
When God Uses Difficult People to Shape Your Destiny!
- Debbie Simler-Goff

- Apr 26
- 3 min read
“What tried to stop you could be the very thing God uses to launch you.”
“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” —Psalm 118:6
Fear.
It’s such a small word — only four letters — yet it can hold the power to paralyze dreams and shrink destinies.
Throughout Scripture, the men and women God chose faced relentless bullies, critics, and enemies. But instead of stopping their calling, these challenges became the very ground where growth, victory, and destiny were forged.
And what God did for them, He longs to do for you.
Fear: The Root That Fuels Addiction, Rejection, and Control
Unfortunately, I know fear all too well.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that fear was one of my earliest and most persistent childhood emotions.
Where fear reigns, intimidation is never far behind.
And fear often lays the groundwork for other struggles — addiction, rejection wounds, and chronic self-doubt.
Dr. Caroline Leaf, a Christian neuroscientist, writes,
“When we experience trauma and fear without resolution, it literally changes the wiring in our brains, setting us up for toxic thinking patterns and unhealthy coping behaviors.” (Switch on Your Brain, Dr. Caroline Leaf)
Fear and unhealed rejection wounds can physically reshape our brains, causing many to reach for destructive behaviors to soothe hidden pain.
But the beautiful truth is — God’s Word and intentional healing can rewire us for wholeness.
No Blame: Understanding the Pain Behind Painful Behavior
Let me be clear: I do not blame my primary caregiver. She was a broken soul lashing out from her own woundedness.
Pain tends to perpetuate pain — unless someone intentionally chooses to break the cycle. Even secular research shows how unhealed trauma can impact generations (The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel van der Kolk, MD).
The wounds we received may not have been our fault — but healing can be our choice.
What the Enemy Meant for Evil, God Can Use for Good
My fears didn’t come from physical battles.
They came from emotional rejection — the kind that slowly erodes identity and trust.
Rejection set the stage for battles with fear and insecurity, much like it did for many biblical heroes.
David’s story is powerful:
• Rejected by his father (1 Samuel 16:11)
• Despised by his brothers (1 Samuel 17:28)
• Bullied by Saul for over a decade (1 Samuel 18–31)
• Mocked by Michal, his own wife (2 Samuel 6:16–23)
• Abandoned by his mighty men at Ziklag (1 Samuel 30:6)
• Rejected by Absalom, his son (2 Samuel 15)
Yet, despite betrayal after betrayal, David consistently poured out his soul before God. And each time, he emerged stronger, wiser, and closer to his destiny.
What I’ve Learned: Bullies Never Fully Go Away — But Victory Is Ours
As long as you are growing in God and pursuing your Kingdom assignment, you will face opposition. And that’s not a reason to despair — it’s a reason to rejoice!
• David faced constant enemies.
• Joseph was betrayed by his own family.
• Jesus was rejected, mocked, and crucified.
The enemy doesn’t waste energy on people standing still — he targets those moving forward.
Today, I know this: I am not afraid anymore.
Yes, wounds still sting.
Yes, rejection still hurts.
But like David, I stand on the unshakable truth:
“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” (Psalm 118:6)
Mental Wellness and the Journey to Wholeness
Fear, rejection, and emotional trauma affect more than our hearts — they affect our biology.
But God’s healing process can literally renew our minds.
The American Psychological Association defines resilience as:
“The process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress.”
Resilience can be built.
Wholeness can be reclaimed.
And with God, transformation is inevitable.
Need Support? Pursuing Wholeness Is Here for You
If fear, rejection wounds, or the lingering impact of bullies have left you feeling stuck — you are not alone.
You don’t have to navigate this journey by yourself.
As a Christian mental health coach with Pursuing Wholeness, I am here to walk with you through the layers of healing, growth, and restoration.
Together, we can reclaim your voice, your worth, and your destiny in Christ.
You are not powerless.
You are not defeated.
Victory is your birthright through Him.
Reach out today at www.pursuingwholeness.net.
Let’s walk this beautiful road to wholeness — together.
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"But the beautiful truth is — God’s Word and intentional healing can rewire us for wholeness." What a wonderful truth this is! Intentional healing. We must be intentional in choosing healing and the path of healing... partnering with someone who will walk alongside us in the journey makes all the difference! Thank you, Sister Goff, for giving time to building the Kingdom - by walking alongside the wounded as they find their way to healing in HIM.