Casting Your Shadow
God is looking for ordinary people—like you and me—to do extraordinary things for Him. By inviting God’s abiding presence to “overshadow” and help us make a difference for Him in the lives of those with whom we interact.
Divine connections. Influencing for good. Shadow ministry.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1 NASB)
When Jesus was with Peter and John on the high mountain where He was transfigured we read: “And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, hear Him!’” (Mark 9:7 NKJV)
Dutch Sheets explains: “Overshadow means to cast a shade upon, to envelope in a haze of brilliancy; to invest in supernatural influence…It is also used in Acts 5:15 when people were trying to get close to Peter—in his shadow—that they might be healed…The Holy Spirit was moving out from Peter—hovering—and when individuals stepped into the cloud or overshadowing they were healed.” 1
Deliberate connections happen when we link up with others and/or reach out to others by sharing our experience, wisdom, abilities, or giftings.
Have you ever been going along doing what you always do, when someone tells you how much your life impacted him or her? What a pleasant surprise! What a God-blessing.
Why not take some “thinking” time to jot down ways other people or things have blessed you. Or list ways you were God’s instrument to help and bless others. Then thank the Lord for the priceless occasions! Here are some questions to ponder:
1. Who were the people whose shadow you deliberately moved under? You let them mentor, encourage, correct, advise, or pray for you regularly. And your life was enriched. What lessons did you learn? What lasting words of encouragement do you cherish? Did you thank them?
2. Who were the “influencers” in your life but they never knew their impact on you? You were inspired or encouraged by something they did, said, or wrote. Thank God for their influence. Maybe even write and tell them.
3. Who were those you helped influence? You spoke into their lives when asked for advice. Or you taught them a skill. Or you just enjoyed sharing food, fun, and fellowship. But you invested time in them—on purpose. And of course, you no doubt prayed for them.
4. Do you know if your shadow, unbeknownst to you, fell on someone when you were doing just what you knew to do, whether in daily activity, volunteering, or going the extra mile to offer help? Yet God helped you be His hands extended?
5. Who were individuals you never knew but whose lives or acts influenced you? Maybe even historical figures. Who were the somebodies who wrote a book, painted a picture, composed music, produced a movie, taught a class, preached a sermon, or did something so impressive you were impacted in a monumental way? Are you going to share their story with others?
“Our God specializes in working through normal people who believe in a supernatural God who will do His work through them. What He’s waiting for is the invitation,” wrote Bruce Wilkinson. 2
Jesus showed the world what love is like and how it acts. God longs for everyday folks to make a difference for Him right where we are, as He did. May He show us how and overshadow us as we go.
“I wonder if so much that we think is insignificant may not be the most important thing in God’s eyes. The kingdom of God is carried on the shoulders of people who occupy their shadow ministry,” said Jamie Buckingham. 3
In my book Cast Your Shadow: Influence On Purpose I explore many aspects of our shadow ministry. I hope you will find it a helpful guide for your own outreach.
Prayer: Lord, overshadow me with Your presence. Help me in turn to be an influencer for You by casting my shadow on those whom You choose. Let me be alert to connect with them and give me the needed discernment for what to do and when. I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Scripture: And let us consider and give attention, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities.” (Hebrews 10:24 AMPC)
- Dutch Sheets, Intercessory Prayer (Ventura, CA. Regal Books 1996), 125.
- Bruce Wilkinson, The Prayer of Jabez (Sisters, OR: Multnomah Publishers, 2000), 41
- Jamie Buckingham, speech at Aglow International Conference, New Orleans,LA., fall 1987.
Comments (0)