“After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. … When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, ‘Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.’ ‘Why were you searching for me?’ he asked. ‘Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?’ But they did not understand what he was saying to them.” (Luke 2:43, 48-50).
We all have them.
Hidden seasons.
Times in life when we feel closeted away in anonymity from the rest of world. Perhaps by choice. Perhaps by circumstance. Perhaps through the purposeful intent of another. Perhaps by God. Regardless of the reason behind our hidden estate, once there, it’s easy to find our lament for such a seemingly insignificant season. Rather than embracing the quiet and trust of hidden moments, we cry out for the noise and clamor of the stage.
I know. I’ve lived it. I’ve cried it, but rarely have I embraced it.
Jesus knew what it was to live in anonymity. He spent most of his life behind the shadows of a curtain that wouldn’t fully rise until he was thirty years of age. We only have a few snapshots of his early years. One of those photographs occurred at the temple when he was twelve years old.
The Gospel of Luke, chapter two, paints a master portrait of hide and seek.
One hiding…seeking his Divine.
One seeking…in search of her divinely Hidden.
Son seeking Father. Mother seeking Son, and at the end of the day, both discovering that hidden moments are often the occasion for God’s sacred shaping…for being about the business of the extraordinary rather than settling for the ordinary. It’s a discovery that I am learning.
It doesn’t always make sense to me…these past forty-two years of living that have walked more anonymous than not. There have been moments of clarity along the way—times when I’ve seen God’s hand in my hiddenness. But most days, I feel lost…unsure as to what I am supposed to be doing with it all—with these gifts and promises that I have been granted by the gracious grace of a Father’s love.
I want to relinquish my will to my daily portion, but so often my will cries out for something different. For more. For quicker access to the stage and for bigger accomplishments in God’s kingdom agenda. I want to bypass the shaping and get on with the fruit bearing. I want the harvest without the process of the seeding and the waiting. I want to be my Father’s go-to girl, but rarely do I get the green light.
This is the often and familiar ache of my heart. I have a hunch that some of you are feeling it also.
Good news.
Jesus perfectly understands such a hunger. He lived it.
Good news again.
Jesus has given us a window into understanding our hidden seasons by using the pen of a woman named Alicia Britt Chole to spotlight his.
A couple of years ago, I came across her book, Anonymous: Jesus’ Hidden Years and Yours. The title struck a deep chord within me, and I immediately ordered the book. Since then, I’ve read and re-read the book several times over. Imagine my joy when I learned that Alicia was adding a Bible study guide to her book along with DVD teaching segments! I received the news just about the time I was making a decision regarding our church’s upcoming Fall Bible study. Sight unseen, I ordered the study and am delighted to bring her heart’s stirring to my Tuesday night gals. We are on board to begin mid-September.
Alicia is one of the finest authors/speakers of our modern-day era. She doesn’t waste a word, and she doesn’t intend for us to stay as we are. She intends for us to draw deeper into our pondering and understanding of Jesus. She’s a genuine and passionate pursuer of the Truth. She makes me want to be a better…
Writer.
Thinker.
Mother.
Seeker.
She’s not the usual or the ordinary, although she would probably beg to differ. She’s better. She’s real, and that is why I am delighted to share in her ministry by telling you about her giftings.
A couple of weeks ago, Susan sent me a surprise in the mail. She had recently been at one of Alicia’s speaking engagements. She knew of my fondness for Alicia’s work and promptly purchased a copy of Anonymous for my collection. When Alicia commented to her that I already had the book, Susan simply said, “I know. I just think Elaine would love to have a signed copy.”
Guess what?
I do, and inside the book Alicia simply, yet beautifully challenges me to “Be still and grow.”
That, in essence, is the message of Anonymous. Being still in the silence and growing in the sacred shaping of a Savior. I love this study, friends. God has used Alicia’s tender obedience in penning her thoughts to change my perspective about my seasons of silence and anonymity. I will close by offering you a few of Alicia’s words…
“As with a child in the womb and a seed in the ground, God’s unanticipated move of hiding Jesus granted him protected, undisturbed room to be and become. From God’s perspective, anonymous seasons are sacred spaces. They are quite literally formative; to be rested in, not rushed through—and most definitely never to be regretted. Unapplauded, but not unproductive: hidden years are the surprising birthplace of true spiritual greatness.”[i]
I hope that you will all take the time to visit Alicia at her website and blog. Her resource room is full of valuable materials and free downloads that are worthy of your every consideration. One disclaimer in the matter…
If you’re after fluff, take a pass. You won’t find it with Alicia. She’s after our transformation through the power of God’s Word and his abiding Spirit. It is what I am after, and I want it for you, too. Thus, for those who leave a comment on this post and on any others that follow this week, I will enter your name to win a copy of Alicia’s book. The winner will be announced on Monday.
As always,
~elaine
[i] Alicia Britt Chole, Anonymous (Franklin: Integrity Publishers, 2006), 13.
Didn’t they do a fine job at guest blogging? I may be out of a job! Thank you for your many kind and heart-felt comments. You are the best blogging friends ever! Shalom.
Elaine…I am eagerly looking forward to getting and chewing on this book/study. Had a ‘bad’ day today, feeling somewhat lost..yet still knowing He is in the shadows and it is no coincidence in light of what I have been experiencing that I will be getting this book and also be present for the Beth Moore simulcast in Ajax, ON this weekend. Please pray that He will give me an undeniable word from Him to me, Sita. Thanks again, Elaine.
Love, Sita
P.S. you are blessed with a wonderful son and husband.
Ok…where have I been? I am unfamiliar with Alicia's book. Sounds wonderful.
In the profile section of my blog I refer to my anonymity with the world, but rejoice that God knows my name.
Wish I lived close enough to attend your study – oh, that would be such a blessing!
Love & prayers,
Joy
Hi Elaine, This may not make sense but this post makes me think of Judah. He began by being a not so nice person, going along with Joseph being sold into slavery,not standing up for what was right. Years later, years of quietly growing, he became the man God intended for him to be, speaking up and taking responsibility for his youngest brother, responsible to his father and to his family for their very lives. I’m sure that during those years he too felt insignificant, laden with guilt and wanting to do something, anything to make things right, to serve God. It’s hard to sit quietly growing but if we are to become the person God wants us to be…..we must first grow and that takes time. Blessings, marlene
Blessings Elaine…this is awesome and I don’t have time to ponder and want to read this in depth so I’ll be back next week…and will look at the wonderful posts on Bolivia…just had a glance
…Cristo Amado…I’m quickly passing thru 100 blogs so pardon me.
I’m glad Susan blessed you and you have Tracy’s blessing… and your men are home with blessings WOW SUPER!
Just inviting you to a special day
Friday, Aug. 1st. So C’mon over and visit me and make my day!
Que Dios te bendiga!!!
Elaine,
I pray that all the ladies in your bible study this fall will be greatly challenged and inspired to,
“Be still in the silence and grow in the sacred shaping of our Savior.”
It was such a blessing to spend 2 days with Alicia and sit under her gifted teaching.
So blessed by your friendship,
Susan
Where you reading my mind ;)???
I was just thinking about this today!! Knowing there is something I’m suppose to be doing and not sure who,what,when or how. Wanting to skip the stepping stones and jumping over to the other side by a faster route. Willing and anxious but having to wait…I know…allowing Him to still prepare me….
Thanks for this post- I so need to hear this….
i’m gonna pass this along to my small group…maybe we can do it our next study.
thanks for sharing it.
Your men have a wonderful glint in their eyes!
I love seeing you with your family, and yes they did an excellent job writing!
You summed up exactly how I have felt the last 7 weeks of my life…..
Hidden…..
I’ve even told my family, God has separated me from everything outside of my home, literally.
And although I know it is for a purpose, I will humbly tell you I have not fully enjoyed hiding out.:)
You have given me new perspective on it though, and much to ponder. I will touch base with you as God reveals more to me.
Hidden Season
I’m glad to have an official name for it.:)
As always, God used you to bless me this night. Thank you.
God Bless,
Amy:)
Welcome back! I know your “Anonymous” study will be rich, and richly rewarding. What a great book to remind each of us that there’s absolutely nothing of insignificance in God’s economy.
Kathleen
Hi Elaine,
This bible study sounds awesome! Thanks so much for sharing how Alicia’s book has been such a blessing to you. I feel the exact same way at times; wanting to be hidden. In fact, I have those moment quite frequently, especially when time are rough and I don’t want to be strong. I love reading your post. You bring such joy/conviction/substance…your words are alwasy water for a thirsty sister. Praise God for you allowing the Holy Spirit to use you.
Blessings,
Kennisha
Hi Elaine,enjoyed your mens posting. Looking forward to the fall bible study. I have been reading Alicia’s blog…Both of you are awesome at what you do, especially your penning. Enjoy your family and the rest of the summer.
Love,
Tootsie
Elaine,
Thanks for your comment and for your anointed words here. This book sounds absolutely WONDERFUL, and I will be visiting the website (and hoping to win the book!). I’m also adding you to my blog list, so I never have to be reminded again to visit this wonderful blog.
Elaine – Thanks for the recommendation. I feel like my whole life has been anonymous… but to be reminded it is all for the glory of God is such an encouragement.
Alicia is one of my favorite speakers/authors. She spoke at our church’s women’s retreat a few years ago. 🙂
Anonymous. That could be a whole day at the beach with you my friend, also!
xox
Wow! I’m checking her out right now! 🙂
Glad to have you back in the blogging chair…you were missed! But, I have to admit, your son and husband did an excellent job at posting! Just excellent!
Prayers and blessings,
Rebecca
I found your blog via Susan. You have a beautiful blog! This book sounds great from what you and Susan wrote about it. I have definitely gone through the fluffy stage and am in current need of meat to chew on, so I’d love to throw my name in the hat for the book. May God bless you for sharing your heart and I’m headed over to check out Alicia’s blog now…
Elaine…it’s me back reading again…after reading Susan’s..I guess I should have entered Alicia’s before returning!
Anyway, do I understand you right that you plan on doing the Bible Study for this Anonymous?
My head must be in a fog…please
let me know…I reread again…and saw email you for study on Tues.
but still…???(duh..me)
Enjoyed so much reading your son’s and husband’s posts on Bolivia…
words can never express how magnificent one feels to SHARE in this expereience!!!
I’m leaving for the border and hoping Wal Mart in Nogales will have this book cuz I don’t know the town all that well to find a Christian store.
Please remember to come and visit today…Aug. 1 or this weekend for my very special celebration!
I’m continuing to live this season and am trying to embrace it….but my season may never fully “end,” and I’m learning not to wish it. What a learning process of enjoying the quiet and letting God decide how He will get glory from my life this is. I struggle with letting that go often and would welcome another’s perspective.
This is the first I have heard of Alicia but she sounds like a blessing I am going to check out her website. Thank you
Elaine,
I am really looking forward to our next bible study. You do such a great job in leading us and you work so hard. We appreciate all you do. Thank you for thinking of us and knowing that it is time to get focused and grounded in the word once again. Love you!
I, too, have not heard of Alicia before so am headed to her blog next.
I didn’t get time to leave a comment on your hubby’s post but it was really, really good! My husband has been on several “working” mission trips to southern Mexico and it is really a life-changing, eye-opening experience.
God bless you my Friend!
Marilyn in MS
Hi, Elaine! I just ran across your blog. Great post! That sounds like an awesome book!
I’m so glad to know about this! It sounds extraordinary. I’m anxious to read it, as I might want to use it for my Wednesday girls. Certainly, it’s a topic that we can all relate to on some level.
Love to you this night,
Melinda
Elaine,
Lovely blog, Sister! My first time visiting and I’m so glad I had the privilege!
Shalom aleichem!
I’ve continued to pray for you.
You’ve been tagged — about which you may or may not be excited. If you aren’t excited, blame LeAnn at P31. If you are excited you can just thank me.
Hope today is good.
Oh Elaine, this blog just strummed a cord through my sould. I often feel…”okay God what now? What next?” I forget that in the quiet time or down time or wandering time is when He molds me and prepares me for His greater plan. I love the reminder of Jesus taking those times to seek. Thanks for the depth of your spirit spilling out onto the lines written encouragement. Blessings
Hey, Elaine!
Hopping over from Susan’s post. Just like Joy, I have not heard of Alicia. Looking forward to delving into this book! Wouldn’t it be fun if my name was drawn to win it :)???
Just got back from Beth Moore’s simulcast—it was awesome. God is so good.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Blessings,
Susan
I have often in the past few years felt like a “lady in waiting”. Dreams buried deep within wondering if after awhile maybe they just came from me. And then something happens…God happens…and those dreams take one step closer to becoming a reality. Then I thank Him for speaking to my doubts.
This just happened yesterday. A dream that God had placed in my heart years ago….doormat…or so it seemed..and then yesterday out of the blue….maybe one more step forward to the reality.
But I know that He has been at work these last few years….rooting out what is buried that does not coincide with His plan. I look back over the year and think…Dear God I am glad that was not the year that the dream became a reality..what a mess I was. And I know that next year I will look back and think the same. I am glad He promises to finish the work He began…..He has had a lot of work to do.
I guess it is to His glory that I have been anonymous during these years. 🙂
What part of N.C are you in?
I came back to order my workbook.:)
Thanks so much for the recommendation. I love the workbook idea, because it helps so much in being able to dig deeper just like you said.
I will be in contact with you as I am learning.
Much love,
Amy:)
OK…well this post was even better the second time around. Being in a “hidden season” right now, the words have run deep into my heart.
As my first comment mentioned, I am unfamiliar with Alicia’s writing, but I will be checking her out for sure now so that I don’t mess up and send you another vague e-mail.
Hidden under the shadow of His wings,
Joy