Shadowboxing is defined as sparring with an imaginary partner. Boxers use this as a method of training to help build up muscles. Also, I’m sure you have seen this image depicted in movies and TV. It makes the boxer look tough to his opponent. It may also have merit as a way to build up muscles, but spiritual shadowboxing is of no use.

I think we have all found ourselves battling imaginary opponents at one time or another. We go through scenarios that we make up in our mind, and we try to figure out how we would handle each situation. Most of which will probably never happen. We spend all of our time on the “what ifs” instead of standing firm against Satan our real enemy. Even imaginary opponents can overpower us if we let worry and fear of them take control.

God wants us to follow his battle plan for defeating the enemy and winning on the spiritual war front. When the fight becomes too much, God will fight our battles for us, and he will defeat the enemy that comes against us even the imaginary ones.

Shadowboxing is a sports term. It is used to discipline the athlete and help him be strong. Spiritually, to be disciplined we just need to spend time with our trainer. We need to read his game plan and talk to him about our areas of weakness. Do what he says and follow his example. If we devote ourselves to his way, we will run our race with purpose, be winners and receive the prize.

“So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing” (1 Corinthians 9:26 NLT)