Stay True with Madison Prewett Troutt: Wilderness Season – When God Feels Silent with Girls Gone Bible

Episode Release Date: July 21, 2025

Introduction

In this poignant episode of Stay True with Madison Prewett Troutt, host Madison Prewett Troutt welcomes Angela Halili and Arielle Ritzma, co-hosts of the Girls Gone Bible podcast and authors of the book "Out of the Wilderness." Together, they delve deep into the concept of "wilderness seasons"—those challenging periods in life where one might feel disconnected from God, battling personal struggles, and seeking deeper truth.

Understanding Wilderness Seasons

Madison initiates the conversation by prompting her guests to define what a wilderness season entails. Angela articulates it poignantly:

Angela Halili [00:06]: "The wilderness season is basically a time where you don't know where God is. You don't see him anywhere."

Arielle echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the redemptive love of God during such times:

Arielle Ritzma [00:12]: "Do you know how many times I have fallen short of his glory? And he picks me up and he redeems me. That's love."

Together, they frame wilderness seasons as periods of spiritual dryness and personal turmoil, where faith is tested, and one grapples with the absence of tangible divine presence.

Personal Testimonies: Walking Through the Wilderness

Arielle Ritzma’s Journey

Arielle shares a heart-wrenching account of her wilderness season, highlighting how God stripped her of her career and cherished relationship, leaving her in a state of isolation and despair:

Arielle Ritzma [20:42]: "He stripped me of everything... I was lost, and I was confused, and I was broken, and I was isolated and I was tired."

Her battle extended to severe mental health challenges, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression. Through these trials, Arielle discovered the depth of God's love and redemption, transforming her despair into a testimony of hope and healing.

Angela Halili’s Struggles

Similarly, Angela opens up about her tumultuous past, fraught with anxiety, alcoholism, and an eating disorder that spanned a decade:

Angela Halili [28:52]: "I battled a 10 year eating disorder that I didn't tell anybody about literally until recently."

Her journey was marked by severe panic attacks and irrational fears, leading her to self-medicate with alcohol. It wasn't until a spiritual mentor intervened that Angela found liberation from her addictions, underscoring the transformative power of faith and community.

The Path to Overcoming Wilderness

Madison shares her own experiences, emphasizing the role of personal practices in navigating tough seasons:

Madison Pruitt Trout [07:00]: "But God's presence was so near, and now I'm so grateful."

Arielle discusses the importance of surrender and dependence on Jesus, highlighting that healing is a continuous process:

Arielle Ritzma [26:03]: "I am still in process, I'm still healing. I still have to stay as close to Jesus."

Both guests stress that overcoming wilderness seasons requires active seeking of God, maintaining intimacy through prayer, and integrating scripture into daily life.

Practical Steps to Stay True

Cultivating Intimacy with Jesus

Angela advises dedicating sacrificial time to deepen one's relationship with Jesus:

Angela Halili [42:08]: "If you spend an hour, even two hours with the Lord every single morning, you have no idea what happens. You can't not be on fire for Jesus when you give him time."

This practice fosters a strong spiritual foundation, making it easier to withstand life's storms.

The Power of Community and Accountability

Arielle highlights the critical role of honest relationships in maintaining freedom from sin:

Arielle Ritzma [44:07]: "The greatest gift that God gave us is one another... shame loses its power when we confess."

Madison echoes this, emphasizing the necessity of surrounding oneself with godly individuals who provide support and hold each other accountable:

Madison Pruitt Trout [47:23]: "You're not in it all alone. You get to partner with people who are going to hold you accountable and help you through your struggles."

Insights from "Out of the Wilderness"

Angela and Arielle discuss their book, "Out of the Wilderness," which comprises 31 devotions aimed at guiding readers through their toughest seasons:

Arielle Ritzma [06:08]: "We pray that people read and go through this devotional, and they're like, okay, I don't see God in my situation right now... and he was in it."

The book combines personal stories with scriptural insights, offering a roadmap for those feeling lost or disconnected from God during challenging times.

Supporting Others in Their Wilderness

The conversation underscores the importance of supporting others through their struggles. Madison highlights the necessity of repressive actions beyond mere empathy:

Madison Pruitt Trout [48:09]: "We are going to help each other in our sin struggles, check in, and set guardrails and boundaries so that we don't keep falling back into the same sin."

Arielle and Angela affirm that true support involves both prayer and practical accountability, ensuring that individuals remain steadfast in their faith.

Conclusion: Embracing God’s Faithfulness

As the episode draws to a close, Madison shares a comforting scripture that encapsulates the promise of God during wilderness seasons:

Madison Pruitt Trout [66:53]: "Isaiah 43:18-19 says, 'Forget the former things. Do not dwell on the past... I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'"

This powerful verse serves as a reminder that God is always at work, crafting paths of redemption and renewal even in the most barren times.

The episode concludes with heartfelt expressions of gratitude and encouragement, reinforcing the message that no one must navigate their wilderness alone.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Angela Halili [00:06]: "The wilderness season is basically a time where you don't know where God is. You don't see him anywhere."

• Arielle Ritzma [00:12]: "Do you know how many times I have fallen short of his glory? And he picks me up and he redeems me. That's love."

• Arielle Ritzma [20:42]: "He stripped me of everything... I was lost, and I was confused, and I was broken, and I was isolated and I was tired."

• Angela Halili [42:08]: "If you spend an hour, even two hours with the Lord every single morning, you have no idea what happens. You can't not be on fire for Jesus when you give him time."

• Arielle Ritzma [44:07]: "The greatest gift that God gave us is one another... shame loses its power when we confess."

• Madison Pruitt Trout [66:53]: "Isaiah 43:18-19 says, 'Forget the former things. Do not dwell on the past... I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'"

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a profound exploration of the struggles inherent in wilderness seasons and the unyielding faith required to navigate them. Through personal testimonies, practical advice, and deepScriptural insights, Madison, Angela, and Arielle offer listeners both solace and actionable steps to stay true to their faith amidst life's inevitable challenges. Whether you’re currently facing a wilderness season or simply seeking to strengthen your spiritual journey, this episode provides invaluable guidance and encouragement.

For more insights and support, consider exploring Angela and Arielle’s book, "Out of the Wilderness," and Madison’s upcoming work, "Dare to Be True." Stay connected, stay supported, and stay true.