In a world that is obsessed with “Shalom”—the kind of peace that looks perfect, polished, and untouched by struggle—we often try to hide our wounds. We want the blessing, the title, and the “private jet” testimony, but we are terrified of the story it took to get there.
During a powerful session at the Kingdom Empowerment Summit 2026, Apostle Richard Mayanja delivered a message that challenged the very core of how we view our struggles. His message was simple yet profound: “Show me your scars.“
Beyond “Doubting Thomas”
For centuries, the church has labeled Thomas as the “doubter.” But Apostle Mayanja invites us to look closer at John 20. When the resurrected Jesus appeared to the disciples, He spoke “Peace” (Shalom) to them. Yet, the atmosphere in the room didn’t truly shift until Jesus showed them His hands and His side.
Thomas wasn’t just being difficult; he was looking for proof of a survivor. He wanted to see the scars. Apostle Mayanja points out a powerful truth: “Sometimes scars preach better than peace.” Peace is a beautiful word, but scars are the evidence of a victory won.
God Doesn’t Waste Your Experiences
Have you ever felt like you were suffering for no reason? Like your ministry, your business, or your family was being crushed under the weight of trials?
Apostle Mayanja shared his own “scars”—from losing everything after his father’s death to spending three years praying in trenches at night, even coming face-to-face with a leopard. He admitted that at his lowest point, he wanted to quit ministry. It was only by reading the “scars” of others—men like Jimmy Swaggart who shared their own tales of lack and struggle—that he found the strength to continue.
Your misery is about to become your message. God heals the wound, but He often leaves the scar. Why? Because a scar is a permanent indicator that you survived. It is a reminder of the goodness of God.
The Three-Step Process of a Leader
Using the miracle of the five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14), Apostle Mayanja outlined the divine process every person of influence must go through:
- Blessed: This is the season of visions and dreams. God picks you and marks you for greatness.
- Broken: Before the bread could feed the thousands, it had to be broken. This is the “crushing” season where pride is removed and your voice ceases to be “noise” and becomes a “melody.”
- Distributed: Only after being blessed and broken are you ready to be distributed to the nations.
The Beauty of the “Limp”
The Apostle noted that some of the greatest biblical heroes were defined by their scars. David’s testimony of the lion and the bear was far more moving than Saul’s story of looking for lost donkeys. Jacob didn’t become “Israel” until he wrestled with God and left with a limp.
“I want the limping boys,” Mayanja declared. “The ones who are broken, crushed, and bruised. Those are the ones God can use greatly.”
Conclusion: Your Story Ends in Glory
If you are going through a “broken” season right now, take heart. Don’t be ashamed of your scars. They are the credentials that will make people line up to listen to you tomorrow. Your story isn’t a tragedy; it’s a manual for someone else’s survival.
Stop looking for a life without scars and start thanking God that you are still here to show them.
“Don’t cry. Your story will end in glory.”
Based on the teaching by Apostle Richard Mayanja at Kingdom Life Tabernacle. Watch the full session here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI3xQA1k6D4
