Derwood Alliance Church

In this episode, Pastors Mark and Devin explore the topic of suffering and its role in spiritual formation. They emphasize that suffering is an unavoidable part of life, even for Christians, and address the tendency to avoid or numb pain rather than confront it. The pastors discuss various forms of suffering, including trauma, and how it can hinder emotional and spiritual maturity.They recommend naming and feeling one's pain, then inviting God and trusted companions into the healing process. Pastor Mark references Pete Scazzero's approach of "name it, feel it, and invite God into it" as a healthy way to deal with suffering. The importance of professional counseling is also highlighted, especially for processing trauma.The pastors stress that while God can redeem suffering for His glory, healing is often a gradual process unique to each individual. They conclude with Brennan Manning's concept of the "victorious limp," illustrating how past wounds can become a testimony to God