Don't chase the shadow: chase the substance.
As Christians we sometimes chase after shadows rather than the substance of all good things - Christ Jesus.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 (King James Version)
Chasing a shadow is a vain venture. A shadow by its very nature is an imperfect imitation or copy of the real thing.
The devil is a master at projecting shadows and counterfeits which are imperfect imitations of Gods plan and purpose for the believer. If you've ever watched a child (ignorant of the fact that a shadow has no mass) attempt to chase and grab hold of their own shadow, you would have observed three things.
1. Chasing after shadows is frustrating.
When a child runs after a shadow, he/she will soon become frustrated as the shadow keeps on moving and frustrating all attempts to grab hold of it. As a believer there is nothing more frustrating than not being able to lay hold of something that you believe is the will of God for your life. But often, with hindsight, we realize that those things we just shadows. Most times we?re grateful that we didn?t lay hold of it.
There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12 (New International Version)
2. Shadows are time consuming.
A child can spend minutes chasing after a shadow yet the substance is closer than they think (they are the substance).
The thing that most people fear is that they?ll wake up someday 70 years old and not be able to account for the years spent. That will not be your portion in Jesus? name! Do not waste your time chasing after shadows. The substance is closer than you think. In fact the substance lives inside of you. The day we receive Christ as our lord and saviour, the Holy Spirit comes to live on the inside of us. To lead us, guide us and comfort us every day of our lives.
3. The shadow is always very close to the substance.
A shadow can only be a projection of a real substance. Often the devil projects shadows that come at a time when God wants you to walk into his purpose and will. He does this in order to distract and prevent you from achieving your destiny and purpose. This is where the Holy Spirit will help if we are sensitive to his leadings.
Not only will his spirit help us to discern between the substance and the shadow we will also not chase after the things that seem attractive to the rest of the world and go about getting them in a carnal way.
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Romans 8:6 (King James Version)
In order to avoid chasing shadows projected by the enemy as believers we also need to remain in Christ Jesus steadfastly and let his word remain in us. Everything we need as believers can be found in Christ.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. John 15:7 (New International Version).
There is nothing too great or too advance for Christ to do. Whatever you need he is able to supply. All you have to do is remain in him and let his word remain in you. Not only should his word remain in you, you must let it come alive in you and increase your faith.
For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith". Romans 1:17 (New International Version)
When we chase after things outside the will of God we're chasing after shadows that have no substance. It is not the will of God for us to be frustrated, have our time wasted, labour in vain and ultimately not achieve destiny.
Except the LORD builds the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. Psalm 127:1 (King James Version)
The day we give our lives to Christ should put an end to our chasing shadows. The word of God promises us that we shall not labour in vain as we are the seed of the blessed lord.
They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them. Isaiah 65:23 (King James Version)
I pray that from today you will always go after the substance of purpose and destiny that can only be found in Christ Jesus and never chase a shadow again.
Mary Adeagbo
Posted 10 December