The Hidden Ones

FAITH & INSPIRATION CORNER

By : Nancy Joy Dozier

There’s an obsession around the idea of “overnight success”. Pop Culture loves being astounded by the gifts, talents, knowledge, and impact of individuals who’ve somehow garnered attention, and have seemingly come out of nowhere. We love feeling like we’re collectively placing a stamp of approval on an idea, a business, or even an individual. 

 But the journey of faith is so contrary to this concept of sudden success. Because being effective is about producing lasting fruit, the path to success is very seldom an overnight scenario. It’s often marked by seasons of obscurity where God’s refining our character, while hiding us. Public success is always birthed and incubated privately, and pursued by consistent individuals who work longer, harder, and with more excellence than most, refusing to let the dream die.

By the time someone is labeled an overnight success, it’s the literal culmination of countless nights. Nights spent crying, working, building, praying, failing, starting over, believing, pushing, surrendering to being processed and hidden, being prepared to be great without needing applause, platforms, or lights. Because having been hidden is often what raises the value of treasure, let’s remember to never minimize someone’s faith journey by labeling them an overnight success. Rather let’s celebrate the path that made, formed and prepared them.