"Harnessing Your Gifts In Times Of Struggle.”

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES

(1 Peter 4:10-11) (NIV): “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God; if anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.”

(Romans 12:6-8) (NIV): “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

(James 1:2-4) (NIV): “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

(Jeremiah 29:11) (NIV): “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This scripture reiterates the promise of a hopeful future, inspiring a sense of anticipation and excitement.

(1 Peter 4:12) (KJV) “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you; 13But rejoice, insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part, he is evil spoken of, but on your part, he is glorified.

(1 Corinthians 10:13) (KJV) “There hath no temptation taken you, but such as is common to man, but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

PREFACE SUMMARY

I recently experienced a moment of divine inspiration, “What have you done with your gifts and talents while going through your wilderness experience?” As I meditated on the message I received, I was reminded of a powerful tent revival in 2010. At that revival, I shared a parable about servants entrusted with talents by a King preparing to go on a journey. Two of the servants wisely invested and multiplied their abilities, while one chose to bury his talent in a napkin, opting to wait for the King's return. The servant who buried his talent faced a stern rebuke for his fear and laziness.

I recall concluding my message by taking a penny out of a napkin and tossing it down the middle aisle of the big tent. I remember people standing and shouting, “Revival is here!” Newspaper reporters were present, and the following day, they approached me at the tent and told me they had been moved during that service.

Throughout our lives, we frequently encounter phases characterized by profound challenges and transformative experiences, often called 'wilderness experiences.' These moments can take the form of personal crises, intense emotional upheavals, or significant life changes that force us to confront our inward being.

In the context of this message, the wilderness experience symbolizes a period of spiritual testing and growth, akin to the biblical narratives of the Israelites' journey through the desert or Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness. It's a time when we feel lost, uncertain, and spiritually desolate, but it's also when we can grow and strengthen our faith.

This message is a beacon of hope, shining a light on the potential for profound personal growth even in the midst of challenging wilderness experiences. It focuses on acknowledging and harnessing our innate talents and strengths, delving into the complex nature of these periods, and highlighting their potential for discovering one's true self.

The wilderness experience can be defined by confronting physical, mental, and emotional obstacles, surmounting challenges, and engaging in deep prayer and thought. It could be a period of illness, a time of financial hardship, or a season of personal loss. While people may struggle with feelings of isolation and uncertainty, it also presents a profound opportunity for personal growth, gaining new insights, and uncovering one's true self amidst the vastness of life.

The experience of being in the wilderness often elicits profound emotions such as a sense of isolation, confusion, and vulnerability. These feelings can manifest in response to various circumstances, including personal loss, trauma, or significant life transitions. In the following section, we will comprehensively examine the psychological and emotional dimensions of these wilderness experiences, illuminating their role as catalysts for deep introspection and personal growth.