Suffering’s purpose is often hidden behind a cloud of confusion about God’s character and His refinement process. We brace ourselves against future suffering, cry through present pain, and heave sighs of relief post trauma. Is it possible there is a better way to face life’s trials?
Severe neurological Lyme and a metabolic disorder that went undiagnosed for ten years caused Cheryl to experience years of unnecessary and seemingly endless private suffering. The trials taught her much about the love of her heavenly Father. He supplied during times of need in ways Cheryl could not appreciate or understand during times of plenty.
Jesus’s earthly ministry included many miracles involving healing. Yet His message was much more profound than that of relief from physical pain. Often we look for escape from our circumstances while God is using the same to heal us at our core.
Join us on September 21st to hear about a journey through intense pain to a sweet place of contentment and joy.
About Cheryl Scanlan
Cheryl Scanlan, PCC, CPCC, began coaching in 2004 after a prolonged illness served as a Divine incubator growing a focused love for the Lord and His church body.
She was formerly president of a multi-million dollar firm in New York. After coming to know Christ while living in Florida, she later served as Women’s Minister and Care Director for a church of over 5000 in Raleigh, NC.
She combines strong business acumen with a passion for Christian coaching in order to facilitate the development of confident ambassadors for Christ in both ministry and the marketplace.
Cheryl’s passion is to see God’s people walk in step with Him. An ardent student of scripture, she is a trained Precept Bible Teacher and has studied God’s Word inductively for over 10 years.
Cheryl is married to Tom and has two teenage boys.
Cheryl’s Truths About Pain
1. Pain has a purpose
2. Pain is a people bonder
3. Pain keeps us aware of our humanness
4. Pain reminds us that we are not in charge
5. Pain permits others to learn how to minister
Cheryl’s Success Tips
When you get tired of reading about God, think about Him. When you get tired of thinking about Him, pray to Him. When you get tired of praying to Him, rest in Him.
When the fruit of the spirit seem to be drowned by toil, stife and striving ask – what are you telling yourself in that moment? Does it align with God’s truth? If not – take that thought captive to the obedience of Christ before taking another step.
Pray with one another first. Then talk to each other. You’ll find you have a lot less you need to say.
Consider your priorities. Let God sift your priorities. Then stick to those priorities.
Cheryl’s Favorite Quotes
“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” John Piper
“To learn strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm amid severe testings.” George Mueller
“Bless you prison, bless you for being in my life. For there, lying upon the rotting prison straw, I came to realize that the object of life is not prosperity as we are made to believe, but the maturity of the human soul.” Aleksandr Solzhenitzyn (The Gulag Archipelago)
Listen to the interview with Cheryl by clicking the audio arrow or link below.
Cheryl, I knew your interview would be powerful; however, I underestimated you. For people who need to hear your message, whether they realize how much they need it or not, your testimony will blow them away. Myself included!
Thank you, sweet friend, for your transparency and for your willingness to bare your heart and soul. What a joy you are.
With gratitude and admiration and love,
Jory
Thank you Jory – You do make the interview process seamless and simple! Appreciate this opportunity. And appreciate working along side you.
Corem Deo,
Cheryl
One of the things, I think, that causes Christians today, particularly in the West, to falter in their faith, is not having integrated a “theology of suffering” into their belief system.
It is critical, I think, to help us deal with the seeming anomalies in what we perceive of God’s love. He doesn’t always give us businesses that are more profitable, marriages that are restored, or physical healing as an indication of our alignment with the purpose He has for us, or as an indication of His favor. What He does give is unfailing love and acceptance, grace sufficient for the moment, unexplainable joy, and the promise of unbroken fellowship with Him for all eternity. And frankly, I would rather have those things than any “blessing” that is limited to this realm, even if it means the loss of everything I hold dear.
Thank you, Cheryl, for reinforcing this truth with your transparency and abiding trust in a God whose love exceeds our understanding. And thank you, Jory, for offering your audience such a clear call to look beyond our circumstances to find God.
I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed a radio interview as much as this one. What a powerful show, and what a blessing.
Jory, as always, you managed to ask just the questions that I wanted answered and you drew Cheryl’s story out in a masterful way. You are a gifted talk show host and I hope that someday your show goes ‘viral’ and you become the Oprah of the airwaves.
Cheryl – I truly appreciate your authenticity and transparency. Suffering and the mystery of God’s will is something that we all have to wrestle with at some point in our lives, and it was beautiful to see the diamonds of grace, beauty and wisdom that emerged from your time in the fire. Thank you so much for your willingness to share.
Susan, what rich insight you offer. Thank you so much for taking the time to reflect upon Cheryl’s message and share your reflections with us. That means a lot to me. YOU mean a lot to me!
God bless you, dear.
Jory
Kim, such beautiful words you share with us! I love the image of the diamonds emerging from the fire. Thank you and bless you, my friend!
Jory