Being Overshadowed
The word “overshadowed” can have a negative connotation when we think of a big brother who overshadows (dominates) his younger siblings or this comment: “Sometimes the real meaning of Christmas is overshadowed by commercialism.”
While that’s true, it doesn’t have to be true for us. There is a place of peace and comfort when we understand being overshadowed by God. “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the SHADOW of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1) Please let me compel you to look at and receive being “overshadowed” by God.
Have you ever had such sweet and tender times with God in your prayer times that you sensed His presence so intensely, that you thought you could reach out and touch Him? I have. That is the Holy Spirit Who Jesus promised to send us when He went to heaven. Maybe if we’ll allow ourselves to be taken up with the beauty found in this sacred season of Christmas, we’ll become overshadowed with His presence more than anything else.
In Luke, chapter one, we read about Mary and the announcement by Gabriel that she would conceive a child. Mary asked: “How can this be since I am a virgin?” Gabriel replied “‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will OVERSHADOW you.'” (Luke 1:35)
Aw! That’s the “overshadowed” I want to experience. The fullness of God. When we are overshadowed by the Holy Spirit, this world will become distant to us. Remember this old hymn? “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”
Gabriel gave Mary the astonishing news that she was going to give birth to the Son of God — without knowing a man. We can only imagine the doubt that must have bombarded her mind: “How can I have a baby without a man?” Her natural mind, of course, wondered the “how”. My “Hows” certainly pale in comparison to Mary’s “How”.
After Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit will come upon her and she will be OVERSHADOWED, she didn’t reply with, “I don’t see how that can happen.” No, she made a statement of faith. “Be it unto me even as you have said.” In other words, I’m in agreement. Let it happen. If God says I’m highly favored, I believe it. If God says the impossible is going to happen, I believe it. And, my dear friends and family, that is the bandwagon to get on when God puts a promise in our hearts. Instead of trying to reason it out, we simply trust that what He said, He will do.
I shared this blog with two of my friends who are dealing with health issues before I posted it today. Of course the “hows” come into our minds. You, too, may be saying and asking: “I believe I am going to be healed, but How?” Or to another friend who questions his dreams and visions for the future and asks: “I believe I’m going to accomplish my dreams, but HOW?’ Here is what I said to them and I say to you, my friends today: What the angel said to Mary is true for all of us today. He said, “Mary, here’s how it’s going to happen. The power of the Most High is going to come upon you and overshadow you.” In other words, God is going to breathe in your direction, and supernatural things are going to happen.
HOW are we going to see our dreams become reality? How are we going to get well? The power of the Most High is going to come upon us. The Most High God, the Great I Am, the Creator of the universe is going to overshadow us. When God overshadows us, miracles happen. Supernatural opportunities come our way. Family members that were off course will suddenly turn around. Problems that looked permanent will turn out to be only temporary, and we will see miracles come to pass!
Today, like Mary, may we get into agreement with God’s Word and receive His promises. Holy Spirit, welcome! Please overshadow us right here; right now. We declare Mary’s acceptance speech, too! “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be to me according to Your word.”