Discover how to find purpose in life’s wilderness seasons. This faith-filled article explores how God uses our trials and waiting periods for transformation, growth, and deeper trust. Encouraging biblical insight and practical steps for Christians navigating hard times.
The reflection rightly calls out the lie that visibility equals value — and affirms that God often works in hiddenness. But I want to press further: obscurity isn’t just a preparation for significance. Sometimes, it is significance.
If your hidden work never leads to a platform, you haven’t failed. You haven’t been passed over. You’ve lived the gospel.
Jesus didn’t live in obscurity so he could one day “make an impact.” He lived in obscurity because that’s where most of humanity lives — and God wanted to sanctify it from the inside.
The problem isn’t that we fall behind when we’re hidden. It’s that we ever thought we had to get ahead.
My wilderness wasn’t about a platform or title—it was about surviving without protection from those who should have been my covering. I found myself trapped in an abusive marriage, believing I had no choice but to endure.
Like many who love God and want to serve Him, I thought staying meant faithfulness. But the reality of my situation was slowly destroying me. My only refuge became those stolen moments in the middle of the night, sneaking out of bed to pray and read my Bible. Even that small act of seeking God brought consequences—my husband would wake up and drag me back to bed.
In my desperation to “do the right thing,” I misunderstood a fundamental truth. God had set before me life and death, and I was choosing death—not because I wanted to, but because I didn’t understand what “life” meant in His terms. I thought obedience meant staying and enduring torture. I believed my disobedience had gotten me into this situation, so suffering through it would somehow make it right.
But God requires obedience, not sacrifice. And sometimes obedience means choosing the life He offers, even when it looks like the harder path.
The years that felt wasted in that wilderness weren’t wasted at all. They prepared me for a calling I never expected: to see and serve the overlooked—the unseen, the unheard, those who just need someone to be present.
Here’s what I learned that I wish someone had told me then: People in abusive situations don’t need you to fix everything. They need you to care enough to stay present.
The abuser often appears to be the outgoing, friendly type that everyone loves. The victim looks like the problem. But if you see someone who might be me ten years ago, offer your number. Offer a prayer. If they need to talk, just listen. In my experience, people rarely take advantage of this kindness—they just need to know someone is on the other side of the phone, and maybe occasionally willing to meet for coffee.
My wilderness taught me that God’s voice is often clearest in the darkest places, and that the broken places in our lives become the very places where His light can shine through to help others find their way out.
Wow. Thank you for sharing this. You’ve captured something that so many of us miss when we’re trying to be faithful: obedience to God isn’t about staying in pain to prove a point. It’s about choosing life, even when it’s hard. I’m so sorry for the way you were treated, and I’m so thankful you’re still standing. The way you see and care for others now is exactly what the Church needs. You’re living out the heart of Jesus. Keep going. You’re not alone.
I've often felt, "faithful, available, tired, still in the shadows" yet I continue to trust Him. I was disappointed when I didn't receive the support and encouragement I wanted and thought I needed from someone I imagined to be my biggest cheerleader. I had to repent for the irritation I felt when I realized that my disappointment stemmed from wanting the approval of others instead of doing all things for the glory of God. So what if my imagined cheerleader never says, "Good job!" as long as my Father says, "Well done, My good and faithful servant."
While I appreciate the sentiment of waiting for His timing, there is also blessing in obscurity. There's often more peace there, and less conflict. Sometimes, I think God intends a season to be obscure so that we find rest, not just preparation.
I feel like I've been in that hidden season for years. Only recently did I find my calling in Silent Courage. Still, I often feel like a screaming into a void, and nobody noticing.
Hi Susan! I get where you're coming from. I'm glad you found your voice on Substack. Keep pressing forward. Your people will find you. Thank you for being here. 😊
When trials come, as humans we fear. When God speaks, we listen. When others hear of the trials and how we’ve overcome, we matter more than ever. Paper
In a marriage, I believe the first year is celebrated with paper. And so it goes until silver on the 25 and gold for the 50th.
I only married once.
I only celebrated once. It’s ok. Trauma makes a poor mate. I didn’t know how deep it went nor the depth of depression that remained. Nor did I know, I trusted no one and , therefore, could not forgive my husband for laughing at the pain I struggled with. Still it remained for about 5 years.
He remarried and found a good, well established in all things woman.
I am Sincerely happy for him. Immaturity is never easy to loose.
It’s the paper, I think that stands out. Until, this moment, I generally wrote on paper. I wrote letters of love, hope and well wishes to friends and family. I wrote recipes and gathered them together. I wrote of joy. I wrote of God. But moreso, I wrote the pain, the sorrows. The heartache. Things followed by tears. I even wrote a huge manuscript and shared with trusted people.
It was denied acceptance, denied belief. I was then denied access as well.
I often wrote in paper and ripped it to shreds after that.
My children were young when I left the marriage.
I prayed to God, “ You need to lead them. Please, Lord. You know this is not as I wanted it for them. Guide them to you , please. “
The very next day, they begged to go next door. A neighbor boy asked for their company. I hesitated a bit. I only knew one thing… he had a PlayStation. Recalling my youth with Ms. Pac-Man, I knew the gambling behavior that might lead to. For me it was only a matter of having enough quarters and whether the machine was full or empty of those quarters. For them, stopping meant a word from his mom
Or electricity failing.
I quietly conceded and left my trust with God. The next week, I was greatfully encouraged in this friendship of theirs. The grandfather of this young man was a minister. A born again minister. I was hopeful. And more encouraged. I did not know what born again entailed, I was raised in a Lutheran home.
Today I know, while I’d choose no other path for myself, (as I quickly joined my children in that faith) God doesn’t delineate. When He calls, people follow.
In that moment, I almost bailed due to insecurity. Yet, I felt a twinge that said it’s ok.
Papers weren’t active as much then . Grocery lists. To do lists. Poems. And occasionaL Articles. It would be a few years until God came to me. I moved a couple of times, to be closer to family. My mother admonished me to buy a house, stay close to family, put down roots. Yet, I had a longing that I harbored since childhood. I wanted to preach the Word. Honest. I practiced hard as a youth to speak well when In public speaking, trying to grasp the golden ring. Yet, when I sent for materials to that end, I was laughed at for all my efforts.
I had no memory of anything I’d done so severely wrong , yet criticism ran wild.
I bought the house of my heart, ironically, on my birthday. A typo, a credit card, it was stopped up two more days past the initial transaction. While I waited and wondered , Is this God saying, “No.”? I wondered.
Then as I got the call, the agent said, it’s fine. And two days later, we owned a home. I realized, it wasn’t no, but “yes “!
I was speeding to the bank, nervous as could be. As a couple, home buying is stressful I imagine. For me, a single mom, I prepared for a nightmare and gunned it a bit too fast. I got the ticket , but he wished me a happy birthday just the same. Nice cop.
👮
I am thankful We have law and order.
So now I have a home. Still. Children long gone and short on visits. I guess it’s like that for many. I’d hoped for grandchildren hugs. Still single, I can’t always afford the long trips to their homes. Each in a different direction. Both with common Denominators… that being God!!!
He is pinnacle and keeps things in stead.
The grandchildren are older and seek greater outlets than grandma now. I felt like I missed it. Yet, thats what an empty nester is.
I feel my children’s pain in a difficult childhood. I feel their elation in the happy homes they’ve created. I cannot deny them that by any means.
I walk with God and cherished friends. The past is fading now. I am blessed.
Thank you. I just finished writing of blessings and sorrows. I saw as I finished the note, whether or not it is read anytime soon, my processing of those years of trial is coming to completion. First in the writing, and now In your writing today. I feel secure in my closure of what I cannot fix, cannot change , am loathe to explain in a manner to be heard. And in all that, I’m ok. Because I know God. Better… He knows me.
Thanks Chris for the reminder, I think also often about the example of Joseph betrayed by family and falsely accused of wrong but in the end having his character formed for promotion to the second in Egypt in the end
Royce, it’s funny as that’s the chapter we’re doing with Young Adults. Joseph was able to serve/save his family in the end. If we’re faithful to Gods plan, He comes through in ways we couldn’t possibly expect.
Tha Father is happy to dwell in secret. Jesus said our prayers and giving should be done in secret...not to be seen by people. One day Father will reward us openly. No, not necessarily with a bigger platform, but with a glorious unveiling as the sons of God in the resurrection.
We do not yet know what we shall be, but we do know that when Christ appears we shall be like Him, for we will see Him as He is!
All creation is groaning, waiting for the revealing of the sons of God in glory. Even we are groaning, longing for the resurrection.
That's the real "stage" obscurity is preparing us for!
It has helped to remind me that human adulation is not something we need in order to grow in the grace of God, we need his wisdom and patience. Even so, some appreciation is important or we feel like we are just speaking to the wall.
Elijah was like this, when he said he was alone, but God said there were 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal, yet Elijah did not know any of them!
We need to trust in God, not in others:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
Thank you for sharing this. It is encouraging to walk with others who see the bigger picture and still hold onto hope. Keep trusting, friend. He truly is directing our paths.
Wow Thank you Pastor Chris! Lots of golden nuggets in this message going to pass it along. You gave me so many things to think about, so many facts that I didn’t see before you have inspired me 🙏 Great way to start my morning! You are truly a treasure 🫶🏻
⸻
The reflection rightly calls out the lie that visibility equals value — and affirms that God often works in hiddenness. But I want to press further: obscurity isn’t just a preparation for significance. Sometimes, it is significance.
If your hidden work never leads to a platform, you haven’t failed. You haven’t been passed over. You’ve lived the gospel.
Jesus didn’t live in obscurity so he could one day “make an impact.” He lived in obscurity because that’s where most of humanity lives — and God wanted to sanctify it from the inside.
The problem isn’t that we fall behind when we’re hidden. It’s that we ever thought we had to get ahead.
Hi Dennis. I would agree with you. Human ambition is a dangerous road.
My wilderness wasn’t about a platform or title—it was about surviving without protection from those who should have been my covering. I found myself trapped in an abusive marriage, believing I had no choice but to endure.
Like many who love God and want to serve Him, I thought staying meant faithfulness. But the reality of my situation was slowly destroying me. My only refuge became those stolen moments in the middle of the night, sneaking out of bed to pray and read my Bible. Even that small act of seeking God brought consequences—my husband would wake up and drag me back to bed.
In my desperation to “do the right thing,” I misunderstood a fundamental truth. God had set before me life and death, and I was choosing death—not because I wanted to, but because I didn’t understand what “life” meant in His terms. I thought obedience meant staying and enduring torture. I believed my disobedience had gotten me into this situation, so suffering through it would somehow make it right.
But God requires obedience, not sacrifice. And sometimes obedience means choosing the life He offers, even when it looks like the harder path.
The years that felt wasted in that wilderness weren’t wasted at all. They prepared me for a calling I never expected: to see and serve the overlooked—the unseen, the unheard, those who just need someone to be present.
Here’s what I learned that I wish someone had told me then: People in abusive situations don’t need you to fix everything. They need you to care enough to stay present.
The abuser often appears to be the outgoing, friendly type that everyone loves. The victim looks like the problem. But if you see someone who might be me ten years ago, offer your number. Offer a prayer. If they need to talk, just listen. In my experience, people rarely take advantage of this kindness—they just need to know someone is on the other side of the phone, and maybe occasionally willing to meet for coffee.
My wilderness taught me that God’s voice is often clearest in the darkest places, and that the broken places in our lives become the very places where His light can shine through to help others find their way out.
Wow. Thank you for sharing this. You’ve captured something that so many of us miss when we’re trying to be faithful: obedience to God isn’t about staying in pain to prove a point. It’s about choosing life, even when it’s hard. I’m so sorry for the way you were treated, and I’m so thankful you’re still standing. The way you see and care for others now is exactly what the Church needs. You’re living out the heart of Jesus. Keep going. You’re not alone.
Thanks Pastor. This message was divinely timed for me.
You’re welcome, Kirk. God knows what we need. Thanks for reading. 😊
I've often felt, "faithful, available, tired, still in the shadows" yet I continue to trust Him. I was disappointed when I didn't receive the support and encouragement I wanted and thought I needed from someone I imagined to be my biggest cheerleader. I had to repent for the irritation I felt when I realized that my disappointment stemmed from wanting the approval of others instead of doing all things for the glory of God. So what if my imagined cheerleader never says, "Good job!" as long as my Father says, "Well done, My good and faithful servant."
Amen, Cathy! Breakthrough is often on the other side of repentance. Thank you for being here. 😊
While I appreciate the sentiment of waiting for His timing, there is also blessing in obscurity. There's often more peace there, and less conflict. Sometimes, I think God intends a season to be obscure so that we find rest, not just preparation.
I completely agree. Obscurity can be a blessing, even when we don't understand why.
I really enjoy your writing, Chris!
Thank you so much, Aaron!
I am in a "waiting period" struggling with obscurity. Thank you for reminding me of what is true according to Scripture.
I feel like I've been in that hidden season for years. Only recently did I find my calling in Silent Courage. Still, I often feel like a screaming into a void, and nobody noticing.
Hi Susan! I get where you're coming from. I'm glad you found your voice on Substack. Keep pressing forward. Your people will find you. Thank you for being here. 😊
Wait and worship in the wilderness. Good word. I just watched a video of Dr Alicia Chole and her book is similar, entitled “Anonymous.”
When trials come, as humans we fear. When God speaks, we listen. When others hear of the trials and how we’ve overcome, we matter more than ever. Paper
In a marriage, I believe the first year is celebrated with paper. And so it goes until silver on the 25 and gold for the 50th.
I only married once.
I only celebrated once. It’s ok. Trauma makes a poor mate. I didn’t know how deep it went nor the depth of depression that remained. Nor did I know, I trusted no one and , therefore, could not forgive my husband for laughing at the pain I struggled with. Still it remained for about 5 years.
He remarried and found a good, well established in all things woman.
I am Sincerely happy for him. Immaturity is never easy to loose.
It’s the paper, I think that stands out. Until, this moment, I generally wrote on paper. I wrote letters of love, hope and well wishes to friends and family. I wrote recipes and gathered them together. I wrote of joy. I wrote of God. But moreso, I wrote the pain, the sorrows. The heartache. Things followed by tears. I even wrote a huge manuscript and shared with trusted people.
It was denied acceptance, denied belief. I was then denied access as well.
I often wrote in paper and ripped it to shreds after that.
My children were young when I left the marriage.
I prayed to God, “ You need to lead them. Please, Lord. You know this is not as I wanted it for them. Guide them to you , please. “
The very next day, they begged to go next door. A neighbor boy asked for their company. I hesitated a bit. I only knew one thing… he had a PlayStation. Recalling my youth with Ms. Pac-Man, I knew the gambling behavior that might lead to. For me it was only a matter of having enough quarters and whether the machine was full or empty of those quarters. For them, stopping meant a word from his mom
Or electricity failing.
I quietly conceded and left my trust with God. The next week, I was greatfully encouraged in this friendship of theirs. The grandfather of this young man was a minister. A born again minister. I was hopeful. And more encouraged. I did not know what born again entailed, I was raised in a Lutheran home.
Today I know, while I’d choose no other path for myself, (as I quickly joined my children in that faith) God doesn’t delineate. When He calls, people follow.
In that moment, I almost bailed due to insecurity. Yet, I felt a twinge that said it’s ok.
Papers weren’t active as much then . Grocery lists. To do lists. Poems. And occasionaL Articles. It would be a few years until God came to me. I moved a couple of times, to be closer to family. My mother admonished me to buy a house, stay close to family, put down roots. Yet, I had a longing that I harbored since childhood. I wanted to preach the Word. Honest. I practiced hard as a youth to speak well when In public speaking, trying to grasp the golden ring. Yet, when I sent for materials to that end, I was laughed at for all my efforts.
I had no memory of anything I’d done so severely wrong , yet criticism ran wild.
I bought the house of my heart, ironically, on my birthday. A typo, a credit card, it was stopped up two more days past the initial transaction. While I waited and wondered , Is this God saying, “No.”? I wondered.
Then as I got the call, the agent said, it’s fine. And two days later, we owned a home. I realized, it wasn’t no, but “yes “!
I was speeding to the bank, nervous as could be. As a couple, home buying is stressful I imagine. For me, a single mom, I prepared for a nightmare and gunned it a bit too fast. I got the ticket , but he wished me a happy birthday just the same. Nice cop.
👮
I am thankful We have law and order.
So now I have a home. Still. Children long gone and short on visits. I guess it’s like that for many. I’d hoped for grandchildren hugs. Still single, I can’t always afford the long trips to their homes. Each in a different direction. Both with common Denominators… that being God!!!
He is pinnacle and keeps things in stead.
The grandchildren are older and seek greater outlets than grandma now. I felt like I missed it. Yet, thats what an empty nester is.
I feel my children’s pain in a difficult childhood. I feel their elation in the happy homes they’ve created. I cannot deny them that by any means.
I walk with God and cherished friends. The past is fading now. I am blessed.
Thank you. I just finished writing of blessings and sorrows. I saw as I finished the note, whether or not it is read anytime soon, my processing of those years of trial is coming to completion. First in the writing, and now In your writing today. I feel secure in my closure of what I cannot fix, cannot change , am loathe to explain in a manner to be heard. And in all that, I’m ok. Because I know God. Better… He knows me.
Thanks Chris for the reminder, I think also often about the example of Joseph betrayed by family and falsely accused of wrong but in the end having his character formed for promotion to the second in Egypt in the end
Royce, it’s funny as that’s the chapter we’re doing with Young Adults. Joseph was able to serve/save his family in the end. If we’re faithful to Gods plan, He comes through in ways we couldn’t possibly expect.
Good word. Thanks.
Often, obscurity IS the assignment.
Tha Father is happy to dwell in secret. Jesus said our prayers and giving should be done in secret...not to be seen by people. One day Father will reward us openly. No, not necessarily with a bigger platform, but with a glorious unveiling as the sons of God in the resurrection.
We do not yet know what we shall be, but we do know that when Christ appears we shall be like Him, for we will see Him as He is!
All creation is groaning, waiting for the revealing of the sons of God in glory. Even we are groaning, longing for the resurrection.
That's the real "stage" obscurity is preparing us for!
I would agree. Sometimes obscurity IS the assignment. Thank you for your thoughts.
Thanks for this insightful perspective Chris.
It has helped to remind me that human adulation is not something we need in order to grow in the grace of God, we need his wisdom and patience. Even so, some appreciation is important or we feel like we are just speaking to the wall.
Elijah was like this, when he said he was alone, but God said there were 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal, yet Elijah did not know any of them!
We need to trust in God, not in others:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
(Prov 3:5-8)
Thank you for sharing this. It is encouraging to walk with others who see the bigger picture and still hold onto hope. Keep trusting, friend. He truly is directing our paths.
Wow Thank you Pastor Chris! Lots of golden nuggets in this message going to pass it along. You gave me so many things to think about, so many facts that I didn’t see before you have inspired me 🙏 Great way to start my morning! You are truly a treasure 🫶🏻
Thank you! I appreciate your kind words. God knows what we need, WHEN we need it! 😊