Leigh: Swimming with Jesus
A written experience from Leigh Lee. I’ve known Leigh for 8 years, her life and light shine the love of Jesus. May you be blessed through her experience and testimony of imaginative prayer. -Bree
I was told about imaginative prayer about six or seven years ago and immediately fell in love with it after implementing it into my life. The opportunity to have dedicated time to be in a sacred space with Jesus is not only life-giving and great comfort, but it also enhances our intimacy with the Messiah, ultimately building our trust, hope, and deep love for Him.
This practice of imaginative prayer came naturally to me. It is likely because my family lived in a quiet, country community on seven acres, and the atmosphere was already prepared for a contemplative time of meeting with Him. At the time, I had also built some habits of daily devotion and prayer, which easily became my moments of closing my eyes and asking Him to join me in my space in a real and tangible way. Jesus never disappoints. He always shows up!
Swimming with Jesus
One of my favourite memories of meeting with Jesus began in a field…many of them start in a field or garden, likely because I love wide open spaces and nature. I was walking in the daylight, and I saw a vision of the Lord in the distance walking toward me, and I could feel the joy welling up inside of me, so I ran to Him and gave Him what felt like a long-overdue hug, kind of like the one you would give your Grandma after not seeing her for a long time. After feeling safe in His arms, He asked me what I wanted to do, and I noticed some forest area next to a river just a short distance away, so we headed for the river!
When we reached the riverside edge, I noticed that everything surrounding the river was lush and green. Grassy banks and big trees with massive hanging branches made canopies that swept over the water, creating a very peaceful environment. The river itself was calm, gently moving, and it wasn’t particularly large, which invited us for a swim! Yes, a swim!!! To my amazement, we found a tree rope, which became our route of entry into the emerald green waterway! I never thought I’d be having so much fun with my Lord and Saviour; it was the most fun I’ve experienced in a long time…
After a long swim, we both decided it was time to relax and have some time of fellowship. When I pulled myself out of the water and onto the shaded bank, I saw that a massive lion, resembling Aslan, had joined us. He was reclining and watching us. Lion’s happen to be my favourite animal, so it wasn’t surprising that he was there. Jesus told me that I could go rest with him. Excitement filled me, for one of my biggest desires is to get close to these beautiful creatures! The lion was welcoming, and as I sat down beside him, he began to nuzzle his head into my shoulder…what a trip. It was an experience I’d never had, and I wanted to stay there and enjoy the moment for as long as possible.
After a few minutes, the Lord joined us, taking a seat beside us. It was an experience I had dreamed of for years but even more perfect. We began to have a conversation. Jesus asked me questions, and the one that surprised me was this, “My daughter if you could ask me anything, what would it be?” Without hesitation, I asked him, “How long will I be suffering from back pain? My back has been injured for years, and the chronic pain has caused me to sacrifice so much. Will it ever be healed?” He smiled at me and reassured me that healing would come. He asked me to remember what it felt like to be pain-free. He asked me if I could still glorify him in a time of pain and suffering. I said, “Yes! Absolutely!” There was no hesitation in answering Jesus. My pain hasn’t altered my love or trust in Him. However, this question brought great revelation to me. It was simple. “Can you still glorify me in your pain?” This is one of the great mysteries of the Christian walk. How do we respond to suffering? Do we give up and curse our good Father or do we surrender and allow Him to work through us even in the time of trouble?
My time with the Lord ended soon after He asked me this question. The takeaway from our time together was increased faith and trust in Him. I saw His unfathomable love for me in a new way. He longs to meet us where we are and shower us with blessing. He also wants to give us knowledge about our reality and how crucial it is to meet with him and be transparent. We are part of His story, which is the greatest gift as a believer. The opportunity we have to share His love and light with the rest of the world, even in our struggles, is what sets us apart. Our response to His promises is pivotal to walking in faith and hopeful expectancy of His ability to keep His word.
This year I saw Jesus deliver his promise, and I have seen healing in my back. For the first time in over twelve years, I have had days with no pain. My response is praise and joy! Jesus is faithful and longs to pour out good things on His children.
I think of the moment the Lord has with Thomas after His resurrection…
Eight days later, His disciples were again inside, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be to you.” Then He said to Thomas, “Place your finger here, and see My hands; and take your hand and put it into My side, and do not continue in disbelief, but be a believer.” Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you now believed? Blessed are they who did not see and yet believed.”- John 20:26-29
John concludes this chapter by saying these words, “So then, many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that by believing you may have life in His name.”
-Leigh Lee
