Encouragement for New BelieversSample

When you're called to serve God, it's normal to go through a time when you feel unnoticed. Isaiah was called by God "from the womb" (Isaiah 49:1 NKJV), but he also went through a period of being hidden while God prepared him. When a vision takes a long time to come true, and you've sacrificed and worked without recognition or results, it's easy to feel like you're wasting your life. Isaiah felt the same way and said, "I have laboured to no purpose… spent my strength… for nothing" (Isaiah 49:4 NIV). But just because you feel that way doesn't mean it's true. "God… rewards those who earnestly seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6 NIV), and you are no exception.

It took Jesus thirty years before He began His public ministry. Moses, David, John the Baptist, and Paul also spent years in obscurity before stepping into their roles. In God's Kingdom, there are no overnight successes.

Beth Jones says: "Anyone who wants to be used of God will experience hidden years in the backside of the desert. During that time the Lord is polishing, sharpening and preparing us to fit into His bow, so at the right time, like 'a polished shaft' He can launch us into fruitful service. The invisible years are years of serving, studying, being faithful in another person’s ministry and doing the behind-the-scenes work."

The Bible says, "God is not unjust; He will not forget your work." (Hebrews 6:10 NIV) Be patient; when the time is right, God will bring out the fruit He has placed inside you.