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Adversity Can Release Your Best Gifts into the World

Suffering retina disease for the last fifty years of his life, the artist Degas switched from paint to pastel because the chalk lines were easier to see. Renoir had to have brushes placed between his fingers when arthritis made them clench like claws, and when surgery left Matisse immobile, he turned to collage. I can imagine this adaptation of styles must’ve been difficult for these artists, and accompanied by feelings of loss. But in each case what followed was a creative breakthrough:Degas’ Blue Dancers. Renoir’s Girls at the Piano. Matisse’s The Snail, and other masterpieces. By marrying their trial with their talentthese artists saw beauty emerge from their adversity.

Likewise, great Christian ministries have been birthed through a similar process. Joni Eareckson-Tada combined her quadriplegia with a gift of encouragement to start Joni and Friends, helping countless people with disabilities around the world. After being incarcerated for his part in the Watergate scandal, Chuck Colson combined that humbling experience with his leadership abilities to start Prison Fellowship, which has changed the lives of inmates, their families, and victims of crime everywhere. Sometimes adversity can release our best gifts into the world.

Pause for Reflection

What trial have you faced? What lessons did you learn through it?

What are your talents? (Here are some passages to explore: Ephesians 4:7-13, Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12, Exodus 31:1-11, 1 Samuel 16:13-23)

Today’s Reading

Paul wasn’t planning to visit Galatia during his early missionary journeys. An illness forced him there (Galatians 4:13). Whether it was the illness he mentions in 2 Corinthians 12:7, an eye problem (4:15), or something else we don’t know. But Paul sought a different climate, wound up in Galatia and, even though he was ill, started using his talents—preaching the gospel. Ironically, the Holy Spirit performed miracles through him (3:2-5) and the Galatian church was born. This surprising outcome may never have happened without Paul’s illness. As you read this story, consider:

What group of people has your trial brought you close to? 

How could you focus your talents and energy on them in Jesus’ name? (Dream a little here. What artworks, songs, poems, policies, books, community groups and more could be birthed to benefit others by marrying your trial with your talents?)

Based on today’s reflection, who does God wish to become?