If you’ve read any of my story shared on this site, or in my book, “Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression,” then you know how much importance I place on standing on God’s word to traverse this landscape we call life. Don’t you like having like-minded friends? Me too. That’s why I’m delighted to introduce you to my friend, Elisa Pulliam, author of “Unblinded Faith: Gaining Spiritual Insight Through Believing God’s Word.” I know you’ll enjoy reading as Elisa shares about the difference God’s promises make in our life.
Do You Struggle to Believe God?
By Elisa Pulliam
Is it hard for you to believe God is who He says He is and will do what He promises in light of your present struggles? In the face of all the hard that is surrounding you? I understand! My tendency is to doubt God’s goodness as I focus on the circumstances – not only mine but also everyone else’s.
Five minutes spent scrolling through my social media feed tells a story that’s hard to digest, as one person after another requests prayer for a life-threatening health diagnosis, traumatic accident, or some sort of crisis. Five minutes spent reading the news points to world conflict, murders, missing people, and financial mishandlings. It’s enough to make me wonder if God has completely turned His back on us. Do you feel this way too?
What we see and hear in this digital age is much more than our heart and, sometimes, faith can handle. Think about what life was like before social media and access to every news source. We would only know about what was happening in the lives of a handful of people—and those people would be ones we did daily life with in our families, churches, schools, and workplaces. Within those relationships, we would know the deep struggles but also the details of God’s provision.
When our lives are sewn together in real life, we get access to the backstory, present story, and redeemed story—and we see evidence of God’s faithfulness and provision.
So maybe the best thing to do is hone in on what God is doing right in front of us in the lives of those He’s intended us to be intimately connected to daily. By pulling back from the social connections that simply drain our souls and cause us to doubt God’s promises are true, we gain emotional and physical margin space to see and respond to the opportunities right in front of us. Maybe that looks like fixing a meal to bring to a family from church while they try to find their new normal after a crisis, or writing an old-fashioned note to a friend walking through a tough time.
When we embrace the opportunities to be fully present in the lives of those who need our physical touch, we also get front row seats to seeing God’s power and provision at work. And when we see that kind of evidence that God is still real, it’s a whole lot easier to believe that what we read in Psalm 18:30, that “God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.”
Excerpted from Unblinded Faith: Gaining Spiritual Sight Through Believing God’s Word. Learn more at unblindedfaith.com and connect with Elisa Pulliam at moretobe.com.
About the Book – Unblinded Faith: Gaining Spiritual Sight Through Believing God’s Word.
Would you like to have the kind of faith that strengthens your soul? What if you could endure trials with a steady calm and make daily decisions with confidence in God’s purposes?
Unblinded Faith, Elisa Pulliam’s 90-day devotional, is filled with thoughtful application of Scripture to help you see God personally and know His love for you.
Learn how to take God at His Word and embrace His promises, even when your circumstances challenge your faith. No matter where you find yourself today, you can experience the fullness of God’s love, kindness, grace, mercy, and wisdom
About the Author
Elisa Pulliam is passionate about helping women experience a fresh encounter with God and His Word for the sake of impacting the next generation with Kingdom Hope. Her latest book, “Unblinded Faith: Gaining Spiritual Sight through Believing God’s Word,” is described as “more than a devotional, it’s a tool for growing deep spiritual roots.”
Elisa is the founder of More to Be, a ministry devoted to equipping women with biblical resources, coaching, and mentor training. She also is the owner of the Kaleo Agency, and as a creative strategist, she helps female entrepreneurs, coaches, and writers develop their brand marketing in order to convey their message and maximize their mission with ease.
Connect with Elisa at MoretoBe.com or KaleoAgency.net.
(There are affiliate links in this post, meaning, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you)).
I got a call from a precious friend who is a mom to 3 teens. She was distressed about a decision she needed to make but had so many questions. As we visited and she shared the need to make a decision concerning one of her teens, I committed to pray for her to have Father’s wisdom and Father also gave me an idea that might help in her decision. She was so appreciative of that idea because it was confirmed in her spirit. In helping others I always want to point them to the Lord as their source of help in time of need. I shared this blog as I shared Dr. Michelle’s post with all my friends on FB.
Karen, thank you for your obedience in being used by God as a light in someone else’s darkness. We need more like you! Hugs.
Thanks, Karen, for sharing your story and also sharing this post. I’m praying now that God will use you mightily!
Hi !
I have shared the blog post on facebook! 🙂 I hope someone will find it, and be blessed by it!
Fodor,
So nice to have you visit the blog. Thanks for sharing! You’ll be entered into the giveaway.
Thanks for sharing!
I tweeted all the tweets, because I fully agree and join my heart to yours and Elisa’s. God has called me to speak into the lives of women who are lost in the darkness of depression and to hold their hands as God draws them into the light. God bless both of you wonderful women as you seek to fulfill 2 Corinthians 8 to give from your abundance of faith to those who struggle with their lack.
Suzi,
Thanks so much for visiting the blog and sharing with others. If we would all just link arms with those God brings along our path, what a different world this would be. Thanks for doing your part!
Thanks for sharing and for the word of encouragement! That means so much!
I can’t say I’ve helped many people. We moved late last year, and as an introvert, I tend not to connect. I am close to two of my children and try to minister to them as I am able. Thank you for the opportunity to win the book.
Jeannie, I think helping others can look differently for different people. Sometimes its just holding a door open for a mom with their arms full. Sometimes it’s giving a kind word to a worn out cashier. Sometimes it’s being available to our children when they need us. If we would all be obedient to God’s nudges with the people he brings across our path, what a different world this would be.
Ministering to your children is priceless work! Praise God you see that and are walking it out!
A simple way to make a big impact is just to be that friend who connects on a practical level, Michelle. Great thoughts and it looks like a great book too! Thanks for sharing!
You’re so right! Sometimes meeting the practical needs opens up the door for even deeper relationship. Sadly, many are too focused on themselves and don’t want to be bothered. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
Wise advice. Friendship is a gift God will use to accomplish His work!
I spoke with a friend who, like me, is trying to secure a disability settlement. We are both very sick, yet meet resistance from the government in being given disability. We met together, and I encouraged her and I continue to lift her up in prayer as we both walk down this difficult road.
I’m sure she was grateful for your encouragement! We all need to hear encouraging words now and then.
It’s kind of God that He gave you each other. I pray His favor falls upon both of you!
I shared this on Facebook. I was very encouraged listening this morning, Michelle. I know this devotional would be great for me. Thank you for sharing this today. Praying much for you my friend. Love n hugs to y’all.
Thanks for taking the time to watch and to visit here, Donna, and then sharing on FB. So grateful for all your love and support.
Thanks for watching and sharing. We’re grateful it encouraged you!
The ladies at church have had me lead our ladies’ Bible study group in the past, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity. Having one-on-one studies with one lady also resulted in her recognizing an area of need for change in her life, particular in relationship to her husband. Many, many opportunities to pray for and with long-distance friends through my business have been such a blessing as well.
Belinda,
Thank you for being a light in the midst of others’ darkness. You just never know what a blessing you have been in another’s life, and how they will then go on to bless others. So good to have you here. I hope we see you here again.
Praise God for the way He has used you through Bible Study. May He continue to equip you!
I agree wholeheartedly that we all need to be present in the lives of those who are directly within our reach…literally. Jesus seemed to touch people everywhere he went. Physical touch is healing. Being physically present in the lives of our friends and family is the only way to administer the healing balm of physical touch…through a hug or a light touch on a shoulder showing support, or holding hands in prayer.
At the moment our daughter and her sweet family are living with us for another week as they are transitioning into a new home. It is such a joy to daily get to tuck my grandsons in bed and respond to their sweet requests, “snuggle me”.
Gay, I love that you mention the fact that Jesus physically touched people everywhere he went. It is healing, on so many levels. Enjoy those sweet snuggles!
I’m so glad you took the time to share, Gay! You always have such wisdom!
Shared to my Captive Heart page on facebook and tweeted the tweets from the article. I left a previous comment. I hope that you recieved it.
Thank you for taking the time to visit Gay, and to share! You’re a blessing.
Thank you for this encouraging article…believing God, taking Him at His Word is the bridge to true freedom. This is true at the point of salvation and continues in our daily walk.
So glad to have you stop by Sunshyne. God’s word is truly the only rock we can stand on.
Love the way you described believing God. Amen to that!
Really uplifting posts. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for visiting John. I hope we see you here again soon! Blessings to you.
Hello Dr. Bengston,
I just received your book, “Hope Prevails” in the mail a few days ago and began to follow you on Facebook. I came across your interview with Elise Pulliam through divine providence (I don’t believe in accidents or luck) and decided to give it a listen while I sat sewing. I’m glad the Lord brought me here because I was inspired by Elise’s testimony to how we need to take every thought captive. Too often we allow Satan’s lies to rob us of what God has for us and in turn live in bondage to depression or anxiety or fear. I know because I’ve been there.
I don’t “fellowship” with many people anymore since an injury has caused me to be mostly homebound. I’ve never been good at keeping up with friends due to my being a major introvert and my disability has only added to this problem. But lately I’ve made some friends with two other women I met online in a Christian Support group for those who live with poor health. We decided to read a book together called, “Choosing Joy” to help us learn to be more cognizant in making this choice every day. I have been leading our group through the chapters and we’ve been discovering that there’s joy even in the ordinary. Personally I believe these two women are helping me as much as I’m helping them so all around its probably more of a mutually beneficial group.
I’d very much like to receive the book by Elise. I think a devotional that draws me more into the Word of God would be a huge blessing. Thanks for all you do for those of us who deal with emotional issues. And also for introducing us to others who have a heart to share God’s truth.
Jo, what a delight to “meet” you! Thanks for stopping by. I pray that you’ll be encouraged by the posts here and on FB. I’m praising God for bringing you others online with whom you can share and mutually encourage! Blessings to you. Because of Him, #HopePrevails
Thanks for sharing your story, Jo. I am so sorry for what you’ve had to go through and grateful that we could encourage you.
Such good words! The older I get the more I realize the need for deep connections on a daily basis. It provides a better understanding as to how my mom was feeling as she got older and all of her friends were passing away. I continue to help friends by meeting regularly with them. Listening well to their stories and challenges and being willing to encourage them.
Thank you for being a light in others’ dark times, Mary. Your sweet face just lights up a room, so I know your presence makes a difference. God didn’t create us to go through this life alone, so connection is very important, despite the enemy’s efforts to try to isolate.
Thanks for taking the time to share with us.
You can never go wrong with a Word, a wise woman told me long ago – it’s meant to build our faith as well as a close community – our WBS begins next week!
Such sage advice you were given! I would have to agree. Our words can bring death or life, cursing or blessing. Let’s use them for good!
Amen! We need the Word more than anything!
My husband and I have struggled with infertility. At first I was angry and couldn’t u understand why certain people easily had chosen but we struggled so much. Miscarriage failed medical treatments.Finally our daughter was born at 28 weeks, perfect now, but then i was still in a whirlwind. It wasn’t until the past couple of years during the adoption process we at in, that God was using me to help other women through their hurt from infertility. It brought meaning to mine and I was so glad to be able to help others through one of the most difficult times of their lives. We are still waiting to be chosen, but I know God is working behind the scenes!
Dear Lacey,
I have not been through infertility, so I cannot say I understand that from experience, but I have suffered loss through miscarriage. It’s a beautiful thing when God uses our trials to work in the lives of others, even when it doesn’t take our own pain and longing away. I pray that you will continue to be held in the palm of His hand. Bless you for blessing others, and comforting them with the comfort God has given you.
Thanks for linking up this encouraging post at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com!
Tina
So glad you enjoyed the post! We’re so grateful to you for letting us share! Blessings!
Hi all it’s 713 am and I’m laying in the back of husbands work vehicle in another county while our son was thankfully brought in by squad to the local hospital ❤️?? last night and we are awaiting him to wake up from the much needed sleep he is now first getting in 5 days ? since being let out of jail for severe addiction to drugs. We love him so very much and are praying and hoping for the best so not a friend but being physically here for your 27 year old son is so important especially since they don’t love themselves right now ty to anyone who pray for all of us the psychosis is bad ?❤️?
Oh Guen,
God bless you! I believe you are right where God wants you to make a most significant impact! Keep loving him and we will pray that he comes to know how much Jesus does.
Thanks for visiting the blog. I hope we see you here again.
Thank you Doctor and for any prayers thank you as he and I are now estranged I’m so very sad
Guen,
I’m so sorry to hear of your difficult situation. But I know that God is still in the healing and restoration business. I pray you experience some of both in the days ahead. Because of Him, #HopePrevails