In Episode 31 of Unseen but Not Untold: Overcoming Covert Narcissistic Abuse, Dr. Christine C. Zacharia, MD, integrative covert narcissistic abuse recovery expert and board certified endocrinologist, discusses what it means to pay forward the gratitude one experiences after covert narcissistic abuse recovery.
Dr. Zacharia explains the journey of healing from covert narcissistic abuse is not simply about surviving painful experiences—it is about allowing God to transform suffering into purpose.
For those who have endured covert narcissistic abuse, healing often brings an overwhelming sense of gratitude. That gratitude extends far beyond simply escaping difficult circumstances. It is rooted in recognizing God's faithfulness throughout every step of the journey.
"There’s so much to thank and praise the Lord for—not only for what He’s already done, but for what He will continue to do in and through your life as you walk in your divine purpose."
Even during seasons when others failed to recognize the depth of the pain or offer support, God remained present, faithfully guiding every step of the healing process.
But healing is not meant to end with personal restoration. As believers grow into the purpose God has prepared for them, they are also called to become vessels through which others encounter His love.
"And as you move forward in your purpose, God also wants you to share your testimony with others. Because your testimony has the power to lead people back to Him.
"God is sending us out as shepherds to help bring back His lost sheep—including those who have never truly known Him before. His grace, His mercy, and His love are not reserved for just a select few. They are available to every single person who is willing to receive Him."
The imagery of the shepherd and the lost sheep illustrates God's heart for those who have wandered, become spiritually wounded or have yet to experience a relationship with Him. Just as a shepherd seeks out every lost sheep with compassion and determination, God calls His chosen ones to lovingly share their testimony so that others may discover His saving grace.
From Pain to Purpose: Sharing the Gift of Salvation
Healing from covert narcissistic abuse is a profound spiritual transformation. Dr. Zacharia explains that this transformation is only possible through God's divine intervention. Left to human strength alone, the wounds of manipulation, betrayal and emotional abuse can leave lasting scars. But God specializes in restoring what has been broken and creating something new from the ashes.
"God met you in the depths of your pain. Not only did He guide you out of it, but He also transformed your weaknesses into strength, your pain into purpose and your despair into gratitude."
"And part of that gratitude is not only walking in your God-given purpose, but also helping to lead others back to God, through Jesus, in the process."
Dr. Zacharia reviews that healing is not the final destination. Rather, it becomes the beginning of a greater calling. Those whom God restores are equipped to share the hope they have found with others who are still searching for healing and truth. Their testimony serves as living evidence of God's faithfulness and His power to redeem even the darkest chapters of life.
The Central Role of Jesus in God's Plan of Salvation
Building upon the previous episode, Dr. Zacharia reminds listeners that Scripture consistently reveals Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God and the only One through whom humanity can be reconciled to the Father.
"As I highlighted in last week’s episode, there are numerous instances throughout the Bible that point to Jesus’ divinity as the Son of God, as well as the importance of believing in Him in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven."
"This is not about exclusion — it is about truth. And the more people hear His message as He intended it to be heard, the more opportunity they have to be in union with God for all eternity."
Dr. Zacharia underscores that the message of the Gospel is an invitation extended to all people. God's desire is not to exclude anyone from His Kingdom, but to offer every person the opportunity to receive the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
The Perfect Sacrificial Lamb
Central to the Christian faith is the understanding that humanity's separation from God began when sin entered the world. Because God is perfectly holy and without blemish, sin created a barrier between humanity and its Creator.
As Dr. Zacharia explains:
"This union is made possible through Jesus’ death on the cross for the forgiveness of sins—sins that Satan introduced into humanity in an effort to separate us from God. For God is holy and without blemish, and for that reason He would not be in direct union with us until Jesus became the perfect sacrificial Lamb."
The symbolism of Jesus as the perfect sacrificial Lamb reaches back to the Old Testament sacrificial system, where spotless lambs were offered as temporary atonement for sin. Those sacrifices foreshadowed the coming of Christ, whose sinless life and sacrificial death would become the once-for-all atonement for humanity. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus accomplished what no earthly sacrifice ever could - opening the way for believers to be reconciled with God and enter into an eternal relationship with Him.
To further illustrate this truth, Dr. Zacharia turns to Jesus' words during the Last Supper, introducing Matthew 26:26–28 (NLT):
"As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, 'Take this and eat it, for this is my body. And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it.'"
"He gave it to them and said, 'Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.'"
These words revealed the profound significance of His sacrifice and established the foundation of the New Covenant between God and humanity.
Dr. Zacharia highlights episode 11 for those new to the faith. She dives further into a discussion that traces back to Genesis and explores why all of the above had to take place.
"Jesus’ death for the forgiveness of sins is the crux of our faith in Christ. For if we do not accept Jesus not only as the Son of God, but also as the One who died for the forgiveness of sins, we are rejecting God Himself."
In John 5:19-23(NLT), Jesus confirms this truth:
"'I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing. In fact, the Father will show him how to do even greater works than healing this man. Then you will truly be astonished.For just as the Father gives life to those he raises from the dead, so the Son gives life to anyone he wants.In addition, the Father judges no one. Instead, he has given the Son absolute authority to judge,so that everyone will honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son is certainly not honoring the Father who sent him.'"
Shining God's Light in the Midst of Spiritual Warfare
As believers begin to step into their God-given purpose and openly share their testimony, they encounter increasing opposition. Dr. Zacharia explains that this increase in spiritual warfare should not come as a surprise.
"Many of you have already started sharing your testimony, and as a result, you may have noticed an increase in spiritual warfare in your own lives. And in many ways, that only further confirms the reality of the darkness that operates throughout our society—often hidden in the most unexpected places. Our experience with the covert narcissist was just one revelation of this darkness."
"Satan does not want the message of Jesus’ divinity and purpose to get out, and that is why the spiritual opposition you face may begin to intensify. And I say this not to scare you, but to prepare you - for some of you are still relatively early in your walk in your divine purpose."
Dr. Zacharia reminds listeners that the resistance they experience is not ultimately directed at them personally. Instead, it is a response to the presence of God's light shining through their lives.
"Satan resents anyone who carries God’s light—especially those who boldly speak the truth about who Jesus is to the world."
"That is why it is not a coincidence that the closer you grow to God, and the more boldly you proclaim the truth about who Jesus is and what He came here to do, the more spiritual resistance you will encounter."
The Purpose of the Wilderness Season
Dr. Zacharia explains the wilderness season is used to prepare one for their divine purpose in this regard.
"I know some of you are thinking, 'Haven’t I already been through enough with the covert narcissist? Why do I need to go through even more?' The existence of spiritual warfare is the reason why. I felt the same way myself, and I even wrestled with God about it."
Rather than viewing the wilderness as punishment, Dr. Zacharia encourages believers to see it as a season of spiritual formation. During this time, God develops perseverance, deepens faith, strengthens discernment and teaches His people to rely fully on Him before entrusting them with greater responsibilities in His Kingdom.
Called to Be Leaders in Christ
Dr. Zacharia emphasizes that each person has been entrusted with a unique role within the body of Christ. While individual callings may differ, all followers of Jesus are united in the mission of reflecting His light to a world in need of hope.
"As God’s chosen ones, we are being called as leaders in Christ—called to share His light with the world in the specific way He has asked each of us to. And together, we are working as the larger body of Christ to do this, bringing about meaningful and much-needed change to the current trajectory of our society."
This calling is beautifully illustrated through Jesus' teaching in Mark 4:21(NLT), where He declares:
"Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine."
The symbolism of the lamp reminds believers that God's truth is never meant to remain hidden. Just as a lamp is elevated so that it can illuminate an entire room, followers of Christ are called to openly reflect His character, His love and His truth for others to see. Their transformed lives become living testimonies of God's redeeming power.
"We are meant to be living examples of what God can do in someone’s life. Transforming the pain of covert narcissistic abuse was only one part of that journey. God is also calling us to lead people back to Him through our testimony, our example, and the light He has placed within us."
The healing journey, therefore, extends beyond personal restoration. It is a testimony of God's faithfulness and an invitation for others to encounter the hope, freedom and eternal salvation found in Jesus Christ.
Leading Others Back to God Through Truth and Example
Some people have been driven away from God, not because of who He is, but because of those who misrepresent Him. Dr. Zacharia acknowledges that many survivors of covert narcissistic abuse have experienced this firsthand through religious covert narcissists or individuals who have used Scripture as a tool for manipulation, control or personal gain.
Rather than reflecting God's love, mercy and truth, these individuals distort His Word for selfish purposes, leaving behind wounded hearts and confused believers.
"Some of you listening have been targeted by religious covert narcissists—or others who have weaponized Scripture for personal gain - so much so that you were drawn away from God instead of toward Him. And perhaps only now are you beginning to understand the truth of who God really is. There are many others like you who carry similar impressions of what it means to be a Christian."
"But that is not true Christianity, and this is something that was present even in the earliest days of the Church. God does not align Himself with such misuse of His name, because it does not reflect the truth of who He is."
God Does Not Endorse Religious Hypocrisy
To address this, she turns to Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 5:7–11 (NLT), where Paul urges believers to remove persistent, unrepentant wickedness from among the Christian community:
"Get rid of the old 'yeast' by removing this wicked person from among you. Then you will be like a fresh batch of dough made without yeast, which is what you really are. Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us. So let us celebrate the festival, not with the old bread of wickedness and evil, but with the new bread of sincerity and truth."
"When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people."
Just as a small amount of yeast spreads throughout an entire batch of dough, unchecked hypocrisy and persistent sin can influence and damage an entire community of believers.
"As you can see, God does not condone hypocrisy - even from those who profess faith in Him. When people look at your example instead of someone operating from a self-serving agenda, they are often more open to being drawn back toward God."
Jesus Confronted Spiritual Blindness
During His earthly ministry, Jesus Himself repeatedly confronted the religious leaders of His day, exposing hearts that appeared righteous externally while remaining resistant to God's work.
"Jesus Himself dealt with the spiritually blind and the spiritually prideful and was, in fact, persecuted by them."
She then points to Jesus' words in John 5:39–40 (NLT), where He addresses the Pharisees:
"You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life."
Jesus continues in John 5:43–44 (NLT):
"For I have come to you in my Father’s name, and you have rejected me. Yet if others come in their own name, you gladly welcome them. No wonder you can’t believe! For you gladly honor each other, but you don’t care about the honor that comes from the one who alone is God."
These verses reveal a sobering truth. Although the Pharisees possessed extensive knowledge of Scripture, their hearts remained closed to the very Messiah whom the Scriptures foretold. Their pursuit of religious status and human approval prevented them from recognizing God's work standing directly before them.
Truth That Transforms the Heart
Dr. Zacharia draws an important distinction between religious familiarity and genuine spiritual transformation.
"What this reveals is something important: it is possible to have exposure to truth, religious language and even deep familiarity with Scripture - and still miss what God is actually doing.
"Spiritual blindness is not always about proximity to religion. It is about what is happening in the heart beneath the surface."
This distinction serves as both a warning and an encouragement. True Christianity is not measured merely by knowledge, religious activity or outward appearances. Rather, it is evidenced by a heart transformed through faith in Jesus Christ—a heart that reflects humility, sincerity, obedience and love.
Reaching the Spiritually Wounded Through Your Example
Many people who have distanced themselves from God are not rejecting Him outright; they are responding to painful experiences with individuals who claimed His name while failing to reflect His character.
God is now calling His restored people to help rebuild that trust—not through arguments or coercion, but through lives that authentically demonstrate His love and truth.
"And the people who have been led away from God by the spiritually blind He is calling you to reach again — not forcibly, but through example.
"By living in His truth, and by allowing His truth to shine in you and your purpose as a leader in Christ."
Your Testimony Is Part of God's Mission
One of the most powerful ways God reaches others is through the personal testimony of those He has transformed. Dr. Zacharia explains that every season of healing—from covert narcissistic abuse to other painful chapters of life—becomes an opportunity for God to reveal His mercy, faithfulness and redeeming power to those who need it most.
"The testimony of what God has brought you through in your season of covert narcissistic abuse recovery and other dark periods in your life has the potential to impact people you would least expect."
Jesus Sent the Healed Man Back to His Community
To illustrate this truth, Dr. Zacharia points to one of the most remarkable healing accounts recorded in the Gospel of Mark. In Mark 5, Jesus encounters a man who had been possessed by a legion of demons. The man had lived in isolation among the tombs, completely overwhelmed by spiritual bondage and unable to free himself. With a single command, Jesus delivered him, restoring not only his mind but also his dignity, identity and hope. He wanted to stay with Jesus, but Jesus instructs him to do something different.
Mark 5:18–20 (NLT) recounts this moment:
'"No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.' So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them."
From Healing to Witness
This account reveals an important pattern that appears throughout Scripture. While God delights in bringing healing and restoration to His people, His work does not end there. Those who have experienced His mercy are called to become witnesses of that mercy.
Dr. Zacharia reminds listeners that God works in the same way today. The very experiences that once brought pain may become the means through which someone else encounters hope.
Dr. Zacharia's Journey of Spiritual Transformation
Dr. Zacharia explains her progression of faith has not been the result of personal effort alone but of the Holy Spirit's continual work in her life, leading her into a deeper understanding of God's truth and the centrality of Jesus Christ.
"If you’ve been following me from the beginning of this podcast series, you’ve likely noticed a progression in my content and in how I’m currently expressing my walk with Christ. This is the result of the Holy Spirit’s ongoing work in me."
"He has made it increasingly clear that sharing God’s truth—and the reality of who Jesus is—is important not only for healing from covert narcissistic abuse, but also for salvation."
"What I once viewed as religiously oppressive, I now understand as inclusive in nature. To not share the good news of Jesus is equivalent to withholding life-sustaining treatment. That is how central Jesus is—not only to our lives on earth, but to our continued union with Him in the Kingdom of God."
"The more I study the Bible, the more I come face to face not only with the truth of Jesus’ divinity but the reality of why faith in Him is central to entering the Kingdom of God."
Dr. Zacharia explains that her perspective on Christianity has changed dramatically over time. What she once viewed as restrictive she now understands as an invitation extended to all people.
From Religious Tradition to a Personal Relationship with God
Dr. Zacharia also reflects on her own faith journey and how her understanding of God developed over time.
"I always believed in God, and that never wavered, but I viewed Him as a distant figure—not someone you could have a deeply personal relationship with."
Throughout Scripture, God consistently invites His people into a personal relationship marked by trust, love and ongoing communion with Him.
This realization became a turning point in her own spiritual life as she began to experience God not as a distant figure but as a loving Father who actively guides, comforts and transforms His children.
Spiritual Curiosity During College
Dr. Zacharia's deepened curiosity about Christianity outside of Catholicism was sparked freshman year of college. But she was met with opposition the deeper she dove into this curiosity.
"Freshman year of college, I began to explore Christianity more deeply outside of my Catholic framework. However, I was met with strong opposition from my father. The deeper I dived, including exploration of the Bible, his response became increasingly critical. During one phone call, he reacted with outrage and said, 'I did not raise you to be a Bible thumper.'"
"That moment had a lasting impact on me. It discouraged me from continuing my exploration and I internalized the idea that he was right—that the Bible was simply written by man and not meant to be taken literally."
Although she continued to study the Bible occasionally with a friend, she recognizes that her heart and mind remained guarded against the truth of the message written.
God Meets Us in Our Deepest Pain
Everything changed when Dr. Zacharia returned to Scripture during her healing journey from covert narcissistic abuse.
"But when I reconnected with the Bible during my healing journey nearly 22 years later, what I discovered was a completely different story and learning the truth about Jesus has transformed who I am today. I now understand the importance of being Christian in a more defined way and the weight that carries."
"I also understand more clearly the reality of Satan’s operation in this world. As the master deceiver, his goal is to lead people away from the truth of who Jesus is and what He represents for all of humanity."
She takes a moment to acknowledge the discomfort listeners may experience hearing this truth.
"And for some of you listening, this may be uncomfortable to hear. I felt the same way for most of my life."
"But that changed when God met me in the depths of my pain during my healing journey from covert narcissistic abuse. He met me in a place where I felt misunderstood, ostracized and even abandoned by those I cared about most. And I know some of you listening can relate to that same experience."
Dr. Zacharia explains that it was during one of the darkest seasons of her life that God revealed Himself most clearly. What began as a journey toward emotional healing became a journey toward spiritual renewal. Through Scripture, she came to understand not only the depth of God's love but also the significance of Jesus' identity and His role in God's plan of salvation.
Truth, Testimony and the Call to Share the Light of Christ
Dr. Zacharia explains that one of the tensions many believers feel today is the perception that speaking about Jesus is exclusionary or even disrespectful toward other faith traditions.
"So while talking about Jesus can feel exclusionary or even disrespectful toward other faiths, it is quite the opposite. Yes, sharing the truth of Jesus can bring division, because not everyone will accept His truth—just as many did not accept Him when He walked the earth, even to the point of His crucifixion."
"And yes it was His mission to die on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins, but the truth of this message continues to be both rejected to this day."
"In a society where inclusivity is largely valued, to include Jesus in the conversation can seem exclusive rather than inclusive. But the opposite is in fact true. It simply shifts where exclusion is placed, and what truth is left unspoken."
This division, she explains, is not presented as a flaw in the message but as a reflection of how truth is received in a world marked by differing beliefs and hardened hearts.
"Regardless of where you are in your journey or your walk with God, the more you read the Bible and understand the depth of what you are reading, the more you realize how important it is to share not only your light to bring about change, but also the source of that light within you. In fact, it is the greatest thing we can do during our time on this planet."
Dr. Zacharia highlights that within Christian teaching, the Gospel is not limited by background, identity or prior belief systems. It is an open invitation extended to all people. This universality is central to the Christian understanding of salvation.
"Now something that is also important to understand about your testimony is that Christ’s light is meant to be shared with everyone. A person’s past, previous religious beliefs, cultural background or exposure to certain traditions does not exclude them from His message."
The Power of Testimony in the Digital Age
Reflecting on the circumstances of modern society, Dr. Zacharia notes that technology has created unprecedented opportunities for sharing personal testimony. What once required travel, handwritten letters and face-to-face proclamation can now reach global audiences instantly.
"And in the age of social media, it is easier than ever to share the truth of what God has done in your life—and to use your testimony to encourage others to draw closer to Him as well."
Dr. Zacharia draws a parallel between this modern movement and the earliest followers of Christ. The apostles and early disciples spread the message of Jesus without the advantages of modern communication, at great personal risk. Their mission was rooted in conviction rather than convenience, and their willingness to endure hardship underscores the significance they placed on sharing the Gospel.
"The earliest disciples of Christ modeled the power of testimony long before modern technology. They carried the message of the Good News across nations without social media, without airplanes, and often at profound risk and sacrifice—because of how important it was that the message of Christ reached everyone."
"That same mission still applies today. The only difference is that the tools have changed, not the purpose."
The Promise of the Kingdom of God
Dr. Zacharia points to the words of Jesus in Luke 13:29–30 (NLT) to affirm the importance of such global spread and proclamation:
"And people will come from all over the world—from east and west, north and south—to take their places in the Kingdom of God. And note this: Some who seem least important now will be the greatest then, and some who are the greatest now will be least important then."
God’s Light for All People Including the Outcast
Dr. Zacharia discusses that the light of God is not limited to a select group of people. It is also meant to reach those who are often labeled as outcasts, rogues or morally bankrupt.
"God’s light is also meant to be shared with people are deemed to be outcasts, rogues or even morally bankrupt. They are not exempt from God’s kingdom."
To ground this truth in Scripture, she turns to Ezekiel 18, which highlights both God’s justice and His deep desire for repentance and life. Verses 23-24 (NLT) states:
"'Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign Lord. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live. However, if righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and start doing sinful things and act like other sinners, should they be allowed to live? No, of course not! All their righteous acts will be forgotten, and they will die for their sins.'"
Verse 26-28 (NLT) goes on to say:
"'When righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and start doing sinful things, they will die for it. Yes, they will die because of their sinful deeds. And if wicked people turn from their wickedness, obey the law, and do what is just and right, they will save their lives. They will live because they thought it over and decided to turn from their sins. Such people will not die.'"
God is not indifferent to sin, but He is deeply committed to redemption. Within the broader context of Scripture, this reflects God’s consistent desire for people to turn toward life rather than remain in destruction.
Standing Firm When Others Question God
As believers share their testimony, Dr. Zacharia acknowledges that they will not always be met with acceptance. Some will respond with skepticism, while others may express frustration or disillusionment with God due to personal suffering or unanswered questions.
"Now, as you share your testimony of what God has done in your life, you will be met with skepticism from some, and even frank disapproval from others."
"There may be people who tell you they have tried talking to God, but that He doesn’t listen — that He doesn’t help — or even that God condones evil in this world."
Dr. Zacharia points out that this struggle with understanding God in the presence of suffering is not new. Scripture itself records similar tensions, particularly in the book of Job, where questions about justice, pain and divine silence are deeply explored.
She references Job 35:13–16 (NLT), where Elihu responds to Job’s lament:
"But it is wrong to say God doesn’t listen, to say the Almighty isn’t concerned. You say you can’t see him, but he will bring justice if you will only wait. You say he does not respond to sinners with anger and is not greatly concerned about wickedness. But you are talking nonsense, Job. You have spoken like a fool."
While the dialogue in Job reflects human attempts to understand suffering, Dr. Zacharia emphasizes that Scripture ultimately reveals the limitations of human perspective. People often interpret God through the lens of pain, disappointment or confusion, but those interpretations do not always reflect His full character or His greater plan.
Be a Steady Light Through Your Testimony
Rather than engaging in arguments or trying to force understanding, Dr. Zacharia encourages believers to respond with steadiness and consistency. She teaches that a transformed life can often communicate more clearly than words alone.
"So when you encounter these perspectives, you don’t need to argue or force understanding on anyone."
"Instead, remain steady in your testimony. Let your life speak. Let your consistency reflect God’s presence, even in moments when others feel distant from Him. You don’t need to impose your perspective—simply be a light: a steady presence of clarity in the midst of chaos and darkness."
"Simply planting the seed is enough and God will take it from there."
Dr. Zacharia turns to Mark 4:26–29 (NLT) to elaborate on this point:
"The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come."
She explains that this parable illustrates how God is ultimately responsible for spiritual growth. The believer’s role is to sow faithfully through testimony, kindness and truth while trusting God to bring the increase in His timing.
In this way, even a simple act of sharing personal transformation becomes spiritually significant. What may seem small in the moment can become a seed that grows far beyond what is visible, impacting lives in ways only God can fully bring to completion.
The Symbol of the Snail: God’s Quiet Work in Transformation
Dr. Zacharia introduces the first symbol God asked her to share for this episode.
The snail, on the surface, appears unremarkable and easy to overlook.
"On the surface, a snail seems slow, even insignificant. Easy to overlook. But there is something powerful in that very design, especially when we think about the people we are called to impact."
"Many of the people God places in our path are not rushing toward healing or faith. Some are cautious. Some are exhausted. Some have been deeply hurt and are moving slowly because trust itself has been damaged. And from the outside, it can look like nothing is changing."
"But the snail reminds us not to misread slow movement as no movement."
Dr. Zacharia reviews that spiritual and emotional healing doesn't always happen at a visible pace. Just as a snail moves steadily without urgency, people often progress in ways that are not immediately recognizable.
"The snail carries its home with it, and when it senses danger, it withdraws inward. That can also reflect the people we are called to impact—those who have learned to protect themselves emotionally and spiritually because of past hurt, including hurt caused by the spiritually blind."
"They may not open up easily, not because they are rejecting truth, but because they are learning safety again."
In this reflection, Dr. Zacharia draws attention to how past trauma, including spiritual harm, can cause people to withdraw inwardly. This withdrawal is not necessarily resistance but often a protective response. It reflects a need for safety, trust and gradual healing rather than immediate openness.
Creating Space for Trust and Healing
Rather than rushing others toward change, Dr. Zacharia encourages a posture of patience and consistency. She teaches that the goal is not to force transformation but to create an environment where trust can slowly be rebuilt.
"And that means our role is not to force openness, but to create space for safety. So that over time, trust can be rebuilt."
"The snail also leaves a quiet trace behind it. Not loud, not immediate, but real. And in the same way, the impact we have on others is not always visible in the moment. Sometimes it shows up later — in a thought that returns, a truth that lingers or a shift that slowly begins to take root after an encounter with your life or your testimony."
Dr. Zacharia highlights that influence is often subtle rather than immediate. A single conversation, act of kindness or shared testimony may not appear significant in the moment, yet it can remain with someone long after the encounter has passed. In this way, spiritual influence often works beneath the surface before becoming visible in outward change.
Slow Growth and the Kingdom of God
To reinforce this concept, Dr. Zacharia connects the symbolism of the snail to Jesus’ teaching in Mark 4:31–32 (NLT):
"It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade."
She explains that this parable reflects the nature of spiritual growth, which often begins in ways that are almost invisible. What starts as something small and easily overlooked can, over time, develop into something far greater than expected.
The unseen work God is doing in others may already be underway even when it is not yet visible.
The Symbol of the Duck: Ease, Resilience and Leadership
Dr. Zacharia moves forward to the next symbol God asked her to discuss in this episode: the duck.
"The duck’s buoyancy on the water looks effortless. But beneath the surface, it is constantly treading—moving, adjusting and working to stay afloat and steady. This constant treading reflects God’s ongoing work within us, something that will not end as we are continually growing and learning through Him."
"In the same way, what others may view as calm assurance on the surface is a reflection of God’s active presence within us. What is seen externally is not self-produced ease, but the evidence of His steady work beneath it all."
Dr. Zacharia emphasizes that what appears as peace or stability in a believer’s life is often the result of ongoing spiritual formation. Beneath the surface, God is continually shaping character, strengthening faith and sustaining emotional and spiritual balance through seasons of growth and refinement.
Letting Opposition Roll Off Like Water
The symbolism of the duck extends to its feathers, which repel water and allow it to remain unaffected by what it encounters on the surface. Dr. Zacharia uses this image to describe how believers can respond to criticism, skepticism or opposition toward their faith.
"And even the duck’s feathers carry meaning. Water does not cling to it—it rolls off. In the same way, when you face opposition or skepticism toward your testimony or your walk with God, do not internalize it. Let it roll off, without compromising the truth of what God is doing within you."
In this reflection, Dr. Zacharia highlights the importance of spiritual and emotional resilience. While believers may encounter misunderstanding or rejection, they are encouraged not to absorb negativity in a way that distorts their identity or weakens their faith. Instead, they are called to remain grounded in what God has spoken and what He is actively doing in their lives.
Wounds as Part of the Testimony
Dr. Zacharia then discusses how visible markings and scars can become part of a believer’s testimony.
"And even the duck’s distinctive appearance carries meaning. The green, earth tones and striped patterns are not random—they are part of how it is uniquely marked within creation. The green reflects life, renewal, and vibrancy. The patterns and stripes reflect identity and distinction—how it is set apart, yet still formed for purpose within its environment."
"For some of you, you carry visible wounds from your relationship with covert narcissistic abuse. For me, thyroid eye disease is a physical reminder and battle scar of what that season cost me, and it also bears witness within my testimony. In the same way, what may have once felt like negative markings from your past becomes a powerful part of your story for others."
Dr. Zacharia emphasizes that God does not waste what people have endured. Even the aspects of life that once felt like loss or damage can be repurposed into elements of testimony that speak to His sustaining grace. These marks do not define defeat but rather point to survival, healing and ongoing transformation.
Christ as the Ultimate Witness of Wounds Transformed
To deepen this theme, Dr. Zacharia points to the resurrected Christ, who remains identified by His wounds even in His glorified state.
"Even in Scripture, we see this reflected in Christ Himself. After His resurrection, Jesus still bears the marks of His crucifixion. In John 20:27, He invites Thomas to see and touch His wounds. And in Revelation 5:6, He is described in heaven as 'a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain.' Even in His glorified state, He is still identified by what He suffered—yet those marks now testify to victory, not defeat."
Leading and Rising Boldly In Purpose
Dr. Zacharia also highlights the imagery of ducklings following their mother as a reflection of guidance and discipleship. Just as young ducks instinctively follow a leader through unfamiliar waters, believers are called to guide others through their testimony and example.
"There is also the image of guidance we see with ducks. Ducklings instinctively follow the mother duck, staying close in unfamiliar waters. Others who are learning to trust again can follow your example and find direction in your story."
She further explains that ducks are not only grounded in water but also capable of flight, symbolizing elevation, direction and purpose. In the same way, one’s journey is not limited to survival but extends into transformation and leadership within their calling.
"What God has done in the private places of your life is not meant to stay hidden. It is meant to be carried upward and outward—into places where others can hear it, see it, and be strengthened by it."
The Power of Testimony
As Dr. Zacharia brings the episode to a close, she centers the listener on a final reminder that runs throughout the entire message.
What God is doing in a person’s life is not intended to remain private or self contained. Instead, it is meant to extend outward and become a source of encouragement, conviction and direction for others who are still on their own journey.
As she shares:
"So as I wrap up this episode, remember this: what God is doing in your life is not just for you—it is meant to overflow into the lives of others. This too is part of your divine purpose."
Dr. Zacharia connects this to Ezekiel 3:18-19 (NLT), where God speaks directly about the responsibility of delivering truth faithfully:
"If I warn the wicked, saying, ‘You are under the penalty of death,’ but you fail to deliver the warning, they will die in their sins. And I will hold you responsible for their deaths. If you warn them and they refuse to repent and keep on sinning, they will die in their sins. But you will have saved yourself because you obeyed me."
Dr. Zacharia highlights the weight of spiritual responsibility described in this passage. Within its context, it reflects the broader biblical theme that truth is not only something to be received but also something entrusted to believers for the sake of others. The emphasis is not on fear but on faithfulness, obedience and stewardship of what God has spoken.
A Life That Speaks Even When It Feels Hidden
What feels small or insignificant in the moment may later become exactly what someone else needs in order to find hope, healing or faith.
In this way, the believer’s life becomes a vessel through which God’s work continues to reach others, even beyond what they can see or fully understand in the present moment.
"Your testimony carries weight—even when it feels quiet, even when it feels unseen, and even when it feels unwelcome at times."
"God is using every part of your journey to shape something that can lead others back to Him. Stay faithful in how you walk it out, even when it feels slow or hidden. And trust that in His timing, what He has built in you will speak far beyond you."