Seasons of Preparation (Part 1 – The Hidden Years) Theme Scriptures: Luke 1:80; Mark 6:3 This is our second teaching in the series “ Keys to Becoming God’s Instrument of Impact .” Last time, we learned that God is still searching for men and women He can trust—vessels He can anoint and approve for His glory. Today, we move a step further into an equally vital subject: “ Seasons of Preparation (Part 1 – The Hidden Years).” Beloved, every divine calling requires a season of preparation. Luke 1:80 says, “The child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.” Before God manifests you, He must first mature you. Preparation time is never wasted time—it’s God’s training ground for greatness. JESUS: OUR PERFECT EXAMPLE Even Jesus, our Lord, spent thirty silent years in Nazareth preparing for only three and a half years of public ministry. He learned obedience, humility, and service in the hidden place. John the Baptist too was in the deserts until the day of his showing to Israel. If Jesus and John needed preparation, who are we to skip it? As Oswald J. Sanders said, “It is not great talents God blesses so much as great likeness to Christ.” 1. THE SEASON OF INSIGNIFICANCE This is when you seem unnoticed. You serve faithfully, but no one claps. People identify you by your past, not your potential. They said of Jesus, “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary?” (Mark 6:3). Yet in that quiet place, God was shaping His destiny. I remember my own early days in ministry—preaching to small crowds, walking long distances, and sleeping on benches and on the floor after each program. But God saw it all. Those hidden years built humility, patience, and faith in me. Don’t despise your small beginnings; they are Heaven’s classroom for future greatness. 2. THE SEASON OF ISOLATION There comes a time when God separates you from certain people or distractions. You might feel lonely or forgotten, but isolation is not rejection—it’s divine protection. Like John in the desert, God uses isolation to purify and prepare you. It’s where He teaches you to depend on His voice, not people’s applause. You’re not forgotten—you’re being formed. 3. THE SEASON OF WAITING Waiting is one of the hardest parts of preparation. King Saul lost his throne because he couldn’t wait (1 Samuel 13:8–14). But Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that “they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” God’s delays are not denials—they’re part of His design. Some doors are not closed; they’re simply locked until you’re ready for them. FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT Child of God, maybe you’re in a season of insignificance, isolation, or waiting. Don’t rush the process. Preparation is not punishment—it’s protection. Before David ruled a nation, he shepherded sheep. Before Joseph wore the crown, he endured the pit and the prison. And before you shine in public, God will train you in private. Remember: Preparation time is never wasted time—it’s God’s workshop for your destiny. To watch the Live Recorded video of a related topic click this link: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GfJp28ujV/ The following are the recommended reading: 14 Things About The Man God Uses. https://selar.com/kme7 How To Succeed With Your Assignment. https://selar.com/yvnq See Other Books Authored by Rowland Peters. https://selar.com/m/Drpeters To learn more about our Bible College training programmes, visit www.icmames.com Join me live every Tuesday on Facebook and TikTok at 7 PM WAT.