How God Can Use Your ADHD for His Glory

Your mind is racing faster than your body can keep up, with ideas, overflowing with vision and yet, you often feel tangled and frustrated. You’ve probably had people tell you to focus, that you should concentrate on one task at a time, or that you might have ADHD. Maybe you’ve told yourself these things too.

If you have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and you view your high energy, impulsive drive, and out-of-the-box thinking as a flaw, let me assure you that it’s not. God can use this for His glory and to benefit you and those around you.

Let’s take a moment to look at some people in the Bible who exhibit some of the same traits as you do. Though the term “ADHD” didn’t exist then, certain biblical figures exhibited traits we’d recognize today as hallmarks of this condition. And guess what? God used them powerfully and to His glory. Their unique wiring wasn’t a mistake, but a part of His Master plan.

Peter: Passion and Impulse

Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, could easily be the poster child for impulse. He’s the one who jumped out of the boat to walk on water (Matthew 14:28-29), the one who spoke up without any hesitation during the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:4), and the one who swung his sword in the Garden of Gethsemane without fully understanding the situation (John 18:10). As you can see from these examples, Peter often acted and reacted first and thought later; a classic ADHD trait.

Do you think that Peter impulsively signed up for a fishing trip he was ill-prepared to take? Maybe. But Peter’s tendency to impulse was also his strength. When Jesus asked, “Who do you say I am?” it was Peter who boldly declared, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).

This same Peter, who sometimes stumbled in his enthusiasm, became the rock upon which Jesus built His church. His passion and energy, when in keeping with God’s purpose, led to bold preaching, miraculous healings, and the growth of the early church.

Paul: Drive and Hyperfocus

The Apostle Paul, before his conversion, was relentless in persecuting Christians. The force of his mission to uphold Jewish law was intense. That is until God met him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9).

After his conversion, Paul’s drive didn’t diminish. In fact, it was redirected and used for the glory of God. He became equally relentless in spreading the gospel, traveling tirelessly, writing letters, and planting churches.

Paul’s ability to hyperfocus allowed him to articulate deep theological truths that still shape our faith today. Did he write them all in one night? No. But his determination and hyperfocus has certainly had a lasting impact on the world.

His restless spirit propelled him to spread the gospel to the Gentiles, crossing cultural and geographical boundaries. Imagine if Paul had seen his intensity as a weakness rather than a tool for God’s work!

David: Creative and Energetic

David was a shepherd, warrior, poet, and musician. He was a man of many talents and abilities. His creativity poured out in psalms that continue to comfort and inspire believers today. But David’s energy and passion sometimes got him into trouble.

His impulsive decisions, like staying behind during wartime and pursuing Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11), remind us of the challenges that come from a wandering mind and impulsive tendencies.

Yet, God called David a man after His own heart (Acts 13:22). Why? Because David always returned to God with humility, repentance, and a desire to glorify Him. His creativity, energy, and sensitivity were part of what made him a powerful leader and worshipper.

Your ADHD is a Divine Design

Like Peter, Paul, and David, your ADHD traits are not by accident. That energy that feels like a burden? It’s fuel for passion and innovation. The impulses that sometimes trip you up can lead to bold decisions and courage in the face of fear. The hyperfocus that keeps you up all night? It can be channeled into mastering a skill or pouring your heart into a calling.

God doesn’t make mistakes in His creation. Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” That includes your ADHD. God wired you the way you are for a reason.

God’s Glory in Your Story

If you’ve ever felt like your ADHD makes you “too much” or “not enough,” let me remind you: God uses unlikely people for extraordinary purposes. Your story, with all its twists and turns, can point others to Him. Don’t let the world’s standards define your worth. Instead, let your life be a testimony to the God who takes our weaknesses and turns them into strengths.

Thriving with ADHD

Thriving with ADHD doesn’t mean that life will be without challenges. It only means that learning to manage and leverage these gifts in purposeful and positive ways will help you live a more productive and peaceful life.

Learn to focus on your calling and use your gifts for God like Paul and let your focus be on God’s mission for your life. When you use your gifts for His purpose, you will see how He can use you in ways that go way beyond your imagination.

Therapy can make a massive and positive impact on those who live with ADHD. In therapy, you can learn valuable skills to manage your symptoms (and your time), learn practical organizational skills, social skills, and emotional regulation.

You are not a mistake. Your ADHD is not a limitation. It’s a unique part of God’s plan for your life. So go ahead and bring your energy, creativity, and passion to the table. Sing a new song to the Lord, not despite your ADHD but because of it.

Christian Counseling for ADHD in Rowlett, Texas

You don’t have to struggle alone. For more information and to schedule your first appointment with one of the faith-based therapists in Rowlett, Texas, give us a call today at Texas Christian Counseling, Rowlett.