“Just as you’ll never understand the mystery of life forming in a pregnant woman, so you’ll never understand the mystery at work in all that God does” (Ecclesiastes 11:5 MSG).

Solomon parallels how God works with the mystery of a child growing in the womb. Although science has given us much insight, most of what happens within the womb is still a mystery. From the moment of conception to the moment of birth, the child is made in secret. Despite the facts we presently have, we still cannot fully fathom the creative genius behind all that God does.

Pondering the wonder of these phenomena, David wrote, “You formed my innermost being, shaping my delicate inside and my intricate outside, and wove them all together in my mother’s womb. I thank You, God, for making me so mysteriously complex! Everything You do is marvelously breathtaking. It simply amazes me to think about it!

“How thoroughly You know me, Lord! You even formed every bone in my body when You created me in the secret place, carefully, skillfully shaping me from nothing to something. You saw who You created me to be before I became me! Before I’d ever seen the light of day, the number of days You planned for me were already recorded in Your book” (Psalm 139:13–16 TPT).

God’s secret work is not exclusive to the time in our mother’s womb. There are many occasions where God has us in seasons of anonymity in which great growth occurs. What is often celebrated and applauded in the spotlight is the result of what was developed in the dark.

It’s easy to be in awe of an athlete’s performance on the big stage and lose sight of all the blood, sweat, and tears behind the scenes. God does His biggest work in us privately so that He can powerfully work through us publicly. This is why we should embrace those seasons where God has us hidden—not that we are isolated from society or withholding ourselves from others until we reach perfection. Rather, we are not actively seeking a visible platform for what we are called to do. If you love the spotlight more than the secret place, you’ll gravitate toward self-promotion and move ahead of God’s timing.

Embrace the hidden place. God has you strategically positioned while He prepares you for future promotion. Refuse to be in a hurry. Just as a baby who is birthed prematurely is weak and underdeveloped; so too are those who act prematurely. Allow God to bring you forth His way at the appointed time, not deficient in any way.

Listen to what Isaiah said about being hidden: “He has made my mouth like a sharp sword; In the shadow of His hand He has hidden me and made me a polished shaft; In His quiver He has hidden me” (Isaiah 49:2 NKJV).

As you are hidden in God’s quiver, you’re not only being polished but also prepared to be released forth, propelled into your destiny.

Lisa Bevere's authentic, passionate, and witty teachings weave profound biblical truths with practical application. A New York Times best-selling author, her books are in the hands of millions worldwide. Lisa and her husband John, who’s also a best-selling author and teacher, are the founders of Messenger International.