I know God has called some of us to the dark corners of the world to carry the light of Jesus. Perhaps, He wants some of us to be cloaked in obscurity to find those who are the forgotten lost and tell them, “Yes, God does love you and He has sent me to tell you that His love is expressed in His Son Jesus. You are not forgotten nor hidden from His eyes.”
God has called us not only to the forgotten lost but also to the hidden servants who labor tirelessly for the Kingdom of God. The Word of God says, “And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42 NKJV). The cup of cold water could be encouragement and fellowship to those who labor in the Kingdom of God in obscure places of the world.
In my secret place with God, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and thanked Him for blessing me and my family. I thought of the instances where He had rescued me from certain failures and sins. I thought of the many ways in which God had blessed my family. Then my mind went immediately to those who need His help and grace. My heart of gratitude turned into a heart of compassion for those suffering in their own personal obscurity. They are not forgotten because Holy Spirit reminded me of their struggles.
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. / I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust” (Psalms 91:1-2 NKJV).
Several times, I have traveled alone to other countries. It is an unusual but strangely serene feeling to be alone with my own thoughts and in communion with the Lord. I have experienced His presence in some obscure corners of the world. I greatly love my family. I love people and some may even call me a people-person. Yet, I am very comfortable just being in His presence under a cloak of obscurity. I’m not sure if protestants have hermits. I am not sure if I would want to be one. But sometimes I have moments…
Yours on the Journey,
Harry L. Whitt
This really resonated with me. Being a pastor can be a lonely and isolating calling, especially in smaller congregations and ministries. The weight of leadership can be difficult to explain to someone who has never carried it. Expectations often exceed our ability to meet every need, be there for every person, and get everything right every time.
That is why your reference to the cup of cold water stood out to me. A simple word of encouragement can be life-giving to someone laboring quietly in the Kingdom. I am not sure those outside of ministry always realize just how powerful a sincere word of encouragement can be at the right moment.
Your thoughts on obscurity also reminded me of John 4:32–34, when Jesus said, “I have food to eat of which you do not know,” and then spoke of doing the will of the Father and finishing His work. There are seasons of ministry when, if it were not for that hidden bread, I think I would starve to death.
There is something sustaining about knowing that even when the work feels unseen, God sees it. Even when few understand the weight, He understands it. Even when encouragement from people is scarce, there is a nourishment that comes from simply knowing, “This is where God has called me, and this is the work He has given me to do.”
Thank you for the reminder that obscurity does not mean forgotten.Be Blessed!
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I will say “Amen” to that, having experienced that life. Pastoring is a calling that works among many people yet it is an obscure place as well.
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