The Danger of Obscurity

Obscurity is a graveyard of the great–because, during hidden seasons, the enemy works to convince us that the struggle, pain, or shortfall of the dream is all that God has for us. If we believe these kinds of lies, we’re done.

“The Danger of Obscurity is we can convince ourselves this is all God has for me.”

When I was 13 and first sensed the call of God on my life, I saw “big” things in my future. I dreamed great and impacting dreams. Dreams of changing the world and doing something worthwhile were a common part of my life. Not only did I dream those dreams, I really believed that I would walk in them in the future. Then life, time, and struggle happened. The further I got away from the point of the promise, the more dim that dream and the more jumbled that prophecy became.

We can see that Timothy was dealing with this when the apostle, Paul, had to write a couple of times to remind Timothy about the call and gift on his life.

“14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.”
1 Timothy 4:14-15 NIV

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”
2 Timothy 1:6 NIV

“Have you ever felt God speak to you in one season and doubt it in the next?”

I've talked with so many adults and young adults who, at some point in their teenage years, sensed a call from God, but through life's delays, their own poor choices, and God’s season of Obscurity, have found themselves second-guessing and questioning what God said. It’s important not to make huge decisions in the valley. Too many people choose to quit, or leave, or stop, or slow down in the valley. The reality is that obscurity can temporarily cloud, blur and dampen the dream that was once passionate and clear. I just recently had a conversation with a young leader. She felt called to lead and make a difference. She was on top of the world, and God was using her in high school to reach hundreds of her friends. Then, she got into an obscure and difficult season and began to doubt her call and wondered if she really was called. But God didn't change his mind. Too many people walk away from their call like she was about to during this season.