Mentoring ~ Part 3

Mentoring is defined by Stanley and Clinton in their book, CONNECTING, as a relational experience in which one person empowers another by sharing their God-given resources. They  support their definition by showing that Moses mentored Joshua, that Naomi coached Ruth, and that Jesus clearly modeled a lifestyle of mentoring as he discipled and taught His disciples. Mentoring certainly is a multi-faceted experience composed of discipling, guiding, coaching, counseling, teaching, sponsoring, and modeling. Mentoring is reaching out to meet the painful needs of hurting people. Or it may be less invasive, as the above description indicates.

Simply stated, mentoring is caring about and lovingly leading someone to be an overcomer. As Christians our purpose is to point them to the Word of God to find out who He is and what He can/will do for them. At a glance it is obvious that there are numerous burdened and baffled individuals who need answers. There are many reasons why they don’t reach out for help. Often they can think of no one whom they feel comfortable with or who would have answers.

When God opens the mentoring door to us, we are initially overwhelmed. It is possible that we shun our God-appointed responsibility for fear we won’t have answers. Of course the enemy will put roadblocks in front of us. Oh, what a powerful God we have who invites us to trust Him for wisdom, knowledge, and direction. He will be with us for He has promised, “whatever you ask the Father in my name, he WILL do it” (Jn. 16:23). Step out. Claim His never failing promises.  

Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to chat (mentor) again with a friend of several years. After chatting awhile, I felt it was time to ask questions. “Are you reading your Bible?” (On several occasions I had challenged her with that necessity.) She said that she had not taken the time because of enormous interruptions. I knew that to be true and sympathized with her.The second question was, “Are you finding comfort in the Lord?” Answer, “I’m trying.” Response, “Dear, B., it is not a matter of trying. It is a matter of trusting” (Prov. 3:5).The better we know our Bible, the more readily will the Holy Spirit bring Scripture to our mind when we need it. God’s “sword” will be at the edge of our mind and at the tip of our tongue.

I again quote from THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER, edited by S.H.Tow, page 578. “Our God is greater than all, and He is able and faithful. Remember His promises, ‘As thy days, so shall thy strength be.’ Prove the Savior’s testimony, ‘My grace is sufficient for thee.’ Accept the divine invitation, ‘Call upon me in the day of trouble, I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.’ Attend to the inspired direction, ‘Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.’ Imitate the sorely tried Psalmist, ‘I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.’ Rest thy troubled spirit on the promises of God, ‘He giveth power to the faint, and to him that haveth no might He increaseth strength.’ Endeavor to apply to yourself the apostolic exhortation, ‘Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.’ Let not your hearts faint, for your sins are pardoned, your foes are doomed, your mansion is being prepared, your needs will certainly be met, your Savior deeply sympathizes with you, your heavenly Father cares for you, and all things must work together for your good. Call upon God and He will show thee great and mighty things that thou knowest not. ‘Let not your hearts faint.’” Rich! By God’s grace alone! Be strengthened by these powerful, assuring promises so you are equipped to use them in your mentoring ministry.