When I was a child, my friends and I used to play the game of trying to run away from our shadows. I came to realize that no matter how hard, how fast, or how long I ran, I could never get away from my shadow. As soon as I stopped running and turned around, the shadow was clinging fast to my heels. Unfortunately, many people play this childhood game throughout their lives. You may be one of them. You find yourself constantly on the run from shadows that lurk around you. What shadow are you trying to outrun? Is it your past? Is it commitment? Perhaps it’s a problem. Shadows tend to provoke fear. “Fear is the alarm or agitation you experience with the expectation or realization of danger. It’s caused by the intimidation of adversaries.” Satan is an adversary who preys on your fears to render you ineffective in every area of your life (I Peter 5:8). Fear is a shadow that blocks the path to your destiny. You must conquer fear to achieve the greatness God has ordained for your life. How do you conquer fear?
First, shift your focus from the shadow to the Shepherd. Jesus is the Shepherd that provides for our every need (Psalm 23:1). His presence enables you to overcome your fears. We have His promise of strength and help (Isaiah 41:10). Second, trust Jesus even in the darkest times. Shed the light of God’s Word on your situation and move from the darkness of fear to the light of understanding (Psalm 119:105). Third, fear no evil (Psalm 23:4). The only way to overcome fear is to face it. You can’t conquer what you don’t confront. It’s time to stop running and confront the shadows in your life. When fear arises, continue to press forward and keep reminding yourself…it’s only a shadow.
Be blessed! Until next time…
Reverend Cynthia Jackson
Rhema Inspirations
Rev. Cynthia Jackson is the administrator of the Rhema4U Blog and the Program Manager of Innovations Ministries. Rev. Jackson is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was licensed and ordained under the tutelage of Bishop David G. Evans. She is an associate minister at Bethany Baptist Church located in Lindenwold, New Jersey. Rev. Jackson founded Innovations Ministries in 2001. Innovations Ministries provides dynamic and innovative programs and services for individuals and families dealing with various health-related issues. She is a gifted teacher, preacher, conference speaker and writer. God has anointed Rev. Jackson to be a spiritual midwife with a passion to empower others to birth God's vision for their lives. Rev. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Management from Eastern University, a Master of Science Degree in Health Administration from Saint Joseph's University and a Master of Science Degree in Christian Counseling from Cairn University. Reverend Jackson resides in Clementon, New Jersey.
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