The Mentoring Manifesto, Vol. 63: Enduring Pain and Suffering

In his new book, Beautiful People Don’t Just Happen, Scott Sauls quotes grief expert Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, “The most beautiful people…are those who have known defeat, known suffering, struggle, and loss, and have found their way out of those depths.”

We all experience tragedy, some to such a degree that it seems downright unfair. I’ve met people whose traumas have become so deeply connected with their identity that you can feel the weight of it when they walk into a room.

But I’ve also met people who, upon receiving a hopeless diagnosis, choose to live out their final days with purpose, in anticipation of meeting their Heavenly Father. They aren’t living with blind faith or optimism but rather the acknowledgment that our days are numbered, and our lives are fleeting, as Psalm 39:4 reminds us.

When reflecting on the kinds of “beautiful people,” he has encountered, Sauls concludes that the greatest…

• strength comes through the avenue of weakness
• wisdom comes through the avenue of disorientation
• joy through the avenue of sorrow
• worship through the avenue of doubt

Hebrews 12:7-13 reminds us to “Endure suffering as discipline…no discipline seems enjoyable at the time but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed instead.” (Christian Standard Bible)

Mentors, remember God has a plan to heal our tired hands and weak knees. He is with us and for us. Impart this truth to your mentees, and they will be well on their way to being the beautiful people God created them to be.

As you prepare to share your story, pay close attention to the times of disappointment or doubt. Often it is in these times of trial and despair that faith is formed and strengthened. The resources below will help you, and your mentees find healing from past hurts and embrace the fullness God wants for you.

A CONVERSATION WITH SCOTT SAULS

Next week, Scott Sauls is joining our Sept. Mentor-to-Mentor Conversation to discuss his new book, about finding freedom from regret, hurt, and fear. As mentors, we must find freedom and hope amid our past hurts and know how to equip our mentees to do so too. Don’t miss this!

Go here to RSVP.

THE MESSY MIDDLE: HOW TO PERSEVERE IN TOUGH TIMES

We avoid things we don’t like. But sometimes, things come our way that we can’t avoid. In this sermon, Andy Stanley unpacks what to do when there’s nothing we can do. Towards the end, he highlights RM founder Regi Campbell’s goals for finishing well.

Watch the sermon here.

HEALING TRAUMA: THE WHOLENESS OF INTEGRATION

Evil wields trauma as a way to devour us. God’s intention is not to ignore trauma, but to be with us in our trauma and transform it, bringing us to wholeness, beauty, and goodness. This podcast episode from Dr. Curt Thompson is part of a series exploring trauma. 

Listen to the episode here.

SUFFERING SUCKS

Suffering was, is, and will be a part of life here on earth. In this blog post, RM founder Regi Campbell encourages us to lean into our suffering as best we can. Instead of blaming God, connect with Him. He’ll go through it with you. And that is enough. 

Read the whole post here.