Did you read parts 1 and 2 of this blog “TOTAL TRUST” - “The Raft Dreams”? Did you see and hear the screaming monkeys swinging through tree tops overhead? Imagine the crouching tigers? Cling to the cross like post in the center of the raft, and miraculously take a raft ride over dangerous falls with me? If so, today’s blog tells the summation of the two “cliffhanging” dreams. This writer is not one of the prophets Joel’s “young men who will see visions” as in Joel 2:28. I am an elderly dreamer who unexpectedly experienced a Vision that was obviously an attachment to the two Raft Dreams. How did this happen?- While sitting fully awake and thinking about other things, my surroundings faded and what follows played across the screen of my mind. Why a vision? Why not another dream? I don’t know. Perhaps the vision was breathed into my own God given imagination. As it unfolded it grabbed my attention and I hope it grabs yours too. God speaks through our imagination.
THE VISION:
I saw myself standing on the raft, peering downstream. The current moved me steadily forward. The end of the journey neared. There were no more threatening things blocking my way. I was carried along with the river, relaxed and enjoying my surroundings. The water was so clear I could see the sandy river bottom and flashes of silver-gold fish darting out from around river rocks. Air borne sweet perfumes, distilled from flowers and foliage along the river banks filled the air. Lazy white clouds above me floated in a huge blue umbrella sky. Peace, peace filled the vision.
I was startled, not frightened, when I saw a tall, muscular, man clothed in brilliant white standing near me. His feet were bare on the deck of the raft. His smile enveloped me and I looked at him with confidence and recognition. We were friends. I said something like: “I know this is the end of the journey, but what now?” He grinned, nodded, and pointed. “See, the river has finished it’s course. It’s pouring into that great ocean ahead. You won’t need the raft any more. You won’t need to cling to the wooden post for support. It’s time to abandon ship. Leap off the raft and follow me. We’ll swim to that large sailing vessel floating out there in the deep. Do you see it now? The crew and passengers are eagerly waiting for us to join them.”
“But - But - But, that’s a long way to swim. What if I sink and drown? I don’t swim like I did when I was younger. The raft is my security. Can’t I stay on it and still reach the ship?”
“No, you can’t. We’ve come to the river’s end. Jump off and follow me.” He had already jumped and with strong rhythmic strokes was swimming in the direction of a large sailing ship. As he moved further away I became frantic. “Don’t leave me. Don’t leave me, I’m afraid!” My lips quivered. I wiped my eyes with my shirt sleeve. He never hesitated swimming, but glanced over his shoulder, shouting, “JUMP!” I jumped.
What happened next was amazing. I rose quickly to the surface and the water itself carried me in the direction of the ship. I raced to catch up and follow my swiftly swimming friend. He looked over his shoulder and gave a joyful shout of approval. My body was tireless, strengthened, energized with every stroke of my arms, kick of my legs and flutter of my feet. Soon I was close to the sailing vessel. My friend was already climbing up rope ladders to a group shouting, applauding passengers and crew members waving vigorously from the deck. I followed after him. Several arms reached out to help me over the ship’s railing. Some of them knew who I was and called me by name. THEN THE VISION FADED AS DID THE LAUGHTER, JOY, ENCOURAGEMENT, APPLAUSE; BUT MY ENERGY REMAINED.
Concluding Comments:
Have you ever found yourself confined in a small space with no control of what happens or knowledge of how to get to an unknown destination? When you reach the end of the river your “friend” finally shows up and tells you to jump off the raft and follow him. Suddenly you want to cling to the raft rather than swim in a great uncharted sea, going toward a grand ship that looks far, far away. The choice is yours. Will you trust your friend’s command and “jump” or will you “play it safe” and stay where you are? Yes, the raft is confining. Yes, there are known dangers around you, but you, are familiar with them. Besides you have that post to cling to, and you’ve become accustomed to the loneliness. Is this enough? Will you STAY or JUMP? The choice is yours, to trust GOD or stay put. This choice is always yours.
Evelyn
