In order to cooperate with God’s work in us we will need to be very intentional about choosing faith. This means not struggling against the darkness but rather embracing it and trusting God. This means learning a new way to “do” faith. It will be raw, deep, and unassisted by feelings or circumstances. This also means letting go of one’s old way of trusting God which is usually very difficult. It will probably help to develop one or two images that your mind can rely on in order to train it in deep faith.
One image that combines fear and deep faith is the experience of walking on a footbridge over a small chasm. Perhaps you have been on a hike where others have already walked over a footbridge that you were not confident in. You felt fear, but you proceeded in faith because others had already crossed the bridge. When we walk in deep faith we will feel fear, but that does not mean we cannot exercise faith. We can proceed even in the face of fear. This image is helpful because many people can relate to an experience similar to this. The idea is to not let fear stop you from embracing faith.
Guide – Imagery for Experiencing Deep Faith
- Think of an area in your life in which you desire deep faith. This could be dryness, darkness or some other challenge or trial.
- Imagine you are on a hike and your group arrived at a footbridge over a 20-foot-deep ravine. Put yourself in the scene and imagine the sights, sounds and smells. The bridge sways and it is old. One person in your group already crossed the bridge and it is your turn.
- You are feeling fear but you also saw one other person cross which gives you some faith.
- Think of this experience as an exercise in trusting God as you walk through challenges and trials, such as dryness or deep darkness.
- Think of the ravine as representing your challenge or trial. Recall your struggle to have deep faith in God and transfer it to the bridge imagery.
- What will you do to prepare yourself to cross the bridge and trust God in your challenge or trial?
- Start crossing the bridge and embracing deep faith. The wind comes up and the bridge begins to sway, which represents the feelings connected to your challenge or trial. Be aware of your emotions, focus on Jesus and continue forward and cast your fate into his hands.
- Once you cross the bridge, how do you feel? Have you made progress in choosing deep faith? Can you replay this briefly throughout your week?
If you apply this guide to your present challenge or trial, you should quickly make significant progress in trusting God in the matter. Remember: “This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4, NIV).
