Boy did this ever stir in my heart as I sat down today to read the Word. I heard the Lord say “come out of the shadows” and I began to ask Him for an example in His Word. 

David came to mind as he must have lived in the shadows of his older brothers often. For they were bigger, stronger, and seemed more appealing as a King might ought to be, according to the scriptures. Yet, here is a ruddy young man simply out tending the sheep. Interesting isn’t it.

It’s fascinating to me how every soldier imaginable was near the great Goliath awaiting some brave soul to take on the slanderous giant. Yet, here comes ole’ David with a righteous indignation towards this mammoth of a man cursing His God. Then out of the shadows He came. Suddenly, He was more than just a boy tending sheep. 

For some time he remained Saul’s armor bearer. Although in the shadows of a known King, an armor bearer was courageous and very brave. It’s as the name portrays, an armor bearer carries the armor for the King. Below is a better definition.

“An armor bearer was an officer selected by generals and kings because of his bravery, not only to bear their armor but also to stand by them in the time of danger. They were the adjutants of our modern armies.”

This role was significant and very important in the scheme of things. They were chosen as known brave warriors. I’m certain David must have learned much under the leadership of Saul… and the scriptures say David loved Saul “greatly.”

But there would come a day when David would no longer be an armor bearer for another…for his time would come to move out from the shadow of Saul and into His appointed place.

This will be true for everyone of us in various seasons. We learn in other’s shadows. We will glean wisdom and truth. We will also learn what not to do and what might work better. Many lessons are learned in the active watching in the shadows.

There will come a day when you, and I, will be called to “come out of the shadows.” This will be likely a fearful place as the light that shines on you may get hotter than you are used to and you may feel you are not quite as safe as you were in the shadows. Yet, Christ has called you to arise to all He has prepared for you. In order to obtain it, you will have to leave the place in the shadows. 

David was in the shadows of Saul and Elisha was in the shadows of Elijah. Ruth had Naomi, and Esther had Mordecai.

But there came a time when each had to step into their individual callings out from the shadows. For some it was a defining moment and for others it would be an entirely new life lived.

If you find comfort in the shadows that’s quite alright. Just know that the day will come when the Lord may call 

you out from that place. When He does be prepared to go. He will have equipped you along the way and will continue to give you all you need.

Love Much,

Read: 1 Samuel 16

November 27, 2017