November 6, 2026
In the Hidden Moments
By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.
Elijah abruptly appears on the scene of Israel’s evil idolatry in 1 Kings 17. A prophet of God, he announces God’s judgment—a drought—as punishment for the Baal worship into which Ahab, king of Israel, has led God’s people (see 1 Kings 16:29-33).
In the midst of the drought, God met all Elijah’s needs with supernatural provision. We’re told in 1 Kings 17:6, “The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.”
God’s children rarely seek to be hidden. However, it is in the hidden moments that men and women of faith are drawn closer to God and prepared for greater ministry. Joseph grew during his time of exile and imprisonment. Moses spent years in the desert before his greatest ministry. Esther spent a considerable amount of time being prepared to be presented to the king. Paul spent three silent years in northern Arabia before he launched his ministry.
Has God hidden you for a time? Are you feeling isolated, endangered, or unused for the Kingdom? Do not despise the hidden season. You may not see what God is accomplishing, but that does not mean He is inactive. He is often doing His deepest work when we cannot see the results. He may be stripping away self-sufficiency, teaching you to depend upon Him, or preparing you to serve in ways you never imagined. Remember, your circumstances are never outside His sovereign care. Rather than asking only, “When will this season end?” ask, “Lord, what are You teaching me through it?”
God has a good purpose for your exact circumstances. Use this time to refresh yourself in the Word. Draw near to Him in prayer. Renew your mind and strengthen your faith with His Truth displayed in Scripture. Then, when God calls you out of the hidden place, you will be ready—not because you have prepared yourself, but because He has prepared you for His purposes and His Kingdom.
Prayer: God, in this season of hiding, I pray that I would draw closer to You. Help me not to be discouraged but to remember that You have a purpose for this season of my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; . . .” (Psalm 37:7).
Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon How God Works, God’s Hiding Place: LISTEN NOW
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