Greetings Everyone,
I have a little encouragement for anyone who might be feeling a little invisible, or perhaps more accurately, concealed. I was sitting in church last Sunday and my pastor had us turn to Isaiah 49. There was something that especially hit me and hopefully it will mean something to you as well. The phrase that grabbed my attention is found in verse 2 where the prophet Isaiah says, “…In the shadow of His hand He hid me; He made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in His quiver.” The word concealed really jumped out at me as I looked back on the many years where I felt like I couldn’t get arrested in ministry. What I mean is, for many years the Lord didn’t seem to prosper me on a visible level. I felt that no matter what I put my hand to ministry-wise it was never recognized by the masses (or even teeny tiny groups for that matter). I still feel this way from time to time. But what was confirmed to me through this Scripture was that God was always actively at work in my life but He was concealing me while He worked on me. It doesn’t mean He wasn’t using me, it’s just that He was doing a greater, if not obscure work in me.
Some of you are at places in your life where you’re wondering if God has forgotten you, wondering if anyone recognizes or appreciates your labor. Perhaps you are questioning your ministry altogether. But how wonderful to know that it could simply be a matter of God hiding you in his hand, polishing you like an arrow, sharpening you, refining your gifts, shaving your pride – all the while doing so in the privacy of His grip. This shaping is for no one’s gaze but yours and God’s. But make no mistake – He is preparing you for the day when He will slip His hand into His quiver and pull you out like a poised arrow, aiming at anything that will bring Him glory. And perhaps, just perhaps… the masses might take notice. And because of all the humbling work He did within you privately the only joy you will take from being seen will be immediately redirected to the Archer, God Himself.
Blessings to all of you are quietly being faithful. Keep pressing on…
Oh thank you for this post! I needed to hear this, and will probably need to re-read it many times til it fully sinks in. After hearing what huge and wonderful things God is doing through so many of the ladies at the conference in San Antonio, I left there feeling like maybe God just does not trust me enough to work through me. I am not jealous of those women, nor do I wish to have their gifts. I know that the little things I do are important. But I just could not shake the feeling somehow that I am less useful. This is encouraging to know that others feel the same way from time to time, and I am not just some insecure whiner, “What about me?”
This scripture and interpretation is very uplifting indeed!
— Melissa · Aug 25, 03:57 PM · #
Thank you, Kelly. You are being noticed, by the way! You are not overlooked. And I am not just talking about your Creator taking notice! Thousands of women this summer who participated inthe No Other Gods study, got to enjoy a deeper dependence on God, a richer understanding of His Word, and greater reverence for the Lover of our Soul’s jealousy over us. We got to see our Father open His arms wide to embrace our whole heart at our humble invitation. Thank you for helping us with the “invites!”
This message speaks to me…about being noticed. Personally, I know God is always honing and perfecting and purifying. He is ever faithful to take away the dross in my life and take me to the next step. I love affirmation, so it is an ongoing struggle with me, for people to take notice…but to really be SECURE in Christ is laying that at His feet. Celebrating when I get the kudos from others, yes, but rest assured that they will always come from Him, no matter what, and that is what has to motivate me, otherwise, I am on shaky ground. So THANK YOU for reminding me that God is at work and it is a safe place…the SAFEST to be in His hand, to be taken care of and set apart for His work.
You are doing a great work in His hand, Kelly! Thanks!
Con
— Connie · Aug 25, 05:54 PM · #
Wow. What a great word.
I certainly am glad he concealed and polished you for a while, because you have been a tremendous blessing to me this summer through the NOG study and at LPL this weekend. I so just wanted to jump out of my seat when I saw you sitting just two rows down from me Saturday afternoon. But, I kept my cool.
Would love to get my hands on a chord chart/words for “Finer Day.” Love it!
Blessings,
Donna in TX
— Donna · Aug 26, 05:39 AM · #
Hi Kelly,
I was at the Beth Moore Conf. in San Antonio this past weekend and saw you there. I was a “siesta”. What a fun weekend!! I loved your song, too. I am a big Amy Grant fan, and not to compare, but you have a similar style – kind of unplugged and “earthy”. I love that. Love the lyrics of “Finer Day”.
I too have felt a bit invisible lately. Maybe a “mid-life crisis” of sorts. I’m 41, a teacher by trade, but a SAHM right now of two great kids. We are very active in our church; lead small groups etc. I went to S.A. by myself. I asked some friends and they couldn’t go for various reasons. I felt God calling me to step out and not be so dependent on them, so I did. Flew by myself from Chicago not knowing a soul. Long story short, God really showed up. I feel like for a long time He has been saying “be patient”. I’m not sure for what. I love the idea of being an author and writer; maybe even some speaking, but nothing really seems to come to fruition… So, your entry was encouraging. I have felt for a while that I am in a time of “preparation”. Still not sure for what, but I want to continue to work as to the Lord and not for men’s (or women’s) approval. I have a great God story that I’d love to share; just need a venue.
Anyway, thanks….
— Cindy · Aug 26, 12:47 PM · #
Hi Kelly!
I just wanted to let you know how blessed I have been by finding your writing. I have read No Other Gods and loved it. You are quite humorous! We are about to embark on the Bible study and are all very excited about the things God is preparing for us all.
I very much enjoyed this post. I too have felt very “concealed” lately and reading this was just awesome! Anyway – just wanted to let you know that God has blessed me through your work… Keep up the great job!
In Christ,
Erin
— Erin · Aug 26, 01:21 PM · #
Great insight! I’ve spent years ‘out front’ in my community – professionally and in the church – but for the past year I’ve been enjoying a season of flying beneath the radar. I love the picture of God’s careful concealment as He readies me for what’s next. Thanks for sharing!
— Leslie · Aug 28, 11:21 AM · #
I loved this!
I just finished reading a book on the plane home from San Antonio and Living Proof Live (loved getting to meet and worship with you at Fully Loaded!). It’s called “Anonymous” and is written by Alicia Britt Chole. Truly, it’s one of the most profound works I’ve read with regard to this very topic, as it takes a deep look at the 30 “hidden” years of Christ’s life, before He came into his time of ministry and notoriety. Anyone who is going through an “anonymous” period of their own should pick it up and be encouraged.
Thanks for your heart and your ministry,
Melinda
— Melinda · Aug 29, 10:35 AM · #
Hello!
I just started reading your book “No Other Gods” and I am loving it!!! So then I had to check you out on the web. I am thrilled that you have a blog here and this last post was something I REALLY needed to hear. Thank you for sharing out here! I look forward to reading more of your blog in the future!!
Blessings~
Karen
— Karen · Aug 31, 10:15 AM · #
Kelly,
Just finished Nogs thru Beth Moore. I love your writing!! So honest and simple-easy to read and understand. I just got “Water into Wine” Hoping you are working on another study-I learned so much!!!
P.S. I can give you several topics….. ha
Melissa
— Melissa Shirley · Sep 2, 11:13 AM · #
Kelly,
I went through No Other Gods on my own and was a little behind the group. I just finished it today and I wanted to say how much I enjoyed the study. You have a very personable and down to earth writing style that I really seem to connect with.
Thank you for putting your life into Gods hands and allowing him to do what he has in you.
Ruth 2:12 is for you!
Ann Cates
— Ann Cates · Sep 6, 02:27 AM · #
It’s so odd that I read this today. I was just telling a friend that I feel like I’ve been forgotten. We have both been praying and seeking God’s will for our lives. We both feel like there is something we’re supposed to be doing for God.
Well, for her, one door after another has been opened and everything she reads in the Bible or hears in church seems to affirm her direction. But, me? Nothing…at least nothing that I can see seems to be happening. I told her this morning that I felt like He wasn’t even seeing me or my efforts to serve Him more.
Thank you for this dose of encouragement!
— Stacy · Sep 22, 06:46 AM · #
Kelly,
I just wanted to drop you a line and tell you, like Connie did, that you are noticed! I saw you in concert many years ago. It was at a church in MD in the Timonium area that was Grace Fellowship Church. I had gone to see Watermark with a group of ladies – but I was most excited about you after the concert (not that Watermark wasn’t great!) I couldn’t wait — I went right out and bought the current album. I’m now in a No Other Gods Bible study and I was very excited to learn that it was written by you. Take heart Kelly, the most important things in life often take a long, long time. Parents take 18 years (and sometimes many more) raising their kids to be loving, mature adults. You’re doing a great job and have touched many lives with your songs as well as your Bible Studies.
— Danielle · Sep 30, 02:17 AM · #