Out of the Shadows

"What would be the title of your autobiography?" 

The question sent my mind spinning.  I had never been asked that.  To add pressure to the moment, I was sitting with over a dozen pastors of whom I had the least amount of experience.  

They all had incredible answers. I would read their books. But what would the title of mine be?  Through the chaos of my mind, I asked God, "Ok, God.  Any ideas?" And almost instantly I felt like God gave me the title, "Out of the Shadows." 

​I waited for something better.
It didn't come.
So I asked, "OK, what does that mean?".​

I began to think back through the times in life that I felt unseen and overlooked.  I had great parents and a great family.  
There was nothing they did to make me feel overshadowed and nothing they could have done to prevent it.  
It was simply the way the enemy works.  
He whispers lies.  He creates internal chaos with comparison.  He attacks our minds any way he can to cause us to doubt our value, worth, and God given ability.  He takes every disappointment and favorable situation and uses them as weapons against who God made us to be.  His greatest desire is to keep us from our greatest and most satisfying purpose - to bring glory to God.  

But shadows aren't all that bad.  On a hot day, a shadow and give respite from the sun.  There are many vegetables and flowers that only grow in the shade.  The shadow of a roof or awning provides protection from the elements.  
I was reminded of Psalm 91:1-2 that says:​

"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.

Maybe it is in the shadows that God prepares us and protects us. It is from the shadows that God calls us to be who he calls us to be and to be content in living the in shadow of the Almighty.  

I'd rather live in the shadow, then suffer in the sun. 

I don't need to be known by others, because I am known by the one who gives me worth and value.

​I don't seen.  I need others to see Jesus in me. 

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