OM DENNE EPISODE
Episode Title:The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 70: Interview with Matthew Jenkins
Episode Summary:
What do you do when life keeps knocking you down—and it feels like even God has abandoned you?
In Episode 70, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, and Jonathan Lautermilch, CEO of Smart Publishing, welcome publishing partner Matthew Jenkins to share the deeply personal story behind his upcoming book, Beat Up by God: Finding Faith When Life Feels Like It's Falling Apart.
Matthew opens up about one of the darkest seasons of his life, including battling chronic illness, losing loved ones, enduring the breakdown of his marriage, and surviving a suicide attempt. What began as a private journal during his healing journey eventually became a message of hope for others who feel forgotten, broken, or spiritually exhausted.
Together, Matthew, Renée, and Jonathan discuss church hurt, mental health, suffering, and the difference between simply attending church and cultivating a genuine relationship with God. They also explore why some of the most impactful books are written not from a place of expertise—but from a place of honest healing.
Whether you're walking through your own difficult season or looking to encourage someone who is, this conversation is a powerful reminder that even in life's darkest moments, God is still at work.
What You'll Hear:
The heartbreaking story behind Beat Up by God
How Matthew's personal journal became a book that can help others
The difference between knowing about God and truly walking with Him
Why suffering doesn't mean God has abandoned you
The importance of taking one faithful step at a time
How writing became part of Matthew's healing process
Why shifting your focus from yourself to serving others changes everything
The value of working with a publishing partner to strengthen your message
What it means to write for the "bruised believer"
How faith communities can bring hope during life's hardest seasons
Quote to Remember:
“God doesn't always light the whole path—sometimes He simply gives you enough light for the next step.”
Guest Featured in This Episode:
Matthew Jenkins — author of Beat Up by God: Finding Faith When Life Feels Like It's Falling Apart
Mentioned in This Episode:
Beat Up by God: Finding Faith When Life Feels Like It's Falling Apart (releasing August 4)SmartPublishingServices.com – publishing education and author supportConnect with Renée Lautermilch on Facebook – she's the only one in the worldConnect with Jonathan Lautermilch on Facebook and LinkedIn
Join the waitlist today and get exclusive launch updates plus your opportunity to purchase Beat Up by God for less than $1 on launch day. This special pricing is available for one day only.
👉 https://beatupbygod.com/
Key Takeaway:
The greatest testimonies aren't built on lives without pain—they're built on choosing to trust God one step at a time, even when the path ahead isn't fully visible.
Coming Next:
More conversations with Smart Publishing authors as they share the stories behind their books, the lessons they've learned through the publishing journey, and how their messages are helping readers around the world.
