Interview with Debbie Wilson, author of Little Strength, Big God

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta @debbiewilson

We are in for a treat as this week’s post gives us a deeper peek at Debbie Wilson’s new book, Little Strength, Big God. I interviewed Debbie to learn more about how God’s strength has upheld her and what she learned from the biblical characters she studied for this book. I know you will be inspired by her answers. Little Strength, Big God released on September 5 and you can order from Amazon. 

Barbara: Would you tell us a little bit about your background for those who may not know you yet? How did you get started in Christian ministry?

Debbie: In college I sensed God’s call to join Campus Crusade for Christ (now Cru). I was sure our perfect God had made His first mistake because I had no interest or experience in ministry. But I obeyed and loved it. I met and married my husband Larry while on staff.

Seeing how many of our students’ struggles traced back to their families, we became interested in counseling and left staff to move across the country for two years of counselor training. From there we moved to North Carolina to set up a Christian nonprofit counseling ministry.

 Barbara: This quote from the book really stood out to me. “The many military examples in Hebrews 12 remind us life is a battleground, not a playground.” You gave us several examples in Little Strength, Big God of some of your battles and how God came through for you. Would you share one of those for the readers of this blog?

Debbie: My most recent battle involves my health. In 2015 an exposure to mold set off a health crisis. I spent the morning of my scheduled launch party at Barnes and Noble in 2016 for my book Little Women, Big God at the oncologist. Thankfully, surgery showed my mass was benign, and my worst mold issues eventually lessoned after some health interventions. But last November Covid resurrected some prior symptoms and left me with debilitating exhaustion. 

As I’ve dealt with little strength, I remind myself that God only wants my obedience. He has enough strength for both of us. Since it seems I must live the title of my books, I’m thinking of writing Europe’s Best Gardens and Gelatos!

Barbara: Has getting to know these biblical characters in a deeper way changed you in ways you wouldn’t have anticipated?

Debbie: Yes. They have helped me enjoy God’s grace in my life. God remembers His children’s faith, not their flaws. This helps me be more gracious to myself and to others. I’ve also seen the importance of taking the small step God sets before me without having to figure out what comes next. My part is obedience. God takes responsibility for the rest.

 

Barbara: Here is another quote that resonated with me. “Dark backdrops showcase diamonds and faith.” How would you explain this insight to someone who didn’t yet know Christ if they were afraid of trusting Him because they might be persecuted?

 Debbie: Some of the worst scenes in our story provide the best set-ups for God’s glory. Even in secular stories, without hard times there would be no heroes. Think, The Hiding Place, Lord of the Rings, and Brave Heart.

This life is but a vapor. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says God has put eternity into our hearts. I think we intuitively know there is something bigger and greater than a human lifespan. Knowing Jesus fills the hole in our hearts and gives us spiritual discernment to value eternal glory over temporal tinsel or ease.

Barbara: Do you have ideas for more books in the Big God series?

Debbie: I have some topics in mind, but I’m not sure they will go into the Big God umbrella. I would love to dig deeper into Joseph and Daniel. Both men inspire me.

Barbara, thank you so much for having me today.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts about how God's strength upholds you.

 

Want to meet some of the characters in Little Strength, Big God? To learn more about Little Strength Big God, meet some of the biblical characters in an online matching game, and receive a free download of the 40 Days to Strength Scripture pack, go to BigGod.us. (click to tweet)

Debbie W. Wilson is an award-winning author, Bible teacher, and former Christian counselor who speaks and writes to connect fellow sojourners to the heart of Christ. She and her husband lead Lighthouse Ministries, a non-profit Christian counseling and Bible teaching ministry. Connect with Debbie, find free resources, and learn about her books, including Little Strength, Big God, at debbieWwilson.com.