The Arc enterpreneur podcast

Scripture Reference: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1

In the world of business, the journey toward success can sometimes feel like a long, flat stretch—a plateau where we see little tangible progress despite our best efforts. This phase, often called the “Plateau of Latent Potential,” is when we’re investing time, energy, and resources into a project or career goal, but the results are slow to come. It can be discouraging, especially when we’re pouring ourselves into our work, hoping for a breakthrough that seems just out of reach.

Hebrews 11:1 reminds us of the nature of faith—confidence in what we hope for and assurance in the unseen. When we find ourselves on that plateau, Hebrews 11:1 becomes an anchor, reminding us that God is still at work even when we can’t see immediate results. Just as a seed grows under the soil before it breaks through, our efforts and prayers are not in vain; they’re often laying unseen foundations.

In business, it’s easy to get caught up in visible outcomes: profit margins, client acquisitions, or promotional successes. But sometimes, God is more interested in developing our character, patience, and resilience. These unseen qualities are often what sustain us when the visible results do come. During the plateau, we’re given the chance to exercise faith—to trust that the unseen groundwork we’re laying will one day bear fruit.

Imagine a startup owner working tirelessly with little to show in revenue. Faith is what encourages them to keep investing wisely, growing their skill set, and building relationships. Faith, in the business context, might look like developing systems, nurturing a team, or creating a product that truly adds value, even when immediate profits are minimal.

God often uses these waiting periods to shape us for the blessings to come. The plateau teaches us that success isn’t always instant. It’s about faithfulness in the small things—faith in our work, faith in God’s timing, and faith in the process. So, if you’re in a season of unseen growth, be encouraged. Trust that God is using every moment to prepare you for what’s ahead, helping you grow so that when the fruit comes, you’re ready to steward it well.

Reflection Questions:

1. What current efforts or goals in my business or career seem slow in showing results, and how can I cultivate faith in God’s unseen work during this season?

1. In what ways might God be using this “plateau” phase to develop my character, patience, and resilience?

1. How can I focus on being faithful in small, daily actions rather than only seeking immediate, visible outcomes?

Author: Derek Stone