Have you ever wondered why God has placed you in a season where you feel forgotten, isolated, or unused? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef shares a powerful lesson from the life of the prophet Elijah: God's greatest preparation often happens in the places no one else can see.
In 1 Kings 17, Elijah boldly confronted King Ahab and announced God's judgment upon Israel for its worship of Baal. But rather than immediately sending Elijah into a greater public ministry, God directed him into hiding beside the Kerith Ravine. There, during a devastating drought, the Lord miraculously provided for Elijah through ravens that brought him bread and meat each day.
Elijah's experience reveals a timeless Biblical principle: God's hidden seasons are not wasted seasons. Throughout Scripture, God used periods of obscurity to prepare His servants. Joseph endured exile and imprisonment. Moses spent years in the wilderness. Esther underwent a season of preparation. Paul spent time in Arabia before his wider missionary ministry. Each experienced circumstances that helped shape them for God's purposes.
Dr. Youssef reminds believers that when God allows us to experience isolation, uncertainty, or waiting, He is still sovereignly at work. He may be stripping away self-sufficiency, teaching us to trust His provision, strengthening our faith, or preparing us for opportunities we cannot yet imagine.
Instead of asking only, "When will this season end?" consider asking, "Lord, what are You teaching me through it?"
If you feel hidden today, draw near to God through Scripture and prayer. Allow His Word to renew your mind and strengthen your trust in Him. Remember that your circumstances are never beyond His sovereign care. When the time comes for you to step forward, you can do so with confidence—not because you have prepared yourself, but because God has been preparing you for His Kingdom.
Pray with me.
Father 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.
The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today’s devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don’t have to walk through it alone.
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[00:00:00] This is Dr. Michael Youssef, and you are listening to today's My Devotional from Leading The Way, Uncompromising Truth for Everyday Faith. The 6th of November, 2026 In the Hidden Moments, Elijah abruptly appears on the scene of Israel's evil idolatry in 1 Kings chapter 17.
[00:00:24] A prophet of God, he announces God's judgment at drought as punishment for the Baal worship into which Ahab, king of Israel, has led God's people. In the midst of the drought, God met all Elijah's needs with supernatural provision. 1 Kings chapter 17 verse 6 says, The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. 1 Kings chapter 17 verse 7, God's children rarely seek to be hidden.
[00:00:54] 2 Kings chapter 17 verse 8, However, in hidden moments, men and women of faith are drawn closer to God and prepared for greater ministry. 3 Kings chapter 17 verse 8, Joseph grew during his time of exile and imprisonment. 4 Kings chapter 18 verse 8, Moses spent years in the desert before his greatest ministry. 5 Kings chapter 18, Esther spent considerable time preparing to be presented to the king. 6 Kings chapter 18, Paul spent three silent years in northern Arabia before he launched his ministry. Has God hidden you for a time?
[00:01:24] 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.
[00:01:51] 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.
[00:02:17] 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. Pray with me. Precious Lord, 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.
[00:02:47] Amen. Amen.