Episodes

Have you ever looked at someone and wondered how they could be so peaceful? Not because life was easy, but because something seemed settled inside them. That was part of Doug Ell’s story when he joined me on God Says Yes. After years of skepticism and a successful professional life, a return to church awakened something he had not expected. He noticed a peace he wanted to know for himself. We often imagine that a testimony must begin with a crisis. Sometimes it does. But God also meets people through ordinary invitations: a family decision, a church service, a conversation, or a question that keeps coming back. We should leave room for those quieter beginnings. Doug brought his questions with him. He wanted reasons to believe, and he has spent years writing about the arguments that persuaded him. In the interview, he explains why he sees the complexity of life and the universe as pointing toward a Creator. Listeners may come with different levels of agreement about those arguments.…

How do you keep trusting God when prayer feels unanswered? Dr. Elsa John joins David W. Ebel on God Says Yes for an honest conversation about faith, grief, shame, and finding your identity in Christ. Elsa shares how childhood wounds, infertility, pregnancy loss, and prayers for her daughter brought her to a painful crossroads. She describes seeking Christian counseling, learning to bring difficult questions to God, and discovering that her worth could not be earned through achievement or mini...

Can faith help you begin again after addiction? On God Says Yes, David W. Ebel welcomes Erin Zandstra for an honest conversation about alcohol addiction, sobriety, and her journey from brokenness toward restoration. Erin shares how her Christian faith became part of her recovery and how her experiences in China and Thailand shaped her story. She also discusses her involvement with Soul Care at church and the importance of addressing the struggles beneath the surface. Together, David and Erin explore the hope of a changed life, the courage it takes to face painful realities, and the value of finding support as you move forward. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction—or wondering whether a new beginning is possible—this Christian testimony offers encouragement to seek help and keep taking steps toward healing. Listen as Erin shares what faith and recovery have meant in her life.

OVERWHELMED? ASK GOD THIS Core promise: An honest conversation about prayer, daily priorities, compassion, and the next faithful step when life feels overwhelming. Margaret describes raising eight children as a single mother while working and studying full time. Her turning point was bringing her responsibilities to God and asking what He wanted her to do that day

What do you do when the Jesus you trust does not answer the way you hoped? In this episode of *God Says Yes*, David W. Ebel welcomes author and former mental health counselor Constance Hastings for an honest conversation about grief, unanswered questions, and discovering grace when faith feels difficult. Raised outside a religious household, Constance encountered Christianity through teachers whose love helped her understand the forgiveness Jesus offered. Her journey eventually led from teaching into an eighteen-year counseling practice and later into writing. But faith did not spare her from painful questions. As her father lay dying after a massive stroke, her church was also reeling from financial betrayal and conflict. Constance shares how an unexpected conversation with a nurse allowed her to tell her salvation story beside her father’s bed—a moment that brought her comfort and a deeper appreciation of grace. She also recalls how congregations supported her father-in-…

After years of military service, Ryan Reichert faced a battle he could no longer manage on his own: addiction, lost purpose, and relationships strained by painful choices. In this episode of *God Says Yes*, David W. Ebel welcomes retired Army leader and author Ryan Reichert for an honest conversation about recovery, personal responsibility, and discovering a deeper relationship with Jesus. Growing up in North Dakota, Ryan dreamed of military service. Despite a serious football injury that initially blocked his plans, he eventually joined the Army and built a career. But injuries, chronic pain, and struggles with alcohol and prescription drugs followed him into retirement. A corporate paycheck could not replace the sense of purpose he had lost. In November 2023, Ryan took his last drink and attended his first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting the following day. He shares how recovery meetings, church involvement, the Alpha course, and a men’s Bible study helped him develop meani…