INCLINE RAILWAY TO HEAVEN
A Prophetic Dream Given the Night of November, 25, 1996
Don Hawley
NOTE: My major prophetic dreams have been unmistakably just that; they were defined by their sheer intensity and content. This is the second time, however, that I've had a "nice little dream" that lacked immediate definition. Each time I nearly passed the dream off as an ordinary experience. Fortunately in each case I pondered just long enough for God to impress me of the true import, and give me the interpretation.
I mention this because in these last days the prophetic gift will be poured out upon "all flesh," that is it will be rather commonplace. Such gifting will soon seem "normal" in the Body of Christ. There are no doubt Christians today receiving prophetical dreams, but not recognizing them as such. If you have what you think could be a God-given dream or vision, pray and ponder before dismissing it out of hand.
THE DREAM
Since riding roller coasters has been a lifelong hobby, I frequently visit Magic Mountain in Southern California. Late in the day, when energies are beginning to flag, one ride begins to assume a great deal of importance. I can't recall this ride's name, but it is an inclined railway that smoothly and gently lifts one from the lowest part of the park to the top of the mountain. This short ride, usually passed by earlier in the day, now appears most welcome.
In my dream I was riding this inclined railway. I seemed to be in the very lowest seat where I could look out on the receding landscape without obstruction. The ride is gentle, and I had a soft, warm blanket pulled up around my neck. Never had I felt so utterly at peace.
About half way up the mountain, however, I suddenly sensed impending trouble. I hadn't seen any other passengers; perhaps I wasn't in a regular seat at all. Maybe at the very end of the trip I would be caught up in the ride's gears and crushed. To make matters worse, night had descended and I couldn't see to rescue myself.
Frantically I began reaching out in an attempt to feel a place of security, but the dream ended with my fate unresolved.
THE INTERPRETATION
Magic Mountain has many high-speed thrill rides, and they are the principle focus of most people visiting the park. These coaster-type rides truly are exciting, but they all end up right back where they started. Then one has to seek for a ride that is even higher and faster. Eventually it's possible to become completely sated with thrills.
This world offers many forms of excitement and entertainment, and that is what the majority seek. Such pursuits, however, never really satisfy, and leave one with the boredom experienced in the first place. Then it's necessary to search out something even more exciting. In terms of movies and TV, that translates into more nudity, more raw language, and more violence. Today society is so immersed in immorality that what once drew gasps now produces yawns.
Later in the game of life, when weariness and self-reproach eat away at the soul, some turn their attention from the valley to the mountain. Instead of worldliness they yearn for a personal relationship with God. They seek for a vehicle to take them to a higher spiritual plane.
Like millions of others, I've found in the great Renewal now sweeping the earth that which has lifted me closer to God than I've ever been before. Something I find more exciting and rewarding than anything the world has to offer. Something I think will culminate in our reaching the mountaintop, and entering into the Kingdom of Glory.
There are dangers, however. Like the incline railway ride, the Renewal experience is so comforting and rewarding that those involved might assume it will be so right up to the Second Coming. Not true. About half way through the Renewal experience we should expect a massive attempt by the devil to derail us.There will be those within Christianity, particularly among religious leaders, who will not accept the reign of the Holy Spirit. They will oppose the work of the Comforter, and there will be war, civil war, in the camp. This will be God's means of dividing all humanity into two groups for eternity, the sheep and the goats.
We may think the forces of evil are out in full force now, but we have no concept of just how dark the night ahead will be. We'll be forced to proceed by faith and not by sight. Unless our entire trust is in the Lord, we will be caught up in the gears of religiosity and crushed. Fortunately, each of us will decide our own fate.
The incline is the shortest railway in the park. God has said in Romans 9:28 that he will make a "short" work on the earth. I believe he has set in motion his last effort for mankind, and none of us really comprehends how near is the final crisis and our Lord's return. I's time for all who truly care for their own soul to board the only vehicle that goes to the top of the mountain, and to stay securely aboard by trusting completely in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.