Why Isn’t Prayer “Working”? Understanding When God’s Answer Is ‘Wait’ or ‘No’

In today’s episode of What’s God Got to Do With It? we’re diving deep into a struggle we’ve all faced: comparison. Whether it’s scrolling through Instagram, seeing someone else’s success, or feeling like you’re falling short in your own faith walk, comparison is a sneaky thief that steals our joy, gratitude, and connection to God. Leanne explores the real cost of comparison—how it can plant seeds of envy and even make us question God’s goodness—and explore practical, faith-filled steps to break free. From practicing radical gratitude (and the neuroscience behind how it rewires your brain!) to celebrating others without comparison, we’ll learn how to turn jealousy into connection and curiosity. Most importantly, we’ll anchor ourselves in God’s truth, reminding ourselves of the unique and beautiful plans He has for each of us. If you’re ready to stop letting comparison steal your peace and start walking confidently in your own God-given path, this episode is for you, because What God has for you is yours. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington  To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we tackle a challenge that so many of us face but don’t always talk about: how to find true peace in a world overflowing with noise and overstimulation. From the constant pings of our phones and the never-ending news cycle to the mental chatter that never seems to quiet down, it feels like we’re surrounded by chaos. And even when life demands us to be present, the pressure of endless stimulation makes it nearly impossible to find the stillness our souls crave. Join Leanne as we dive into the reality of navigating this noise. She shares her personal journey of learning to silence the external chaos and reconnect with the present, as well as stories from clients who’ve faced similar battles. Together, we’ll explore practical steps to turn down the volume of life’s distractions and create moments of stillness where we can reconnect with ourselves and hear God’s whisper amidst the noise. Because peace isn’t about removing all the noise—it’s about finding calm and connection even when life is anything but quiet. If you’ve felt overwhelmed, overstimulated, or simply exhausted by life’s constant demands, this episode will help you reclaim your peace and find sacred spaces in your everyday life, so you can turn up the volume on what truly matters. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington  To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we’re tackling a topic that many shy away from but is so essential: the feeling of being angry at God. Yep, we’re going there. It's time to have  an honest conversation about those moments when life deals you such a hard blow that you find yourself looking up at the sky and asking, “Why, God? Why would You let this happen?” If you’ve ever been in a place where disappointment turned into frustration, or frustration turned into full-blown anger at God, this episode is for you. Maybe you’ve wondered if feeling this way makes you less faithful or if admitting your hurt somehow betrays your beliefs. We're here to tell you that it doesn’t. God is big enough to handle your anger, your questions, and your doubts. He invites you to bring your real, raw emotions to Him—because true intimacy with God is built on honesty. In this episode, Leanne shares her personal experience with feeling abandoned by God and how learning to be open with my emotions deepened her relationship with Him. We’ll look at examples from the Bible and explore practical steps on how to approach God in your hurt without shame. So, if you’re wrestling with anger, confusion, or doubt, join us as we talk about finding peace in God’s unchanging character and how being honest with Him is not a sign of weak faith but an act of true trust. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington  To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of What’s God Got To Do With It?, Leanne welcomes the iconic Candace Cameron Bure—beloved actress, producer, bestselling author, and CEO—to share an intimate look at her journey of faith, purpose, and self-discovery. With two highly anticipated holiday films, A Christmas Less Traveled and Home Sweet Christmas, Candace gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the magic of Christmas storytelling and how the themes of healing and finding unexpected purpose resonate deeply in her own life. But this episode goes far beyond the screen. Candace opens up about the challenges of wearing so many hats in her career and how her unshakable faith has guided her through it all. In a powerful discussion about self-worth and identity, she shares candid reflections on navigating Hollywood’s pressures, embracing her relationship with God, and living boldly in her faith—even in the face of societal expectations. Packed with encouragement and wisdom, this conversation with Candace Cameron Bure will leave you inspired to stand firm in your values, find purpose in the unexpected, and embrace your worth in a world that often tells you otherwise. Whether you’re a fan of her holiday films or seeking a fresh perspective on faith and self-love, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. GUEST: Candace Cameron Bure // @candacecbure Listen to Candace's Podcast by clicking HERE! Get your tickets to the Great American Family Christmas Festival HERE!  HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellingtonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we’re diving deep into a topic that resonates with so many of us: why it sometimes feels like our prayers are going unanswered. Have you ever found yourself pleading with God, pouring out your heart for a breakthrough or a change, only to be met with silence? Maybe you’re asking for healing, clarity, or relief from a burden, but despite your faith and persistence, nothing seems to shift. We’ll explore what it truly means when God’s response is “Wait” or even “No,” and how these answers are not signs of indifference, but rather expressions of His love and wisdom. Through stories of real-life challengesfrom Leanne and her clients, we’ll uncover how God’s timing and decisions often lead to outcomes far greater than we can envision. And while waiting or facing rejection can feel painful and confusing, there is a deeper trust and peace available when we lean into His plan. Join us as we break down the steps to find hope and faith during those seasons of waiting and learn to see God’s “No” as a powerful redirection rather than rejection. Because even in His silence, He is working—moving on your behalf in ways you can’t yet see.  HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When I met Carley, she felt like she had tried everything under the sun -- and she was so sick of all the black/white, "should"/"shouldn't" rules that were causing her to obsess over food, and eventually cave and binge. And....she was also (at the time) the YOUNGEST woman to come through the Stressless Eating program.Desperate for change and feeling imprisoned by thoughts of food—whether it was obsessing over dieting or feeling like a failure for not sticking with anything long-term—Carley reached out for help, knowing that the path she was on was only worsening her struggles.There was so much information out there, and she was so overwhelmed and tired of thinking about it all, but she knew she had to do SOMETHING radically different. She knew that the problem was in her BRAIN.Carley dives into the details of her challenges, the journey to overcoming them, and the steps that led her to lasting freedom. She also shares how, by transforming her relationship with her self-image, food, and her body, she unexpectedly deepened her relationship with God. Most importantly, Carley reveals why making these changes in her 20s was crucial, ensuring she didn't carry these battles into her future. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this follow-up episode of What’s God Got To Do With It?, I’m joined by Colton Shannon, the founder and clinical director of the Voice of the Heart Center, for an in-depth conversation about the profound impact of understanding and embracing our emotions. Colton shares his journey into emotional health and what inspired him to establish the center dedicated to this transformative work. We explore the uniqueness of Chip Dodd’s The Voice of the Heart and why it stands out among books on emotional wellness. Colton gives listeners a powerful overview of the eight core emotions outlined in The Voice of the Heart, discussing their importance for both emotional and spiritual health. We chat about the real-life challenges people face when trying to reconnect with these emotions and how embracing them can lead to breakthroughs and deeper self-awareness. Whether you’re new to the concept or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode provides insights and practical wisdom to help you listen to your own “voice of the heart” and live a more connected, authentic life. GUEST: Colton Shannon of https://www.vothcenter.com/@vothcenter You can order your copy of The Voice of the Heart: A Call To Full Living HERE! HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leanne sits down with Chip Dodd, the bestselling author of The Voice of the Heart and many other impactful books. With over 30 years of experience in recovery and redemption work, Chip brings a wealth of wisdom to the table as they dive into what it really means to listen to the ‘voice of the heart.’ They talk about the moments that sparked his belief in the power of emotions and how embracing our feelings can transform the way we connect—with ourselves, others, and God. They also unpack the eight core emotions from The Voice of The Heart,  and why they’re so crucial to understanding who we are. If you’ve ever been taught to suppress emotions like anger or fear, Chip offers a fresh perspective on why these emotions are not only okay but necessary for authentic living. And if you’re someone who feels overwhelmed by grief or loneliness, don’t worry—you'll hear practical advice on how to navigate those feelings without getting stuck. This conversation is packed with insights that will inspire you to see your emotions as guides, not barriers, on your path to a richer, more connected life. You can order your copy of Chip's book The Voice of the Heart: A Call To Full Living by clicking HERE Listen to the Living With Heart Podcast HERE! Chip's Website: Chipdodd.com HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of What’s God Got To Do With It?, Leanne is joined by best-selling author and slow-living advocate Stephanie O’Dea for an inspiring conversation about faith, authenticity, and cultivating a life of purpose in a hustle-driven world. Stephanie shares a deeply personal story about how being told she was “going to hell” for her inclusive beliefs left her hesitant to express her faith publicly. This encounter not only shaped her approach to spirituality but also inspired her to embrace a more intentional, authentic way of living. Leanne and Stephanie dive into what it means to practice slow living—finding fulfillment and connection by stepping away from the pressure to hustle and embracing a more thoughtful, faith-centered approach to everyday life. They discuss how to create space for meaningful spiritual exploration without labels or rigid expectations, and how to build a relationship with God that reflects your own unique journey. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pace of life or uncertain about how to express your faith authentically, this episode will encourage you to slow down, listen, and find your own way. Tune in to hear how you can cultivate a life of purpose, grace, and connection—even in a world that’s constantly telling you to do more and be more. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com. You can order your copy of Stephanie's new book: Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle-Driven World HERE Check out the Slow Living Podcast HERE! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this heartfelt episode of What’s God Got To Do With It?, Leanne dives deep into the topic of spiritual perfectionism and the all-too-common feeling of being “not enough.” If you’ve ever felt like you’re falling short or like you need to prove your worthiness—to God or anyone else—this episode is for you. Leanne shares personal stories and biblical truths to help listeners break free from the constant striving and embrace the beautiful truth that God’s love is unconditional. Discover how to release the pressure of being a “perfect” Christian, and instead, lean into God’s grace and acceptance just as you are. Leanne offers practical steps to recognize and reject the lies of perfectionism, redefine what it means to be “enough,” and learn how to show up authentically in your relationship with God. Tune in to hear why God’s love isn’t dependent on your performance, and how letting go of spiritual perfectionism can transform your relationship with Him—and with yourself. If you’ve been running yourself ragged trying to be “good enough,” let this episode be your invitation to rest in God’s love and to finally start feeling enough, exactly as you are. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.