The Grace of Obscurity

“Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life …Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.” (Col 3:2-3 MSG)

I was informed by the publishers they would require, the use of a fictitious name as author in the book, The Power of Resurrection Living. Even though all the names in book were changed, they still demanded I use a pseudonym. Tried reasoning. I pouted. During the self-centered, feeling sorry for myself, the Lord let me know very clearly I was rebelling against His will. He reminded me he would get the glory as I embraced obscurity.

Early in the establishment of Turlock Community Fellowship, I sensed the Lord had called me to embrace obscurity, I would have the tendency to take credit for what the He had done. Or depend on my wisdom, my education, my ability to relate to people: so how big of an impact FOR God that would make?

He let me know if I will stand in the shadows and let Him “take the bow” through others, I would witness “God sized activity.” Through the church, counseling and the mission travels. I was blessed to see Him work far beyond my education, personality, or experiences.

M. Scott Peck in his book, The Road Less Traveled, recounted times in his counseling with his patients, far more than his ability or education was happening. He had attributed that activity to God.

Have there been times you were put into obscurity? How did you react? What came out of an experience for you?

Or the perhaps the activity or relationships have changed and you feel you are on the “back burner” of obscurity?

Have you witnessed God working there?

“I'm afraid of losing my obscurity. Genuineness only thrives in the dark.”

Aldous Huxley
https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/obscurity-quotes

Michael