|
|
Scripture References:
• Mark 11:24 (NIV)
• 2 Corinthians 10:5
• Genesis 11:6 (AMP)
The dictionary defines imagination as "the faculty of imagining, or of forming mental
images or concepts of what is not actually present to the senses." Many Christians
get spooked when they hear words like "mental images" or "inner image" or "imagination."
They automatically assume–incorrectly–that using one's imagination to
develop an inner image is wrong, even wicked and sinful. This could not be further
from the truth.
In order to obtain the manifestation of anything you pray for, you must believe
you receive it, before you physically have it in your possession. In Mark 11:24,
Jesus made the statement, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer,
believe that you have received it, and it will be yours" (New International Version).
How do you accomplish this? By using your imagination to create and hold an inner
image of having the thing you prayed for.
First, you must eradicate every image, feeling, or thought that does not affirm
you have what you asked for. The enemy will send thoughts of doubt and unbelief
because his most powerful weapon is suggestion. His objective is to get you to believe
that what God promised will not come to pass. Therefore, you must purpose to guard
your mind against every evil or fearful thought.
You have been given authority to capture thoughts, and you can only capture thoughts
with words. When a thought enters your mind that is contrary to God's Word, you
must open your mouth and speak the Word of God.
Second Corinthians 10:5 reads, "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." This scripture commands us to cast down 'imaginations'
(arguments, theories, and reasonings) that oppose God's Word. However, the only
way to accomplish this is to actually read and meditate on the Word! You cannot
oppose arguments or theories that contradict God's Word if you do not know God's
Word!
Now, if you possess the ability to cast down arguments—in your imagination-
that contradict God's Word, you can also use your imagination to produce images
of your prayers answered! It is that simple. The question is, will you use your
imagination for good or for evil?
The story of the Towel of Babel in Genesis is a great illustration of the power
of the imagination. These people came up with the idea of building a city that would
reach to the heavens! Even more fascinating was God's response: "And the Lord said,
'Behold, they are one people … and this is only the beginning of what they will
do, and now nothing they have imagined they can do will be impossible for them'"(Genesis
11:6, Amplified Bible). God did not laugh at or mock the people. He said nothing
they imagined would be impossible!
From this day forward, I encourage you to guard your mind and thoughts on purpose.
Pray and believe you receive what you asked for. Then use the power of your imagination
to create an inner image of yourself possessing the thing you asked for. Before
long, you will have the physical, tangible manifestation of what you prayed for!
— Creflo A. Dollar
|