Hidden with a Purpose (Part 2): Why Does God Keep Us Waiting?

You ever feel like you’re in a waiting room season? Like you’re praying, hoping, and doing everything right—but nothing seems to be moving? It’s like God hit the pause button on your life, and you’re just sitting there, wondering, “God, did You forget about me?”

Trust me, I get it. And honestly? It’s frustrating. But what if this waiting period—this hidden season—wasn’t a punishment? What if it was actually God setting you up for something bigger?

Last time, we talked about how God hides things for us, not from us. Now, let’s get into why He does it and what we’re supposed to do when we find ourselves in that place.

Why Does God Lead Us Into Hidden Seasons?

Elijah’s story in 1 Kings gives us some major insight. Right after he called a drought over Israel, God told him:

“Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine.” – 1 Kings 17:3

God literally sent him into hiding. Why? Because Elijah wasn’t ready for what was coming next. God had some things to teach him first. And He did that through three major tests—tests that, if we’re honest, we go through too.

1. The Dry Brook – When What Used to Work Stops Working

At first, Elijah had it good—fresh water from a brook, food delivered by ravens (imagine Grab food, but with birds). But then, something unexpected happened:

“Some time later, the brook dried up.” – 1 Kings 17:7

Ever had something you depended on just... stop? A job? A relationship? A sense of purpose? One day, things are flowing, and the next, gone. It’s confusing, right?

But here’s what I’ve learned: God wants us to trust the Giver, not just the gift. The same God who provided the water had the right to take it away—because He was leading Elijah to something better.

If your “brook” has dried up, don’t panic. It might just mean that God’s moving you forward.

2. The Depleted Barrel – When What You Have Feels Like It’s Not Enough

So, after the brook dried up, God sent Elijah to a widow who was preparing her last meal. She had just enough flour and oil to make one final piece of bread before she and her son starved. And what does Elijah do? He asks her for food.

“The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry.” – 1 Kings 17:14

That’s a bold request. But here’s what’s crazy—she actually listened. And because she obeyed, God multiplied what she had.

How many times do we look at what’s in our hands and think, This isn’t enough? Not enough money, not enough talent, not enough strength. But God is saying, “Just trust Me with what you have.”

Obedience unlocks provision. The widow’s little became more than enough because she surrendered it to God.

3. The Dead Boy – When Everything Seems to Fall Apart

Just when things seemed to be looking up for the widow and her son—boom. Her son dies. She was devastated, and honestly, she kind of snapped at Elijah:

“What do you have against me, man of God?” – 1 Kings 17:18

Ever had one of those “seriously, God?!” moments? When you thought things were finally getting better, and suddenly, life hits you with something worse?

Elijah could have freaked out, but instead, he did something powerful—he prayed. And not just a quick prayer. He stretched himself over the boy three times, crying out to God. And God brought the boy back to life.

This moment teaches us something huge: Sometimes, our greatest faith is built in our darkest moments.

What Should We Do in a Hidden Season?

If you feel like you’re in a hidden season, here’s what I want you to remember:

1. Don’t rush the process. Hidden seasons are about preparation. Let God do His thing.

2. Trust that God’s timing is perfect. Just because you don’t see anything happening doesn’t mean He’s not working.

3. Stay obedient, even when it doesn’t make sense. Your next step of faith might be the key to your breakthrough.

4. Remember that hidden doesn’t mean forgotten. If God has you in a season of waiting, it’s because He’s preparing you for something bigger than you can imagine.

Your Unveiling is Coming

Elijah’s hidden season wasn’t random. It wasn’t wasted. It was necessary. And when the time was right, God called him out of hiding and into the most powerful season of his life.

And the same goes for you.

So if you’re feeling unseen, stuck, or like you’ve been waiting forever—don’t give up. God is still writing your story. And when the unveiling comes, you’ll look back and realize that every single moment had a purpose.