Discover the sacred beauty and spiritual growth God brings during these hidden seasons of life. Do you feel unseen in your everyday faithfulness—the quiet sacrifices, the prayers no one hears, the love you pour out behind the scenes?
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:1-2
Have you ever felt like you’re doing all the right things, but no one sees it? Like your faithfulness is buried in the daily, quiet work of home and heart? Or maybe God has you unpacking truths behind the scenes?
It can feel lonely and make you feel invisible. Can I tell you dear sis, you are not? Your work is valuable, and so is the heart behind it all. It’s in these hidden places where God often does the deep work we so often need.
But what is pruning all about and how does it look practically?⠀
It’s about releasing the things that weigh down our relationship with God. It means letting go of whatever it is that hinders our growth. Then, slowing down long enough for the pruning to take place. Sometimes it’s our own pride that needs to be cut or we need to simplify our lives to make room for God.
I’ve seen this firsthand in my own quiet mornings with the Lord. Every week I show up in these sacred spaces, and the lighter I walk away.
The amount of weight I was carrying was enough to steal my joy, my trust in Him, and let go of the approval of others. I didn’t realize how much I valued the approval of others until I released that burden to Him.
Sometimes we don’t choose these seasons for ourselves and can feel as if we’re stuck or going backward. Yet this is where God most often does His best work in us — when we allow Him.
Anchor Yourself in Scripture
“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” -Psalm 1:3
When we let God cut out the things that are dying, those things that are growing well thrive even more. But sometimes God prunes even what is good to bring what’s best.
Pruning is painful but purposeful. Like a gardener snipping branches to bring fuller blooms, God removes what no longer serves your growth. It could be pride, busyness, misplaced identity, or even good things that have become distractions. He doesn’t prune to punish—but to prepare.
After the pruning, there’s still a period of waiting for growth. This can be the most impatient time for us because we just want to see the growth! Yet, every time we show up to spend time with God when it’s hard, every time we love with intention, a little more growth takes place.
When we remain close to the stream (God), we are consistently watered for growth. (Psalm 1:3) We need to remain active in the waiting.
Trust the Process
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” -Galatians 6:9
Being hidden is often preparation for what’s coming or even protection for things you cannot see. It’s not punishment because you aren’t “good enough” or did something wrong. Use this time to simply cling to the Lord and watch what He does.
It is so hard to trust in the things we cannot see. We like control because it helps us feel safe and secure. But when there are things out of our control, we feel out of control. But God is in control. He can see the things we cannot and that makes all the difference! I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for us to learn to trust God. Use this hiddenness as your opportunity to believe He knows what He’s doing.
Whether you’re folding laundry, scrubbing toilets, or making another dinner someone is sure to complain about, this season matters. Those minutes you spend praying for your kids that no one knows about? God knows, and He will not let that time be in vain.
In an age of social media where everyone wants to be seen, God is calling you into the quiet depths of His presence.
The steadfastness of your work may not seem to matter now, but it will bear so much fruit later. Keep going, be patient, and trust Him. You are not alone in your hidden season.
Your growth comes from remaining in intimacy with Jesus. The quiet season is sacred, not wasted.
Savoring the Beauty,
Christin
Leave a Reply