In Episode 14 of Unseen but Not Untold: Overcoming Covert Narcissistic Abuse, Dr. Christine C. Zacharia, MD, integrative covert narcissistic abuse recovery expert and board certified endocrinologist, explores the importance of faith, specifically learning to trust God’s plan for one’s life and divine purpose.
What was endured at the hands of covert narcissistic abuse is presented not as meaningless suffering but as a process that refines discernment, deepens spiritual authority and establishes a foothold for the moments when the path feels dark and demanding.
This journey is described as neither accidental nor arbitrary. It is framed as entrusted to those God has strengthened for a specific calling, those who are being prepared to walk in spiritual authority and resilience.
Faith as the Foundation of Purpose
“Because God doesn’t operate by the adage, ‘I’ll believe it when I see it.’ He asks us to do the opposite: Believe first… and then you will see it.”
This is reinforced through 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV):
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
Dr. Zacharia emphasizes that God does not require full understanding of the how or the when. Instead, the focus is placed on the what of the divine purpose itself.
"Faith isn’t just a concept—it’s a way of living. It’s the bridge between where you are and where He is calling you to go, even when you can’t yet see the path."
The First Test of Faith: The Path to Medicine
Dr. Zacharia reflects on her first major test of faith during her senior year of college when she applied to medical school. This moment would later shape her ability to make larger leaps of faith including leaving her medical career 25 years later.
“At that time in my life, becoming a doctor wasn’t just a goal for me—it was a calling.”
However, this path was influenced by fear, conditioning and the desire for parental approval. She limited her applications based on geography and perceived acceptability.
“I had convinced myself that staying within those boundaries was the only path if I wanted to keep in line with my parents’ wishes and maintain their approval.”
Fear also influenced her exclusion of osteopathic programs.
“I carried fear with me—fear of being judged as less competent than an MD.”
At the time, misconceptions about DO programs contributed to her hesitation including concerns about residency and fellowship opportunities.
The outcome reflected those limitations:
“I got waitlisted at one in the Chicago area and was rejected by the other seven.”
This rejection was compounded by ongoing invalidation at home.
“To make matters worse, my father never supported my dreams of becoming a physician stating I was incapable, incompetent and not compassionate enough to be a good physician. This rejection added more fuel to his campaign against my dream.”
The Door That Redirected Everything: Georgetown
During this period, her premed advisor introduced her to a post-baccalaureate pathway including a one-year Master of Science program in Physiology at Georgetown University.
“I took my advisor’s advice to heart, applied and was accepted into the program.”
However, acceptance did not bring family support.
“When I told them I had been accepted into the program, I was met with intense resistance, skepticism, anger and pushback.”
She describes continued attempts to prevent her from moving forward:
“My dad resorted to every manipulation tactic in his covert narcissist playbook to try to stop me from moving forward.”
Despite this, she chose to proceed:
“So I took the leap of faith, trusting God’s direction in this decision.”
Support emerged elsewhere:
“Thankfully, at a time when I lacked support from my family, I found it in my advisors and peers.”
She ultimately made her decision clear:
“I told my parents I was going to Georgetown regardless of whether they supported me or not.”
Eventually her parents came around and helped her move across the country to DC.
"And I know that was God’s hand guiding the process, because they helped me move—even though they still didn’t agree with my decision."
Independence in Washington DC
Living in Washington DC became a formative period of independence for Dr. Zacharia.
“Living in D.C. for that year opened doors to independence in ways I hadn’t anticipated.”
She describes discovering unexpected beauty in the city, one she was unaware of until she lived there.
“Every evening, on my walk back from Georgetown after a long day of studying, I would catch a glimpse of the Lincoln Memorial and every time it took my breath away.”
These experiences are framed as moments of divine reassurance and expansion beyond prior limitations.
Redirection, Not Rejection
This year ultimately became foundational to her path forward.
“It turned out that DC wasn’t just a temporary detour on my way back to Chicago; it was a stepping stone to where I would live next—New York.”
Although she was again waitlisted at the same medical school in Chicago, she was accepted into New York Medical College.
“And that’s where I became a medical doctor. Living in the Big Apple in my mid-20s—a place I never envisioned for myself—was all part of God’s plan, not mine. The energy, diversity, culture, food and nightlife were unforgettable. Watching the U.S. Open in person was an experience I never imagined I would have. Walking around Central Park, crossing the Brooklyn Bridge countless times—it all felt surreal."
Dr. Zacharia's experience in NY reframed the initial medical school rejection entirely as something that would help her navigate future large leaps of faith in her life.
“That rejection the first time? It wasn’t rejection at all—it was redirection.”
Walking by Faith in God’s Direction
For those navigating uncertainty in their own purpose, Dr. Zacharia emphasizes trust in divine direction over visible confirmation.
“God’s plan is ALWAYS better than our plan.”
She reframes inner knowing as spiritual guidance:
“That deep knowing in your heart, the one you can’t shake… that’s the Holy Spirit speaking to you.”
Obstacles and delays are evidence of God’s protection and preparation. They are signs that God is guiding listeners toward something greater than they can imagine.
"It’s God saying—I have something even better in mind.”
Faith and Spiritual Warfare
The episode also addresses internal resistance and doubt that accompanies walking in one's divine purpose.
“Satan will plant seeds of doubt that sound eerily similar to the same lies the covert narcissist fed you.”
Faith is presented as protection against this influence:
“Satan wants you to believe only what you can see. That’s why God calls us to walk by faith, not by sight.”
Symbolism: Fish
In this episode, Dr. Zacharia explores the spiritual symbolism of the fish and its connection to faith, obedience and divine purpose after covert narcissistic abuse.
“It’s no surprise that the Holy Spirit asked me to speak on faith in this week’s episode, because fish symbolism is deeply rooted in the Christian faith and has been a symbol of Christianity from the earliest days of the Church.”
Dr. Zacharia then explores the meaning of ichthys, the Greek word for fish, explaining that it also functioned as an acronym within early Christianity representing “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.”
The episode connects fish symbolism to several biblical moments involving Peter and the disciples, beginning with the miraculous catch of fish after a night of failure and exhaustion. Despite doubt and uncertainty, Peter obeyed Jesus’ instruction to cast his nets into deeper waters, resulting in overwhelming abundance.
“This moment beautifully illustrates the power of faith over doubt. Peter’s willingness to follow Jesus, even when it seemed hopeless, opened the door to a miracle.”
She expands this message beyond scripture into the lives of survivors navigating uncertainty and healing.
“Likewise, when we choose faith over doubt—especially in uncertain times—we position ourselves to experience God’s abundant provision and fulfill His purpose, even when we don’t see the full picture.”
Another powerful biblical example discussed in the episode comes from Matthew 17:24–27, when Jesus instructed Peter to retrieve a coin for the temple tax from the mouth of a fish. For Dr. Zacharia, this moment reflects the limitless nature of God’s provision.
“God’s ways don’t obey the rules of time, dimension, or space. What seems impossible to us is not even a challenge for God.”
She explains that faith requires trusting beyond visible logic or immediate understanding.
“When Peter obeyed Jesus’ command, trusting that God's provision would exceed his understanding, he witnessed a miracle.”
The symbolism continues through the miracle of Jesus feeding five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fish.
“He didn’t do it with an abundance that already existed. He took what he had—and multiplied them with leftovers included.”
Within this framework, scarcity is reframed through divine multiplication and trust.
“This reminds us that God doesn’t need our resources to accomplish His work. When we trust Him, He multiplies what we already have.”
Toward the end of the episode, Dr. Zacharia returns to Peter’s transformation from fisherman to disciple, emphasizing how God often transforms ordinary beginnings into divine purpose.
“And let’s not forget that Peter was a fisherman, doing the routine work of everyday life. But God took that very profession—fishing—and transformed it into a divine calling.”
She explains that Jesus saw beyond Peter’s present identity into who he would ultimately become.
“Simon, who Jesus later named Peter (meaning ‘rock’), became the very foundation on which the Church was built.”
This transformation becomes a metaphor for survivors themselves. What once appeared ordinary, painful or disconnected from purpose may ultimately become the very foundation God uses for calling and impact.
“Peter’s story reminds us that God can take any part of our lives—even the most routine—and turn it into something powerful for His kingdom.”
Restoration Through God
After covert narcissistic abuse, trust can feel fractured due to manipulation and distortion. In contrast to the covert narcissist, God is consistent and restorative.
"If you look back on your healing journey, you’ll see something powerful—God did not betray you. He restored you. He protected you. He stayed with you when others walked away. Through every dark moment, He was your light."
God is the ultimate source of nourishment, strength and provision. He calls believers to rely on Him. That is where faith begins—in the place of surrender and trust.
Independent of how broken or bruised one feels from their past, God calls them to stand firm in His provision.
"After covert narcissistic abuse, having faith can feel like walking into the line of fire. And while that is true with a covert narcissist, it’s not true with God. God is your Creator, the One who has your best interests at heart. Trusting that He will provide—regardless of your circumstances—is not subjecting yourself to harm. It is a radical and powerful act of self-compassion. And He has already shown you in your journey thus far that he will provide."
Dr. Zacharia also reframes fear itself. Survivors often remain conditioned to expect punishment, abandonment or manipulation whenever they attempt to trust again. But this fear is not originating from God.
“So when fear creeps in, remember this: fear does not come from God. It comes from the enemy. That is why the covert narcissist worked so hard to keep you afraid—because fear disconnects you from faith and faith reconnects you to truth.”
As survivors reconnect with truth, clarity begins to return. What was once buried beneath confusion and self-doubt slowly comes back into focus.
“But now that you have stepped back into your truth—God’s truth—clarity is returning. Your purpose is coming into focus, and God is asking you to walk by faith and not by sight. For He already has—and will continue to provide—even when the path is unclear.”