Illusion
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as a apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, ESV
Illusion: perception of something objectively existing in such a way as to cause misrepresentation of its actual nature.
It was Friday night and I was in my office working when my husband walked in and said, “Let’s go out!” I was in the middle of writing and I looked at him and said, “Where?” He was like, “I don’t know, but it is Friday night and we need to go out!” The excitement in his voice and the way he stared at me told me that he was not leaving until I moved.
We ended up at this really nice restaurant downtown for dinner. I was actually surprised we got in without reservations; as the place was really packed. He said that he prayed and God opened the way for us. I was happy that the hostess was able to find us a nice spot. While having dinner I noticed the candle light on our table. There was a little lamp shade over this light. When I glanced over the lamp shade to see how it was lit there was a tea light. I thought it was interesting that it was not burning the shade so I took a second look. This time I noticed that it was a fake tea light. It gave the illusion of a tea light, but it was not the real thing.
Early the next morning I went into my prayer room and I noticed that I had left a candle lit all night. It was a blessing that the wick was down so low that the flame was contained inside the glass. When I sat down, the Holy Spirit said that the candle was not an illusion, but the real thing. It gives off a beautiful essence of its own. I sat for a few moments and watched it. Because it was dark outside, I went to turn on my light switch so that I could read, but the Holy Spirit said, “No.”
He began to minister to me that I had to be aware of what was counterfeit. He said that it would present itself as being real and give the illusion that it was the real thing, but it would be fake. The focus was totally on the candle, but I knew he was speaking about false teachers. He said the counterfeit candle appeared to be real and seemed to do everything that the real one could, but it could never transform itself. When a real candle is lit by fire it takes on a transformation. The wax melts and if lit for a long time, everything will become liquid. He said that this is what happened to you as you absorbed the Word; a transformation occurred from the inside out. A fake candle could never take on real fire, or transform itself into the real thing.
He reminded me that the truth in me will always bring transformation to myself and those around me. You can tell the real light by its source. The illusion will pretend to focus on kingdom building, but the ultimate goal is for selfish gain. As I was listening, I thought about when I turn my light switch on, it outshines my candle. He reminded me not to be concerned that the “illusion” seemed to outshine the “truth.” False doctrines will be exposed for what they are and brought to justice. He said that we must stay the course because those who follow the illusion, will be broken and they will need the real thing to guide them to the truth.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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