When we run into trials in life, sometimes we stop using our God-given gift.

Each of us has a God-given gift or ability, something that we’re able to do better than just about anyone else. But when we run into opposition and trials in life, sometimes the first thing we want to do is stop using that gift. We stop living out who God made us to be.

Berni Dymet encourages us to discover the hidden gems within ourselves. God’s gifting can actually serve as a springboard for achieving our dreams – no matter what obstacles we may face.

Though life can present its share of challenges, adversity doesn’t have to keep us from making the most out of our unique gifts and blessing others. Although it’s easy to be discouraged, we can trust God to bring good out of every challenging situation.

Using Our God-Given Gifts

The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 1:6, to rekindle the gift of God that is within us through the laying on of hands. Then in 2 Timothy 1:14 it says to guard the good treasure entrusted to us with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.

‘Timothy was struggling amidst the adversity of pastoring a growing church,’ says Berni. ‘He was at risk of losing sight of his God given gifts. So the Apostle Paul writes to him, exhorting him to rekindle that gift. Why? Because adversity was tearing away at him.’

The Bible tells us distressing times will come. Yet it seems that Timothy, perhaps like us, wasn’t expecting adversity. It’s not something we hope for or look forward to. And invariably one of the biggest impacts on us is that sense of surprise.

‘But Paul says this is the reality,’ says Berni. ‘This is what’s going to happen. Don’t be surprised. People are going to come against you. They’re going to be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, haters of good. Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.’

Encourage And Comfort Those Around Us

We don’t expect to find those people in our churches, families or workplaces. But Paul is warning us they are there. Adversity is not an excuse to give up on doing good. We can’t give up using our God given gifts to love, bless, encourage and comfort those around us.

‘I believe this is reality,’ says Berni. ‘In the harsh light of day with people like this around, God is calling us to rekindle the gift that He placed in us when He hand-crafted every strand of our DNA in our mother’s womb. I know without a doubt that for some, the dream of using their God given gift has grown cold.’

Just imagine where we would be today if Jesus had turned back from the cross because it was all too hard. Adversity is the very place where we are called to grow and exercise our gift. We are to use that gift from God to make a difference in other people’s lives.

‘Adversity is not our excuse for giving up on our God given gift,’ says Berni. ‘It’s the trigger to use it even more to bless others. Because where there is opposition and adversity, more love and more grace is actually required.’

Article supplied with thanks to Vision Christian Media – a non-profit, follower-funded Christian media ministry taking God’s Word to every corner of Australia and beyond through broadcast, online and print media.

Feature image: Canva

Kingdomcity megachurch in Perth is claiming the largest mass baptism in Australian history after around 1,000 new Christians were baptised on the South Perth foreshore on Good Friday afternoon.

A crowd of thousands of family members and other supporters celebrated at Sir James Mitchell Park on the banks of the Swan River against the backdrop of the Perth CBD.

Senior pastor Mark Varughese who founded the global KIngdomcity church 20-years ago, declared: “Baptism, in the evangelical Christian tradition, is a public declaration of an inward decision.”

“It symbolises leaving behind the past and stepping into a new life — something that resonates with the universal human desire for renewal, hope, and purpose.” 

Mass Baptism, Perth – Kingdomcity Church

“We Made History On The Banks of The Swan River”

“The reason we do it at Easter is it almost visually re-enacts what Easter’s all about: the death, the burial, and then the resurrection of Jesus,” Pastor Varushese explained to 9 News.

KIngdomcity has seven campuses around Perth and hundreds more in at least 40 countries on all continents. 

The Perth campuses mentored and prepared those being baptised on the spiritual signficance of the act.

On social media the church declared: “Australia’s Largest Mass Baptism – What a Day! We just wrapped up history at Perth’s Swan River foreshore!”

Perth Mass Baptism – Kingdomcity Church

Kingdomcity’s Celebration Message

“With thousands gathering to support friends and family who were baptised.”

“People publicly declared their faith in an unforgettable mass baptism this Good Friday in the Swan River.”

“Thank you to every single person who came, watched, and celebrated with us,”

“What an incredible gathering of transformation, community, and new beginnings!”

Unusually, this Christian event was covered by mainstream media such as Channel 9 in Perth,

Testimonies of Those Baptised

“I just feel like it’s a new beginning, like something is about to shift in my life, about to change, and I’m so grateful for this amazing community that I get to do it with,” Natasha Pickering told 9 News.

“It felt so surreal to be baptised. We’re so excited for what’s ahead,” said Micaela and Blake after being baptised.

“Life throws so much at you and you need God to do it. To walk through it.”

“It’s easier to do life with 3 people especially when one of those is Jesus.”

“It’s made our relationship stronger and we chose to be baptised to be closer to Jesus.” 

Mass Baptism, Perth – Kingdomcity Church

Another Mass Baptism at Frankston Beach, Melbourne

Another mass baptism took place at Melbourne’s Frankston Beach next to the pier on Port Phillip Bay.

Organisers The Global Harvest and the One Heart Frankston coalition of local churches from multiple denominations claimed 750 people were baptised in the annual event, which is at least 50% more than on Good Friday last year. 

That number was just over half the 1,400 who had registered through an online form to be baptised.

Amid the concerns of some Christians over the registration process, organisers stressed: “Everyone present heard a clear presentation of the Gospel and was given an opportunity to respond in repentance.”

Organisers Explain The Frankston Mass Baptism

“Trained teams were on hand to speak with individuals personally, walking them through the message of Jesus and answering questions to ensure understanding,” organisers explained.

“Each person who chose to be baptised was also asked to complete a waiver, confirming that they understood the basics of the Gospel, had repented from sin, and were choosing to follow Jesus as we see in Acts.”

“This ensured that baptism was a genuine and informed response, not simply a spontaneous moment without understanding.”

Were People Baptised Too Quickly and Easily?

Some have asked whether people were baptised too quickly and easily.

Organisers responded: “It is a fair question — often coming from a place of care and a desire to see genuine, lasting faith.”

“But those involved point to a simple conviction:”

“When someone hears the Gospel, repents, and believes — why delay what Scripture treats as immediate?

Frankston Mass Baptism – The Global Harvest

Testimonies From Frankston Mass Baptism

The stories emerging from the day reflected the diversity of those who responded.

One man described as a former atheist shared that he had recently become interested in Jesus and the Bible, and — after conversations and a timely reconnection — chose to be baptised and begin his journey of faith.

Another person shared a story of struggling with rejection and feeling unloved, having searched for acceptance before encountering the love of Jesus.

individuals testified how faith had been rekindled across entire households and many families were baptised together.

Personal Encounters

Others told of their personal encounters during their baptism — describing a sense of peace, freedom, and new beginning.

One individual described feeling something like a “bolt” go through his body at the moment of baptism.

The day also included reports of healing, with people sharing improvements in conditions such as headaches, hearing, and breathing following prayer and baptism.

Among those baptised were a former mayor of Frankston and the current deputy mayor, publicly declaring their faith in baptism alongside hundreds of others.

Organisers Celebrate This Powerful Response

One Heart Frankston and The Global Harvest rejoiced that what took place on Good Friday was more than a large gathering.

It was a community moment, they said, marked by unity, faith, and a simple, powerful response to the Gospel.

“People heard. People repented. People were baptised.”

“And for many, it was just the beginning.”

Article supplied with thanks to Vision Christian Media.

Feature image: Supplied