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Don’t you just love it when Chip and Joanna knock down a wall, and suddenly the home looks twice the size? It’s like the space was there all along, just waiting to be revealed.

Well, I heard a story this week that tops any renovation project by far. Imagine tearing down a wall in your house—only to find an entire city on the other side.

That’s exactly what happened to a man in Turkey in 1963. He was renovating his home when he knocked down a wall and uncovered a hidden passageway. What he found next was beyond anything he could have imagined: a vast underground city, complete with stables, storage rooms, kitchens, missionary schools, and even churches.

Historians believe that during the 7th–10th centuries AD, Christians used this underground city as a place of refuge, particularly during periods of Arab invasions and other external threats. Instead of fighting back, they went underground—literally. Eighteen levels deep, Derinkuyu could hold up to 20,000 people, along with their animals and supplies.

The most fascinating thing about this city? Everything—the homes, the churches, the livestock—was beneath the surface. A whole world, hidden from sight, yet full of life and purpose.

The more I read about Derinkuyu, the more it reminded me of the unseen hand of God in our lives.

God Is Always at Work—Even When We Can’t See It

We live in a world that celebrates what’s visible—success, progress, results. We look for immediate answers to our prayers, clear evidence that our efforts are making a difference. But just because we can’t see something doesn’t mean it isn’t there.

Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:18: “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Think about that. God is constantly working beneath the surface—in our hearts, in our lives, in ways we may never fully understand. Just because you can’t see His hand, that doesn’t mean He’s not holding you. God is always working in the unseen, preparing you for what’s ahead.

Hold on—God Is Moving Beneath the Surface

Have you ever felt like your prayers were going unanswered or that all your faithfulness was leading nowhere? Maybe you’ve poured your heart into your marriage, your ministry, your children, or your work—only to feel like nothing is changing.

If you’re feeling this way, remember this truth: The unseen hand of God is at work.

Joy isn’t surface-level happiness—it’s a deep, unshakable confidence in God’s faithfulness. It doesn’t come because life is perfect. It comes from knowing that even in the waiting, even in the struggle, God is moving in our lives—shaping us, strengthening us, and preparing us for something greater.

You’re Not Buried—You’re Being Prepared

The people who lived in Derinkuyu knew something important: being underground didn’t mean they were buried—it meant they were safe.

That’s true for us too. Sometimes God allows us to walk through seasons of hidden growth—not because He’s forgotten us, but because He’s preparing us.

Maybe you feel like your joy is buried under stress, disappointment, or unanswered prayers. But here’s the good news: Seeds grow best when they’re underground.

In Galatians 6:9, Paul encourages us: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (NIV)

Do you see God’s promise there? The harvest will come. Your joy will break through.

And when it does, you’ll see the work that God has been building in the hidden corners of your life.

Want to explore Derinkuyu for yourself? Click the image below to watch a great visual tour!

This Week’s Printable

Here is this week’s printable. Click the image to view and print a higher resolution.

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