Hidden for His Glory
God works through the unseen roles just as powerfully as the visible ones.
Devotional Credit: Days of Heaven on Earth by A.B. Simpson
Photo Credit: Unsplash
In a world eager for recognition, the quiet place of hidden service can feel insignificant. Yet in the kingdom of God, those who follow are often more fruitful than those who lead. This devotional reminds us that the Church is not sustained by great personalities, but by faithful, surrendered hearts. While many long to blaze trails and hold authority, God is looking for those who are willing to trust Him in the unnoticed spaces.
A.B. Simpson points to biblical examples like Joshua and Joseph, men who first yielded to quiet service and deep surrender before ever leading in power. Their humility wasn’t a detour. It was the very path God used to shape their character and prepare them for spiritual authority. Their greatness came not from self-importance, but from hidden dependence.
The danger, Simpson writes, is spiritual self-consciousness. When we focus on how we’re doing, how we’re perceived, or how we’re progressing, we step out of the Spirit’s flow. Jericho didn’t fall when Joshua flexed his military strategy. It fell after Joshua surrendered completely to God’s command.
True service begins in surrender. It is only when we are content to be hidden that God can make us truly useful. When we no longer crave to be seen, we are ready to reveal Christ.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
You are not overlooked, beloved. I have not called you to be the loudest, the first, or the most visible. I have called you to walk in step with My Spirit, to yield even when no one applauds. In My kingdom, it is the servant who is great, and the last who becomes first.
Let your heart rest from the need to prove anything. I am your confidence. When you obey Me quietly, you are most radiant in My eyes. The world may not notice your hidden obedience, but heaven rejoices.
Joseph’s path passed through prisons and kitchens, not palaces. Joshua bowed before Me before leading Israel. I prepared their hearts in secret, where no man could boast and no pride could survive. You, too, are being prepared, not for earthly admiration but for eternal fruitfulness.
Do not measure your worth by visibility. Let Me hide you, if needed, for a season. When the moment comes, I will place you exactly where I desire. It is not your place to climb, but to abide. My Spirit exalts those who do not exalt themselves.
Keep your gaze on Me. Walk when I lead, wait when I pause. There is no wasted place in My plan. Even when you are unseen by men, you are never unseen by Me.
Scripture References: Romans 16:3, Matthew 23:11–12, Philippians 2:3–9, Joshua 5:13–15, Joshua 6:1–20, Genesis 39:20–23, Genesis 41:41–44, 1 Peter 5:6, Luke 14:10, Psalm 75:6–7, John 12:24–26, Colossians 3:23–24
Real-Life Analogy
There’s a hush that settles over a stage just before the curtain rises. Behind that curtain, someone cues the lights, positions the props, and steadies the scenery. No one sees them. The audience applauds the actors, but the quiet, unseen hands make the beauty possible.
In much the same way, we may find ourselves behind the scenes in God’s work, tucked away in places that feel hidden and uncelebrated. But the glory belongs to Christ alone, and those who live for His applause are content to work where only He sees.
Today, when I am tempted to measure my worth by how much I’m noticed, I will pause and say, “Lord, I trust You to live Your life in and through me in this moment. I yield to the quiet role You’ve assigned, content to be hidden if that brings You glory.” Whether I’m serving at work, caring for a loved one, or supporting someone else’s ministry, I will trust Christ within me to be the faithful servant, even when no spotlight shines.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, You have hidden treasures in the quiet places. I thank You that I don’t need to be seen to be significant, or praised to be fruitful. I rest in the assurance that You see me, You guide me, and You will exalt in due time according to Your perfect will. I rejoice in every low place where You are exalted and I am tucked safely behind the cross. Use me in the small things, Lord, and let Your glory shine through every quiet act of love. I trust You to complete what You have begun.