It’s Ok to be a Shadow Walker…

This world tells us to be seen, heard, and credited.

God tells us it’s ok to not be notices, liked or even respected for walking in His light.

It’s ok to be in the shadows

God sees through

John the Baptist a prophet who’s role was to preach repentance and prepare the way for Jesus through baptism. His role was pointing people to Jesus.

John wasn’t put in the forefront, nor did he want accolades for his role in ministry. He was confident being in the background. He didn’t go around seeking praise, or acceptance, he only desired to serve Christ.

~ “This joy of mine has been made full,” he said. “Jesus must increase, but I must decrease.”

~John 3:29-30

My parent’s cat’s new kittens ~ small but serve a big purpose in the joy of our family! These little kits, are small but mighty!

John’s joy in being in the ‘shadows’ is an important lesson for us. Faithfully serving without expectation of anything else. This can be difficult for many of us. If we’re feeling unappreciated, or unrecognized, even ignored or not believed ( in Jesus’ messages), keep focused on the Lord and he will provide us with the strength to endure. He will guide us on when to keep going or when to fall back.

Yeah, this was the general feeling for us…then God handled it.

Believe me, I’ve experienced this first hand with someone who only seemed to be using myself and my husband for their needs without appreciation and to continue asking for more. Of course in these times God gave us common sense to be able to protect our selves and our sanity. This person was removed from our lives at the Lord’s doing. I’m sure of it.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. ~Eph 6:12

Our world preaches get what you can for the [ self ], that accolades are necessary, or that we must fit into an ideal to gain acceptance, acknowledgement and admiration. This version of success is false. This world is upside down so the exact opposite is true.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp under a bowl. ~Matthew 5:14-15

We’re all here to set the stage for Jesus Christ, to be lamps that light the way through the darkness.

Many of us will have small megaphones, smaller lives, jobs smaller platforms (like social media or the like)and smaller circles; but NEVER a small effect in God’s Kingdom!! After all, God is watching and sees what we do and He knows our Motives behind our actions, that’s the most important matter.

Accepting a lesser part isn’t BECOMING less in character, obedience, faith or spirit. It takes spiritual strength to live against the ways of the world, to not allow praise of others or to be the goal, be the perceived key to our success.

Don’t fear being in the shadows. It requires a relationship with our Lord, prayer ( we can consult the Lord on everything, even minute details of our lives!) an understanding and application of His Word, a laser focus on God and pulling away from the world as we know it and its ways. We spend a lifetime learning these actions. We are being refined by the fires of life. ~1 Peter 1:7

~ Living without expectancy of earthly rewards strengthens our humility and our dependence of the Lord.

We are striving for Eternal Rewards!

“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” ~Nehemiah 8:10