Debbie W. Wilson

Refreshing Faith

Could the Devil Be Behind Your Doubts?

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Several years ago, circumstances beyond my control threw me into a dilemma. The person connected with me had very strong feelings on moving ahead. But I felt no peace taking the path they pursued. Time was ticking, and I had to give my decision. I knew what I wanted. But every time I thought about telling them, “no,” doubt assailed me. You’re wimping out. If you had faith you’d say yes.

At the time, I thought doubt was a nebulous feeling that sprang from uncertainty. But that experience showed me doubts sometimes have a diabolical side. As soon as I recognized the accusatory tone of my doubts, I was able to discern my Lord’s voice. I gave my no with perfect peace—even though I received push-back from my partner.

Paralyzing indecision may spring from the enemy’s taunts. Just like the devil gave King David the idea to take a census of Israel (1 Chronicles 21:1-3) and Ananias and Sapphira the idea to lie about a gift they gave to the church (Acts 5:3-5), he also plants thoughts in our minds.Continue Reading

Ben Carson and Nancy Wilson’s Bold and Beautiful Faith

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When they saw the courage of Peter and John …they took note that these men had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).

Last week two heroes of the faith inspired me. First, Dr. Ben Carson talked about his life and faith at a fundraising event. Next, I attended my friend Nancy Wilson’s memorial service via Zoom. Their gentle and personable personas might fool you. They both have lived bold and fearless lives directed by their faith.Continue Reading

Meet Today’s Single Mom

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I’m delighted to introduce you to my friend and author PeggySue Wells. I asked PeggySue to help us understand how we can better support the single or solo mom in our circle. Here’s PeggySue—

Who is today’s single mom? Let me introduce you.

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Help to Identify and Resist Manipulation

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According to my online dictionary, to manipulate is—”to manage or influence skillfully, especially in an unfair manner: to manipulate people’s feelings.”

In the last few weeks, I’ve received several requests asking for prayer. A theme connected these different requests. My friends were suffering under skillful manipulators who used their positions of authority to trample over their feelings, rights, and needs.

How do we identify and resist manipulation? Why does it matter if we give in or not?

Identifying Manipulation

Delilah used emotional pain to control Samson, and manipulators use it to control us—if we let them (Judges 16). Manipulators charm, mope, and threaten—all to get their way. They use guilt, shame, and intimidation to beat us into submission. Beware of their intent, and never compromise what is right to appease them or gain relief.

Giving in to manipulation is not just unpleasant—it destroys. Jesus said no one can serve two masters. Submitting to manipulation makes the wrong person lord over our lives.Continue Reading

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