By far, one of the hardest years of my life. I remember having such high hopes and anticipation of what I thought it would be, and my plans were absolutely crushed. I dealt with the heartbreak of not getting what I thought I wanted.
Looking back, I could see that I was in a hidden season.
Working hard toward my goals, pushing through disappointment after disappointment, not giving up in the midst of difficulties, and still giving grace though I felt as though I was not getting any.
What happens when you are putting in the work? You give your time and resources. There’s many late nights. You push through the tears and pain. You are fighting to finish. And you still don’t see any results or feel seen?
I remember crying out to God in a moment of frustration and hopelessness. I told Him: “I put so much time and care into this and I feel like no matter how hard I try, there is nothing to show for. I go two steps forward only to go back five.” (But based on who’s standard?- I ask myself now)
In a nut shell. I felt like that for most of 2025, specifically the first half of it.
Going back to when I said I realized I was in a hidden season. Well what does that mean?
Being hidden can be defined as feeling unseen, overlooked, or undervalued: all of which I felt deeply.
You could feel hidden in your career, in your relationships, or in any aspect of your life.
You are not getting the recognition or value that you feel you deserve or very strongly desire- and it’s usually from PEOPLE.
It might even feel like your mistakes/wrongs are amplified in the form of constant criticism and pressure. And yet your contributions/wins are ignored or not acknowledged.
The biggest voice you hear is “ I AM NOT ENOUGH.” (But again, based on who’s standard?)
One day in my kitchen, a message was playing from a pastor that I watch regularly, and he spoke the exact message I needed to hear, and I believed it was God speaking to me.
His sermon was based on the topic of identity.
Sometimes we equate significance/value to people’s approval. Approval comes in different forms: verbal praise, applause, shout-outs, promotions, or just merely getting attention, to name a few.
This is a very dangerous place to be, because as human beings, we will fail, and will not always, “be on top.” Also, we will not always get the acknowledgement we sometimes so desperately crave.
This is what the pastor said:
“True identity is working onto the Lord.”
Whatsoever you do, do it heartily as unto the Lord and not unto men: Colossians 3:23-34
Living life from my true identity- in Christ, is not motivated in gaining approval from people.
When you live from your true identity in Christ you will bring peace, wisdom, and creativity to others. You also will not be stressed or striving.
Striving = relentless, anxious pursuit of goals, perfection, or external validation
You are complete in Christ, lacking nothing.
On Earth, we do work under people, as we have bosses, however, we are not working FOR them. That is NOT why we are on this Earth. We are doing God’s work for His kingdom and purpose. We are working unto Him. Whenever it is for any other reason, we need to evaluate our motives.
Our measure of success is not the same as God’s. While we may not feel like we are progressing, in God’s eyes, He sees the work being done inside of us, for His purpose, and our overall success. He sees the bigger picture, and no season is EVER wasted. Even the ones that felt like a waste. You are progressing more than you think.
And it would only be a matter of time, until you see it yourself, and end up thanking God for that season that made no sense.
God sees the late nights, the sacrifices, the tears, the time, and resources, and He will honor you in due season. None of it was in vain.
Based on a post I read by @benjaminlundquist on Instagram: The quiet is where He builds you. The waiting is where He strengthens you. The hidden place is where He develops the foundation for the influence you’ll carry in the light.
Lesson : God’s approval is all you need to do what He has called you to do. Period.
Some messages I would see on Instagram that resonated with my situation, and brought peace and healing. Please Enjoy.
Dominique 