In Episode 30 of Unseen but Not Untold: Overcoming Covert Narcissistic Abuse, Dr. Christine C. Zacharia, MD, integrative covert narcissistic abuse recovery expert and board certified endocrinologist, speaks to survivors struggling to embrace their God-given gifts. She acknowledges the tension many survivors experience after covert narcissistic abuse—the desire to walk in God’s calling while simultaneously feeling afraid of what stepping into that calling may require.
“Many of you know exactly what God has revealed to you, yet there is a part of you that hesitates to fully step into it. Not because you doubt God, but because you are afraid of what happens next.”
For survivors of covert narcissistic abuse, visibility can feel threatening. Using their spiritual gifts publicly may awaken fears rooted in painful lived experiences. Dr. Zacharia addresses this reality with compassion and honesty:
“After covert narcissistic abuse, standing out feels dangerous. Being seen feels unsafe. Speaking on what God has shown you can bring up fears of rejection, criticism, misunderstanding, and further isolation. And these fears are not imaginary—they are based on your lived experience.”
Rather than dismissing those fears, she helps listeners understand how trauma can impact their ability to trust themselves, trust others and fully embrace the calling God has placed on their lives. Yet she also reminds survivors that God brings purpose out of devastation.
“You know He has called you to something, but embracing these gifts feels overwhelming—especially after the large upheaval covert narcissistic abuse already brought into your life. Yet it was that very upheaval that became the catalyst of your divine purpose.”
Throughout the episode, Dr. Zacharia shifts the focus toward the true source of spiritual gifts: the Holy Spirit Himself. She emphasizes that these gifts are not random talents or accidental traits, but divine assignments entrusted to believers through God’s wisdom and timing.
“Part of embracing these gifts involves understanding the source of their origin: the Holy Spirit Himself.”
“God did not assign them to you randomly; they have been revealed to you now because you are ready to steward them under His divine guidance.”
God Does Not Make Mistakes
Every gift, calling and assignment given by God carries intentional purpose through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. For survivors who question whether they are truly capable of carrying what God has revealed to them, she offers a powerful reminder that God’s decisions are never accidental.
“Scripture tells us that there are different kinds of gifts and the Holy Spirit distributes them to each believer as He determines. God does not make mistakes with His assignments. He does not randomly distribute gifts, nor does He call people without purpose.”
Dr. Zacharia explains that when God reveals gifts to believers, He does so with divine intention. Survivors often wrestle with fear surrounding visibility, responsibility and the unknown future attached to their calling. Yet she encourages listeners to shift their focus away from self-doubt and toward trust in God’s wisdom.
“If God has revealed something to you, it is because He intends to use you as a vessel of His truth for the greater glory of His kingdom.”
Fear Does Not Mean God Chose the Wrong Person
Many survivors of covert narcissistic abuse experience intense fear when stepping into spiritual gifts or public calling.
“When fear rises around these gifts, the question is not whether He chose correctly in giving them to you. The question is whether you trust Him enough to follow where He is leading you with these gifts.”
She explains that many gifts remained hidden during earlier seasons of life for a reason.
“For most of you, your gifts were intentionally hidden until recently because the timing was not right.”
“If they had been revealed too soon, you may have been exposed before you were spiritually, emotionally and mentally prepared to steward them.”
How Healing from Covert Narcissistic Abuse is Preparation for Divine Calling
Dr. Zacharia emphasizes that recovery from covert narcissistic abuse was not meaningless suffering. Through the healing process, survivors were strengthened in ways necessary to carry what God is now entrusting to them.
She explains that healing taught survivors how to establish healthy boundaries, protect their peace and operate from a place of self-worth rooted in Christ rather than external validation.
“As a result of your healing process, you now operate with firm, healthy boundaries, a strong sense of self-love, and a clear understanding of your worth in Christ.”
Dr. Zacharia also highlights how survivors learned to steward themselves differently after abuse. No longer trapped in cycles of overextending themselves or abandoning their own needs, they are now better equipped to sustain the responsibilities connected to their spiritual gifts.
“You no longer pour yourself out to the point of depletion. You know how to steward your time, energy, and resources wisely.”
God Rebuilds on a Stronger Foundation
Rather than viewing the devastation of abuse as the end of their story, Dr. Zacharia encourages survivors to recognize how God used the rebuilding process to establish a stronger spiritual foundation.
“The pain of covert narcissistic abuse forced you into a season of recovery where God rebuilt you from the ground up—this time on a solid foundation, a foundation strong enough that you can now carry the weight of the gifts He has chosen to entrust to you, at this right and perfectly appointed time.”
Everything unfolds according to His divine order and purpose. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reinforces this point:
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven."
God’s Perfect Timing and the Revelation of Spiritual Gifts
Dr. Zacharia moves on to discuss how God works according to His perfect and divine timing. In His wisdom, He understands exactly when to reveal spiritual gifts, when to prepare His leaders spiritually and when to release them into their calling.
“God is a God of perfect and divine timing. He knows when to reveal, when to prepare, and when to release us into our calling. Because if He had revealed your gifts any sooner, not only would you have been confused by them, but the covert narcissist in your life may have sought to suppress or stifle their development entirely.”
She further explains that spiritual gifts are often revealed progressively rather than all at once. Through spiritual growth and intimacy with God, believers begin to understand more fully how God is working in their lives and what He has called them to do.
The Holy Trinity of God: Father, Son and the Holy Spirit
Dr. Zacharia also provides foundational teaching for those who are newer in their relationship with God. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the identity and role of the Holy Spirit.
“I want to take a moment to explain something for those of you who are newer in your walk with God. When the Holy Spirit communicates with you, He is not someone separate from God—He is God Himself communicating with you.”
Dr. Zacharia goes on to explain the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, describing how the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are distinct yet fully one in divine nature.
“The Holy Spirit is part of the Holy Trinity, which represents God. The Holy Trinity consists of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—three in one and one in three.”
To support this truth, she references Genesis 1:1–2 (NLT):
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters."
Dr. Zacharia also highlights that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was present at creation as well. In John 1:1–3 (NLT) it states:
"In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him."
She goes on to explain that the Word is Jesus.
“The ‘Word’ John highlights is Jesus. This passage confirms Jesus’ identity as the Son in the Holy Trinity. Like God the father and the Holy Spirit, He is eternal. He was present in the beginning and was actively involved in creation itself as well.”
"He was present in the beginning and was actively involved in creation itself as well. John confirms this as well in verse 14 by stating: 'the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.'"
Dr. Zacharia also points listeners to Mark 12:35–37 (NLT), where Jesus teaches in the temple and confirms His divine identity as the Messiah:
“As Jesus was teaching the people in the Temple, he asked, ‘Why do the teachers of religious law claim that the Messiah is the son of David? For David himself, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said, “The Lord said to my Lord, Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies beneath your feet.” Since David himself called the Messiah “my Lord,” how can the Messiah be his son?’”
Concluding this section, she reminds believers that although the concept of the Trinity may seem difficult to fully comprehend from a human perspective, Scripture consistently reveals God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit working together in perfect unity.
“So, as abstract as the Holy Trinity may seem to us, God is revealed as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This truth is supported throughout Scripture.”
How the Holy Spirit Speaks to Believers
“Now, redirecting our attention back to the Holy Spirit, we see that He is not a lesser force or an impersonal energy. He is fully God, co-equal with God the Father and God the Son.”
She teaches that the Holy Spirit dwells within every believer and serves as the closest expression of God’s presence in everyday life. Through the Holy Spirit, believers receive comfort, guidance, truth and spiritual revelation.
Dr. Zacharia further explains that the Holy Spirit is also the giver of spiritual gifts, which are entrusted to believers not for personal gain but for God’s glory and the advancement of His Kingdom.
“He is also the One who bestows His gifts on you for the betterment of humanity as a whole and for the glorification of God and His Kingdom. These gifts serve as the crux of the divine calling God has placed on our lives.”
In Romans 6:13–14 (NLT), Paul calls believers to fully surrender themselves to God and live as instruments for His righteousness and glory:
"Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God."
Dr. Zacharia also explains that the Holy Spirit communicates differently with each believer. The ways God speaks are personal and may vary from one individual to another.
“The Holy Spirit communicates to believers in different ways. The way He speaks to one person may not look exactly like how He speaks to another.”
One of the primary ways the Holy Spirit communicates to all believers is through Scripture itself.
“He can speak to all of us through Scripture—each passage comes alive and speaks directly into your situation, reminding you of what God has already said.”
Reflecting on her own spiritual practice, Dr. Zacharia explains how she seeks God’s guidance through His Word during difficult moments and seasons of uncertainty.
“When I need immediate guidance, I ask God to point me to a passage that applies to what I’m facing. I ask Him to lead me to what I need to hear that day.”
Dr. Zacharia also teaches that some believers may experience communication from God through prophetic dreams and spiritual revelation.
“For some of you, God will communicate through prophetic dreams—showing you glimpses of what is to come in your life, including the lives of others.”
For others, the Holy Spirit may communicate through a supernatural sense of peace.
“For others, He brings inner peace in the middle of a decision or situation that feels overwhelming or impossible to bear. The peace of the Holy Spirit guards our hearts and minds and serves as additional confirmation that we are walking in alignment with Him.”
Dr. Zacharia also emphasizes that God often speaks through fellow believers by bringing encouragement, correction, wisdom or confirmation. However, she cautions listeners to exercise spiritual discernment.
“The Holy Spirit will also speak to us through other believers to bring encouragement, correction or confirmation. And it is important to use your discernment here—because not every voice that claims spiritual authority is truly aligned with God. That discernment too comes from the Holy Spirit.”
“He may also communicate through circumstances—opening doors or closing them. You are all familiar with the saying, ‘When one door closes, another opens.’ This is the Holy Spirit at work in real time.”
In Acts 16:6–7 (NLT), the Holy Spirit redirected Paul’s missionary journey by preventing him from entering certain regions, demonstrating God’s active guidance through circumstances and divine intervention:
"Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there."
There are moments when the Holy Spirit speaks through a deep inner knowing—a quiet certainty placed within.
“At times, the Holy Spirit speaks to us through a deep inner knowing—a quiet certainty in your spirit that is not driven by fear or urgency, but by calm and clarity. A knowing that is difficult to explain but impossible to ignore.”
Dr. Zacharia points to Acts 27:10–11 as a biblical example of discernment being ignored. In this passage, the Apostle Paul warned those aboard a ship not to continue their journey because he discerned danger ahead. However, his warning was dismissed, and the voyage eventually ended in a devastating storm and shipwreck.
She further emphasizes that the Holy Spirit’s guidance carries a distinct spiritual signature that believers should learn to recognize:
“That inner knowing, when it is truly from the Holy Spirit, brings peace and clarity—even when it goes against pressure, urgency or popular opinion.”
The voice of the Holy Spirit does not create panic, confusion or fear. Instead, it gently guides believers with wisdom, peace and clarity, even in situations where outside voices may push them in another direction.
Discernment, Healing and the Voice of the Holy Spirit
Dr. Zacharia speaks into the lived experience of survivors of covert narcissistic abuse, especially the lingering effects of gaslighting, blame shifting and cognitive dissonance. She emphasizes that recovery is not only emotional healing, but also the restoration of trust in one’s own perception.
"For survivors of covert narcissistic abuse, this is especially important to understand. When you’ve lived through long seasons of gaslighting, blame shifting and cognitive dissonance, it can be difficult to trust your own perception again."
She continues by framing healing as a process of discernment—learning to distinguish between what is grounded in truth and what is shaped by fear or manipulation.
From there, Dr. Zacharia addresses a question many believers quietly wrestle with: how to discern the voice of the Holy Spirit from personal thoughts, emotions or external influences.
"The Holy Spirit does not lead us into chaos, confusion, or condemnation. His conviction brings clarity, not destruction. His guidance draws us toward truth, not away from God."
Dr. Zacharia further describes the consistency and steadiness of the Spirit’s leading, contrasting it with emotional volatility or panic-driven impulses.
"The Holy Spirit’s voice is steady. It is not driven by panic or instability, but by truth that ultimately aligns with Scripture and the nature of Christ."
Over time, she notes, believers develop a deeper sensitivity to this kind of divine guidance—not as emotional intensity, but as settled alignment.
"And when the Holy Spirit does lead, there is a quiet assurance—not pressure, not fear, but a grounded sense of clarity that points you back to God."
Spiritual Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Dr. Zacharia then transitions from discernment into a broader teaching on spiritual gifts, directing attention to Paul’s writings for further study. 1 Corinthians 12: 7-11(NLT) highlights this as follows:
"A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages,while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have."
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: The Prophets of the Old Testament
Dr. Zacharia expands the teaching by revealing how the Holy Spirit did not begin in the New Testament era. She highlights that the Spirit was already actively at work throughout the Old Testament, empowering key figures to carry out God’s purposes.
"Before Jesus’ death and resurrection, evidence of these gifts of the Holy Spirit was already at work through key figures in the Old Testament. We see His power operating through people such as Moses, Elijah, David, Samuel, and many of the prophets."
"He empowered them to lead, to prophesy, to perform miracles, to receive divine wisdom and to accomplish God’s purposes. They served as God's messengers, speaking His truth during times when people had wandered from His ways, faced significant decisions or needed encouragement and direction. Through them, God guided His people and revealed His will long before the full revelation of Christ came."
She then begins to point to specific examples, starting with Samuel and his role during a pivotal moment in Israel’s history.
"Samuel received direct instruction from God, anointed both Saul and David as kings and faithfully delivered God's messages even when they were difficult for people to hear."
She continues with Elijah, emphasizing God’s power and faithfulness even in seasons of widespread spiritual decline.
"Through Elijah, God performed miracles, provided supernatural provision and called His people back to true worship. Elijah's ministry reminds us that even when it appears that darkness is prevailing, God always preserves a faithful remnant."
Dr. Zacharia then turns to Isaiah, underscoring the prophetic foresight pointing toward Christ.
"Isaiah received profound revelations concerning both the immediate future of Israel and the coming Messiah. Many of Isaiah's prophecies pointed directly to Jesus Christ hundreds of years before His birth."
She also highlights Jeremiah’s faithfulness in the face of resistance and suffering.
"Jeremiah experienced rejection, ridicule and persecution because of the truths he spoke. Yet he remained faithful to God's calling despite tremendous opposition. His story is a powerful reminder that obedience to God is sometimes costly, but faithfulness is never wasted."
Next, she points to Ezekiel and the way God communicated through vision and symbolism during exile.
"Ezekiel received vivid visions and symbolic revelations from God. Through these visions, God communicated warnings, promises and hope to His people during their exile. Ezekiel's ministry reminds us that God continues to speak even in seasons that feel barren, confusing or hopeless."
She also references Daniel, emphasizing steadfast faith in a hostile environment and the gift of prophetic insight.
"Daniel was given prophetic dreams and visions concerning future kingdoms and God's ultimate victory. Despite living in a culture that opposed his faith, Daniel remained devoted to God and was entrusted with extraordinary spiritual insight. His life demonstrates that believers can remain faithful and influential even in environments that do not honor God."
She then concludes this section by clarifying the purpose behind these spiritual gifts and revelations.
"What is key to understand about these prophets is that their gifts were never given for personal status, recognition or self-promotion. Their revelations were entrusted to them so they could serve God’s overarching purpose for them for the greater good of humanity."
The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament
Dr. Zacharia draws a clear contrast between the Old Testament pattern of the Holy Spirit’s activity and what is revealed in the New Testament. She emphasizes that a major shift occurs after the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.
"Following Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension, this shift becomes fully visible at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was poured out on all believers for the first time. From that moment forward, every believer now has access to His presence, guidance, comfort, and empowerment."
Dr. Zacharia then highlights an important theological clarification regarding how the gifts of the Spirit operate in the life of the believer.
"The key word is believer. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are not abilities we activate on our own; they are given through relationship with God and faith in Jesus as the Son of God and the source of salvation."
She then transitions into Paul’s teaching in the New Testament, directing attention to Scripture for further grounding. 1 Corinthians 1:7-9 (NLT), Paul states the following:
“Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns.God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
The Open Invitation of the Gospel
Dr. Zacharia addresses a common misunderstanding that can arise when discussing faith, belief, and the role of the Holy Spirit. She clarifies that while belief in Jesus is central to receiving the Holy Spirit, the invitation of the Gospel is not limited to a select few—it is extended to everyone.
"At first this may come off exclusionary but the key to remember is that this invitation is open to everyone. God’s desire is that all people have the opportunity to hear the Gospel and personally respond to Jesus."
"Before Jesus’ return, the Gospel must be proclaimed to all nations so that people everywhere have the opportunity to hear the good news of salvation."
Dr. Zacharia then points to Jesus’ words in Scripture as confirmation of this global mission. In Matthew 24:14 (NLT) Jesus states:
"And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations and then the end will come.”
She reviews how this reflects the heart of God toward humanity—not coercion, but invitation and reconciliation.
"This right here reflects God’s heart posture for humanity. He does not force anyone into relationship with Him, but He extends the invitation to all. The message of Jesus is not reserved for a select group of people—it is available to anyone who believes."
She continues by broadening the application of that invitation, affirming that background or past belief systems do not disqualify anyone from responding to the Gospel.
"So whether you once identified as an atheist, were indifferent toward faith or came from another religious tradition, the invitation of the Gospel remains open to all people. God’s desire is not exclusion, but reconciliation—drawing people back to Himself through Jesus Christ."
Dr. Zacharia then shifts into further guidance for those who are either new to faith or returning after a long period away, offering a practical starting point for engaging Scripture.
"And if you are new in your faith or returning after a long time away, a good place to start is with the Bible. One version I personally recommend is the NLT Study Bible, which has shaped my understanding of Scripture through its clear explanations, historical context, and connections between the Old and New Testaments."
She also acknowledges a common objection regarding authorship and reliability, addressing it directly rather than dismissing it.
"If you are skeptical of the Bible because it was written by human authors, I understand that concern—I had the same hesitation myself. But this is where the Holy Spirit comes in. The Bible was written by people who were inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit, meaning we are reading God’s truth expressed in written form."
She closes this section by emphasizing the importance of context and faithful interpretation, returning again to the value of study tools for deeper understanding.
"While interpretations can vary, understanding historical and cultural context is key to reading Scripture faithfully. That is another reason I value the NLT Study Bible—it offers helpful explanations, background context, and connections between the Old and New Testaments that bring clarity to the text."
Healing, Identity and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Dr. Zacharia directs her attention at this point in the episode toward those who are early in their healing journey. She explains spiritual gifts not as something distant or abstract, but as something deeply connected to what was once targeted or distorted by covert narcissistic abuse.
"Now, for those of you that are early in your healing journey are not yet aware of your gifts, they are often the very areas that were targeted by the covert narcissist—whether it was your knowledge, your voice, your discernment, your unique talents or all of the above - that is often where the truth of your gifts lies. But God will reveal this more definitively to you in His perfect and divine timing as you continue to heal and draw closer to Him."
Dr. Zacharia transitions to the seven universal gifts of the Holy Spirit available to all believers, grounding the discussion in Scripture. Isaiah 11:1–3 (NLT) reveals these gifts:
"Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot—yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. He will delight in obeying the Lord.”
She discusses these gifts are a foundation for all believers in Christ.
"These seven expressions of the Holy Spirit are a shared foundation for all believers. I discuss this in more detail in the context of covert narcissistic abuse recovery in episode 13."
Discernment Restored and the Work of the Holy Spirit in Dr. Zacharia's Life
Dr. Zacharia moves on to share a deeply personal reflection of how this evolved in her life.
"Something I now understand as a gift of the Holy Spirit is discernment. Growing up, what I labeled as intuition, I now understand as His gift."
"From a young age, I could often read people’s intentions, tone and body language. I could sense ill intent or dishonesty when others could not. I knew when someone was lying to me. I could pick up on subtle shifts in a room, when words did not match intentions and when something was being left unsaid. I often sensed when someone did not like me, even when they denied it."
She then reflects on how repeated experiences of covert narcissistic abuse gradually destabilized her trust in that inner awareness.
"However, through repeated gaslighting—not by one, but by three covert narcissists in my life—my trust in this began to fade. Over time, the constant invalidation, blame-shifting and distortion of my reality eroded my confidence in my own perception."
"By the time the third and most destructive covert narcissist entered my life, my discernment had already been significantly deconstructed through years of psychological confusion and manipulation. The cognitive dissonance was overwhelming."
She continues by describing the internal collapse of certainty that followed.
"Eventually, I stopped trusting what I knew to be true. And many of you listening can relate to this, because this pattern is a pervasive part of covert narcissistic abuse."
Dr. Zacharia then describes the beginning of restoration through healing and separation from those relationships.
"It was not until I began healing that I started to reconnect with this gift again. And for every year I went no contact with each covert narcissist in my life, starting in 2023, I found myself reconnecting with my discernment more and more."
She also notes a deepening awareness that emerged alongside this restoration, including understanding of spiritual symbolism.
"Along with that restoration of discernment came a growing awareness of the world around me in a deeper way. As I broke free from the chains of rumination, I became more present and more aware of divine symbolism in my life—much of which I have shared in the early episodes of this podcast."
"And I now understand that this symbolism was also part of how the Holy Spirit was communicating with me, helping me reframe situations in my healing journey and including a fresh perspective and surrender of the process to God."
From there, she transitions into further unfolding of spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit, including direct communication with God.
"But something even deeper began to unfold as I grew in my relationship with God. Early this year, the Holy Spirit revealed a new gift to me: the gift of direct communication with Him. The gift to prophesy."
She emphasizes that she understands this progression as intentional and divinely timed.
"So while the gifts of discernment and divine symbolism remain present in my life, the Holy Spirit bestowed this additional gift shortly after the development of this podcast series. And of course, that was not a coincidence. With God, there is no such thing as a coincidence. He gave it to me when He knew I was ready to handle it and steward it properly."
Dr. Zacharia reviews the nature of this podcast series being Spirit-led and oriented toward healing and restoration.
"In fact, the Holy Spirit is the One who has been directing the content of every social media post and podcast episode I have done since then. This podcast is His podcast—I am simply a vessel of His truth, using the gifts He has given me to bring His message of clarity, hope, healing, and restoration to every survivor listening."
"And if you have been following my content since I began this journey three years ago, you can see how the Holy Spirit has impacted the nature of my work, especially over the last year. I have moved from educating people on covert narcissism, to helping others heal from covert narcissistic abuse, to now walking survivors back to God for healing and alignment with their respective divine purposes."
Unique Gifts in the Larger Body of Christ
The gifts the Holy Spirit has bestowed on each believer will be uniquely different, yet overlap with the standard seven gifts described above. Although they come from the same Holy Spirit, they are purposed uniquely through each believer. Each person’s calling is distinct.
"We are all many parts of the one body of Christ, working together to bring about change and to reflect the light of Christ within us on a massive scale."
In 1 Corinthians 12:12 and 14 (NLT) Paul elaborates on this concept further:
"The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part."
Then in verse 27-28 Paul goes on to say:
"All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages. Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? Of Course not. So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts."
Fear, Visibility and Stepping Into One's Spiritual Gifts
Dr. Zacharia acknowledges the hesitation many people feel when it comes to embracing spiritual gifts—especially when those gifts feel unfamiliar, misunderstood or outside what is commonly accepted in modern culture. She frames this fear as both psychological and spiritual, intensified by one's prior experience of covert narcissistic abuse.
"After the experience of enduring covert narcissistic abuse, some of you are carrying a deep sensitivity to being ostracized and shamed again. You fear stepping into visibility only to be misunderstood, mislabeled, or isolated. You worry about being judged for what you carry—especially because it does not fit neatly into accepted categories or conventional measures of understanding in modern society."
She continues by highlighting that for others, the fear is more relational—centered on rejection from those closest to them.
"For others, the fear is more relational. It is the fear of rejection—of being seen differently by family, friends or colleagues. The fear of being dismissed, criticized or even cut off because of your faith, and because of the way your gifts express that faith."
Dr. Zacharia shares a personal reflection on her own experience of moving through fear into openness about her faith, attributing that shift to spiritual transformation rather than personal resolve alone.
"In the beginning, I was also afraid to share my faith in Jesus for similar reasons. But as my relationship with God deepened, what once felt like fear, gradually became something I could no longer keep to myself. And I recognize that this shift is not merely personal determination; it is the work of the Holy Spirit within me."
She also broadens the scope of fear to include those in more dangerous or restrictive environments, acknowledging that for some, the cost of faith is not social discomfort but physical risk.
"For others, depending on where you live, this fear is not social but physical. Some of you know that openly declaring your faith in Jesus could cost you your safety, your livelihood or even your life. I am aware that some of your listening live in places where even the public confession of Christ carries severe consequences."
From there, Dr. Zacharia grounds the discussion in Scripture, pointing to Jesus’ own experience of being misunderstood, even by those closest to Him. John 7:1–7 (NLT) captures this moment:
"After this, Jesus traveled around Galilee. He wanted to stay out of Judea, where the Jewish leaders were plotting his death. But soon it was time for the Jewish Festival of Shelters,and Jesus’ brothers said to him, 'Leave here and go to Judea, where your followers can see your miracles! You can’t become famous if you hide like this! If you can do such wonderful things, show yourself to the world!' For even his brothers didn’t believe in him.”
Dr. Zacharia continues by drawing a direct line between the experiences of believers and the lived reality of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that misunderstanding and rejection are not signs of spiritual failure, but a pattern also present in the life of Jesus.
"If even Jesus experienced misunderstanding, rejection and resistance in His earthly life, then we should not be surprised when following Him brings moments of the same."
"Some of you feel embarrassed to speak about Jesus, especially because in the past, when you spoke your truth, you were mocked, shamed or dismissed, not only by the covert narcissist, but other people as well."
She then connects this personal and psychological experience of social rejection to the suffering and misunderstanding Jesus Himself endured. Dr. Zacharia points back to the Gospel narrative, noting that even in moments of public controversy surrounding Jesus, there were mixed reactions—some of belief, some of doubt and some of silence.
At the very same Festival of Shelters Jesus didn’t attend the pharisees came looking for him. John 7:12–13 (NLT) captures this moment when people did some speak up on his behalf:
"There was a lot of grumbling about him among the crowds. Some argued, 'He’s a good man,' but others said, 'He’s nothing but a fraud who deceives the people.' But no one had the courage to speak favorably about him in public, for they were afraid of getting in trouble with the Jewish leaders."
Jesus was not openly defended or safely affirmed. He was spoken about, debated and misunderstood—yet few were willing to stand openly with Him.
Jesus Himself is familiar with what it feels like to be misrepresented, spoken about indirectly, and surrounded by silence where there should have been support.
Jesus was directly mocked and ridiculed as well. Matthew 27:27-30 highlights just one of these moments:
"Some of the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into their headquarters and called out the entire regiment. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. They wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head and they placed a reed stick in his right hand as a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mockery and taunted, 'Hail! King of the Jews!'And they spit on him and grabbed the stick and struck him on the head with it."
God's Chosen Ones Are Set Apart
Dr. Zacharia continues by reflecting on the tension between Christ’s message and the human response to it.
"Imagine, the very people Jesus came here to save were mocking Him. So, understand your fears are completely valid. It is also important to understand this truth: the gifts of the Holy Spirit are not meant to blend in with what is common."
"They are set apart for a reason, and you have been set apart from before you were even born. The covert narcissist being sent your way is just one sign of your anointing."
She then turns toward the embodied impact of healing after covert narcissistic abuse, describing how visibility itself can feel threatening for survivors.
"After growing accustomed to being unseen and unheard in our covert narcissistic relationships, doing the opposite elicits a deeply visceral response. Being seen, being heard and stepping into visibility feels scary, uncomfortable and even unwelcome at first. Our body clenches up at even the thought of it."
Dr. Zacharia shares a personal reflection on her own unexpected transition into public ministry and content creation.
"For many of us, myself included, we did not seek out visibility. Even now, the fact that I have a podcast or share content about God on social media is a far cry from who I once was. I could not have imagined doing either of these things more than three years ago."
She then emphasizes the ongoing transformation of the Holy Spirit’s work in her life.
"But here’s the thing: the person I am today is different from who I was even five months ago, a year ago and even three years ago. That is the power of the Holy Spirit working in me and stewarding the gifts He has entrusted to me in alignment with His purpose."
Dr. Zacharia closes this section by reframing the pace of spiritual growth, especially for those newly becoming aware of their gifts.
"So just because God has revealed your gifts to you now does not mean He expects you to move at full speed. In fact, it is often quite the opposite—and that is what the wilderness season is for. It is a divine boot camp, one we did not ask for, but one God knows we need, just as Jesus Himself was led into a season of preparation."
Water and Fire as Symbols of the Holy Spirit
Dr. Zacharia opens this section by framing a focused reflection on two spiritual symbols: water and fire.
"God wanted me to focus on two symbols this week: water and fire. Both pertain beautifully to the Holy Spirit. While the Holy Spirit is captured in scripture with other symbols as well, He wanted me to focus in on these two for the purpose of this week’s episode."
She begins with water, describing its layered theological meaning within the Christian faith—both physical and spiritual.
"Water is one of the richest symbols in the Christian faith, and when it’s connected to the Holy Spirit, it carries themes of life, cleansing, rebirth, renewal and divine presence."
"In Scripture, water represents both physical and spiritual realities. At the most basic level, water sustains life—without it, nothing lives. Water is also a powerful image for how God sustains spiritual life."
Dr. Zacharia then traces how water functions throughout major Old Testament narratives as both judgment and deliverance.
"For instance, in the Old Testament, water shows up as both judgment and salvation: the flood in Noah’s time brings a period of cleansing in a corrupted world, while the crossing of the Red Sea becomes a moment of deliverance and new beginning for Israel."
"Water also is life-sustaining when Moses strikes a rock and water flows from it while the Israelites are wandering in the wilderness, providing them with what they need to survive in a barren place."
She then transitions into the New Testament, where water becomes directly associated with repentance and spiritual renewal.
"This is where John the Baptist enters the picture. John appears in the wilderness, calling people to repentance and baptizing them in the Jordan River. His baptism with water symbolized turning away from sin and preparing the way for the coming Kingdom of God. In doing so, he prepares the way for the Messiah, Jesus."
In Luke 3:16-17 (NLT), John the Baptist proclaims:
"I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.”
The Baptism of Jesus
Dr. Zacharia turns to one of the most profound moments in the Gospels—the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist—and highlights its layered spiritual significance, particularly in relation to water and the Holy Spirit.
"When He is baptized, several things happen at once that are deeply symbolic. The heavens open, the Holy Spirit descends on Him 'like a dove,' and the Father’s voice declares, 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'
Dr. Zacharia then unpacks the theological meaning of this moment in three key dimensions. First, she discusses Jesus’ identification with humanity:
"He enters the waters not because He needs cleansing as the Son of God, but because He is beginning His public ministry in solidarity with sinners."
Second, she points to the revelation of the Holy Trinity in this scene:
"Second, it is a moment of full revelation of the Holy Trinity: the Son in the water, the Holy Spirit descending upon Him, and the Father speaking from heaven."
Third, she highlights the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and His identification with those He came to redeem:
"In doing so, Jesus identifies with the very people He came to save. Though Jesus himself was without sin, He entered into their experience, foreshadowing the ultimate purpose of His incarnation - to bring forgiveness of sins through His death and resurrection to restore our relationship with God."
She then concludes this reflection by broadening the meaning of water beyond cleansing alone, emphasizing renewal and spiritual rebirth:
"In this sense, water is not only associated with cleansing from sin; it is a powerful symbol of rebirth, renewal and new life through the Holy Spirit. Pointing to the spiritual life God offers through Christ."
Titus 3:4-7 (NLT) confirms this truth:
“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.”
Dr. Zacharia goes on to explain that believers come into a renewed relationship with God, leaving behind an old life marked by sin and separation, entering into a new life shaped by grace and direct communion with Him.
"Water, therefore, is not only a sign not only of cleansing, but of God's ongoing work of renewal, restoration and spiritual rebirth in Christ."
Fire as the Presence, Power and Purifying Work of God
She continues her reflection on biblical symbolism by turning to fire, describing it as one of the clearest representations of God’s presence and transformative work throughout Scripture.
"Fire throughout Scripture points to God’s presence and His purifying work. It is a sign that God is revealing Himself and calling His people into mission—such as when Moses encountered God in the burning bush in Exodus 3."
She then connects this same imagery to the moment of Pentecost, where fire becomes a visible sign of the Holy Spirit resting on believers.
"At Pentecost, that same divine fire rests as tongues of fire on each believer, showing that God’s presence is no longer confined to a place or a moment in history, but now dwells within all His believers."
Dr. Zacharia references the early church’s experience as recorded in Acts 2:1-4, which captures this moment vividly (NLT):
“On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.”
She then reflects on the dramatic transformation that followed this encounter with the Holy Spirit.
"This moment was not quiet or subtle—it was powerful, visible and undeniable. At Pentecost, the disciples were transformed completely. Before receiving the Holy Spirit, they were fearful and in hiding. After this, they stepped into the streets preaching boldly, even in the face of persecution."
"Once fearful, they became courageous—set ablaze with divine purpose."
She emphasizes that this “fire” was never meant to remain contained, but to spread outward through proclamation and witness. Dr. Zacharia then broadens the meaning of fire to include hope and divine presence, not only power.
"Fire here not only represents divine power and courage—it also represents hope. It is the sign that God has not stepped away from us. He now dwells within all believers in a new and lasting way. The Holy Spirit assures us we are not alone and God remains at work in our lives."
She continues by describing fire as a symbol of purification and refinement, drawing from the imagery of Scripture.
"Fire also represents purification. Just as precious metal is refined in the fire, Scripture uses this image to describe God’s work of refining the hearts of His people—removing what is impure so that what remains is strengthened and made ready for His purpose."
Fire also carries the dimension of judgment and moral separation, as reflected in earlier teachings of John the Baptist.
"In the preaching of John the Baptist I shared earlier from Luke, fire is associated with the separation of wheat from chaff—an image of distinction between what is fruitful and what is not. The same God who refines His people also confronts what refuses to be transformed, bringing truth, clarity and justice."
Water and Fire Together: The Multidimensional of the Holy Spirit
"So when we bring water and fire together, we begin to see a fuller picture of the Holy Spirit."
"Water cleanses and gives life. Fire empowers and refines. Water prepares the heart. Fire sends the believer into mission. And together, they reveal that the Holy Spirit is not passive or one-dimensional. He is both the quiet work of inner transformation and the bold flame of divine power."
She then introduces the metaphor of a sword being forged in fire and water, illustrating how transformation involves both pressure and restoration.
"Like a sword being forged, the process involves both fire and water. In the fire, the metal is heated, softened and shaped. What is brittle is broken down. What is impure is removed. Fire does not destroy the metal—it prepares it to become something stronger."
"Then it is plunged into water. The water cools, stabilizes and strengthens what the fire has formed. It gives the sword structure, endurance and resilience."
Dr. Zacharia explains that Scripture reflects this same integrated process of formation through the Holy Spirit.
"In the same way, Scripture uses both images to describe the work of the Holy Spirit in us. These are not competing actions, but the unified work of God shaping us."
She then shifts toward how this shaping relates directly to spiritual gifts and personal calling.
"And it is through this ongoing work of the Holy Spirit that God prepares, refines and establishes the gifts He places within His people."
"So as you can see, the Holy Spirit has not only given you certain gifts; He is also shaping you to carry them. He is forming your character to sustain what He has placed in your hands. These gifts are not random, and they are not without purpose—they are entrusted to you to be used in a specific way that serves God’s greater work in your life and in the world around you."
At the conclusion of the episode, Dr. Zacharia offers additional encouragement to those who feel overwhelmed or uncertain about what they are carrying spiritually.
"And if these gifts feel unfamiliar, overwhelming or even intimidating right now, they were never meant to be carried in your own strength. You are being led, strengthened, and sustained by the One who gave them to you in the first place."
"What God has placed in you, He will also sustain. What He has begun in you, He will mature. And what He has entrusted to you, He will bring to completion. The same Holy Spirit who came upon all believers at Pentecost is the same Spirit who dwells within you today."