews 11:1.

“… while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” 2 Corinthians 4:18 NKJ.

We can only look at things that are unseen through the sense of our imagination. We use our inward eyes. For Ephesians 1:18 says,

“the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints”

Now, there are right and there are also wrong or sinful thoughts.

Romans 1:21 says,

“because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened”.

2 Corinthians 10:5 also has some things to say about arguments and thoughts that must be brought into captivity to God:

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ”.

Our imagination can become dark and can be used in a way that exalts our fallen nature, or it can be used in a way that would edify and build up the body of Christ. God is a creative God and He gave us our imagination as a gift from Him. Without imagination, we would not have artwork, or music, or poetry, or many of things that would demonstrate our creativity and purpose as a people. To be sure, there are many dark and dreary and things that man has thought of and has created. However, there are also many beautiful and astounding things that have been inspired and created from the living God.

Let me finish by saying that through the act of our faith we believe in God, even though we do not see Him. Through our imagination we “see” beyond the normal world in front of us, but our belief, our faith, while similar in some ways, is different in that we place our “faith” in Him, whereas, one’s imagination is used to see beyond the mundane, and can be used to inspire or to defame.

 

Selah,
~ Stephen Hanson

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Stephen Hanson of In His Truth Ministries came to the LORD is a special way in 1975 and has prophesied regularly since. In these end-time birthing pangs we are reminded that judgment must first begin with the household of God. Will we be prepared and ready?

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