Dr. Floyd Godfrey
The journey of discovering and developing our God-given gifts is often intertwined with experiences of pain and suffering. While it is natural to desire a life free from hardship, the reality is that many of our greatest strengths and talents emerge from the trials we endure. The process of suffering, though difficult, is frequently the crucible in which our gifts are refined and brought to light. This principle is reflected in the words of Jesus, who warned His followers of the trials they would face: "In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, NIV).
The Refining Fire of Suffering
In his book Crushing: God Turns Pressure Into Power, T.D. Jakes explores the connection between suffering and the development of our gifts. He asserts, "How can we be exempt from pain and trouble in the world when Jesus told us to expect the exact opposite" (Jakes, 2019, p. 133). This statement challenges us to rethink our understanding of hardship. Far from being a sign of God’s displeasure, suffering is often the very environment in which our gifts are nurtured and grown.
Throughout the Bible, we see examples of individuals whose gifts were born out of their struggles. Joseph, for instance, was gifted with the ability to interpret dreams, but it was his unjust imprisonment that ultimately positioned him to use this gift to save Egypt from famine. Similarly, David’s years of fleeing from Saul honed his leadership and songwriting abilities, which would later bless the nation of Israel. These biblical accounts remind us that our own experiences of pain can be the birthplace of the gifts God has placed within us.
Pain as the Fuel for Our Giftings
Jakes further emphasizes this point, stating, "There is not a single gifted person that I know who cannot point to a tremendous amount of pain that fuels their giftings. Those blessed people who seem to have come from nowhere didn't just get there for free" (Jakes, 2019, p. 133). This profound truth speaks to the reality that our gifts are often the byproduct of the challenges we face. The pain we endure does not go to waste; instead, it becomes the fuel that powers our gifts and enables us to impact the world in ways we never imagined.
Many of the most gifted individuals in history and our own lives have experienced significant suffering. Their talents, honed through adversity, have become blessings to others. It is through the refining fire of pain that our gifts are purified, strengthened, and made ready for use in God’s kingdom.
Embracing the Process
While no one seeks out pain, understanding its role in the development of our gifts can help us embrace the process with faith and hope. The Apostle Paul’s words in Romans 8:28 (NIV) remind us that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This includes the painful experiences that shape our gifts. By trusting in God’s sovereignty and submitting to His refining process, we can emerge from our trials with gifts that not only bless us but also bless those around us.
Conclusion
The connection between suffering and the emergence of our gifts is a powerful reminder of God’s redemptive work in our lives. Though we may face pain and hardship, these experiences are not in vain. They are the very means by which our gifts are developed and brought to fruition. As we navigate the challenges of life, let us hold fast to the truth that God is at work, using even our pain to shape us into vessels of His grace and power.
Floyd Godfrey, PhD, is a Board-Certified Christian Counselor who has facilitated groups within different churches and denominations over the past 30 years. He worked as a licensed counselor for 23 years and provided supervision and training for other counselors as they worked toward independent licensure. You can read more about Floyd Godfrey, PhD, at www.FloydGodfrey.com.
References
Jakes, T. D. (2019). Crushing: God Turns Pressure Into Power. Hachette Book Group, Inc.
