Hidden in Plain Sight — Whitney Akin

Have you ever felt completely alone in a struggle or difficulty? This summer, I found myself in that very place. Tears flowed endlessly as I grappled with a heartbreaking situation involving one of my children. The pain was so intense, I wondered if it would ever subside.

In my desperation, I searched for someone to reach out to, but came up empty-handed. It seemed no one could truly understand this unique heartache. Those who might have experienced similar challenges hadn't necessarily handled them in ways I found helpful.

I couldn't help but think of past friends who had gone through similar trials. I had been there for them, offering support and compassion. But now, when I faced the same challenge, they were nowhere to be found. The absence of their support stung deeply.

Anger bubbled up within me – not towards God, but towards people. I was angry at my child for causing such pain, at my husband for seemingly not understanding the depth of my anguish, and at those past friends who had distanced themselves, perhaps misinterpreting my previous support as judgment.

In that moment of isolation, I felt utterly unprepared for the journey ahead. But as the cloud of sorrow began to lift, God started revealing His wisdom, hidden in plain sight all along.

The words of Deuteronomy 31:6,8 resonated deeply with me:

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you…8 It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (ESV)

God's presence became evident through three unexpected encounters:

First, He placed a friend on my heart – someone I rarely spoke with. When I reached out, she made time for a phone call, revealing she was walking a similar path. Her shared experience led me to a resource that shifted my focus from pain to purpose.

Next, while speaking at a conference, I reconnected with another friend during a delayed flight. She opened up about her years-long journey through a similar struggle, reminding me of the power of persistent prayer for our children.

Lastly, I realized God had already placed a spiritual mother in my life the previous year. Her words of strength, hope, and truth challenged me to break through the strongholds my child was facing with unwavering faith and prayer.

Often, when we feel alone, God has already positioned what we need within reach. It's not truly hidden – we just need to open our eyes to see it. While some friends had left, God had faithfully prepared others to walk alongside me in this season.

This experience taught me valuable lessons:

Choose forgiveness for those who may have disappointed you.
Trust that God never leaves us, even in our darkest moments.
Be willing to look for the support God has already provided.
Remember that God sees, knows, and deeply cares about our struggles.

If you're facing a challenging season, take heart. God's provision may be hidden in plain sight, waiting for you to discover it. Reach out, open up, and allow His love to flow through unexpected channels. You are never truly alone.