You're Not Invisible, You're Hidden...

"Why am I always overlooked? Maybe I'm not talented? Maybe I'm not likable? Am I invisible?" These are all questions that I've asked myself. Truthfully, there are times when my own mind believes untruths about me. Sometimes, I do have doubts about my talents and capabilities. In these moments when I'm battling my own thoughts, the complexity lies in the fact that the reassurance I require can only come from ME! I have to "win the battle in my mind" by affirming what God has already said about me (AND YOU)!

He says that I am:

• More than a conqueror

• Fearfully and wonderfully made

• Far more precious than rubies

• Clothed in strength and dignity

If this is what God has declared over me, who am I to dispute that? The Word is truth and I should make it my business to walk in it! With that being said, Jesus did promise that He had plans to prosper us, but He did not promise us a cake walk. Living for Jesus can be difficult for a number of reasons, but anyone on the planet who's striving toward a goal or developing a craft will typically endure a season of obscurity. Since practice must proceed performance, I'd make the assumption, that usually, these seasons of being widely unknown are quite useful in regards to the respective learning curve for each individual. But what happens when you're beyond practice and you've mastered your craft, yet you still don't feel seen or appreciated? How do you explain your frustrations with feeling insignificant? Well...

Step one:

(and I'm also talking to myself, here...) check your heart. Are you operating in vanity? Or are you operating in purpose and obedience? Pray and ask God to align your heart's desires with His will for you.

Step two:

find comfort in the fact that you've been hidden by God. I read a metaphor on social media that said, "A jeweler keeps his most valuable jewels in the safe, not out for

display. He only pulls out the most expensive stones when presented with a viable buyer." That post spoke to me. Sometimes, God hides us until the right people are available to treat us properly. And I must say, I'm okay with that. I've been in the hands of people who didn't know how to handle me with care, and let me tell you, it is not pleasant at all. In fact, being mishandled made me question my worth...yes, I figured something must be wrong with me if people are treating me poorly. So, understand, what we view as a delay might just be God's protection. Appreciate the waiting season knowing full well that you're next season will be worth it!

Step three:

recognize that you're in good company! The Bible illustrates many examples that prove when God hides you, He is saving you or preparing you for a greater purpose! God hid Moses in the desert before he led his people out of Egypt. God hid Joseph in prison before he was in charge of the palace. God hid David in the mountains before he became king! If God has given you a vision, and you've been working and praying, but you feel overlooked, count it all joy because you have been intentionally hidden, and God is setting you up to be more fruitful in your purpose than you could imagine!

Step four:

(and you're not gonna like this...) just keep working and waiting. "To everything, there is a season..." - Ecclesiastes 3:1. It's true that most of us will inevitably have a season of obscurity, but I do believe that if we are diligent and obedient, God will be faithful to grant us a season of success as well. All you can do, for now, is continue to encourage yourself and others while you strive to do your best work. Your tribe, your resources, your recognition will all find you when the time is right! Trust and believe that everything learned in the present will be so beneficial in the future! Your time is coming! Believe that!