Ebenezer Moments: Trusting God Through the Ups and Downs of Private Practice

Aug 14

Running a private practice comes with so many ups and downs. One day, you feel like you’re making a real difference in people’s lives, your calendar is full, and your team is thriving. The next, you’re staring at the numbers, wondering how to handle an unexpected expense, or there’s a sudden client cancellation.

I know this tension well because I’ve been living it.

Lately, I’ve experienced a few of those “downs.” The kind that makes you question if you’re doing enough, if you’re on the right path, and if you have the strength to keep moving forward. Those are the moments when discouragement feels heavy, and the temptation to run on autopilot—or give up entirely—starts creeping in.

But recently, I had one of those God-given moments of clarity.

A Moment of Stillness

It was a normal weekday, and I was feeling the weight of leadership pressing in. So I stepped outside my office, found a quiet spot, and simply sat. I closed my eyes and began to pray—lifting up my staff, our clients, and the direction of our practice.

In that stillness, I was reminded of something powerful: God’s presence has been constant from the very beginning.

It felt like one of those biblical moments when the Israelites placed stones along their journey—physical markers to remember where God had brought them from, so they could stay focused on where He was leading them next. In 1 Samuel 7:12, Samuel sets up a stone and names it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”

Those stones weren’t just decoration. They were a way of saying, “I may not know what’s ahead, but I can see where God has been faithful before, and I’ll trust Him again.”

Looking Back at God’s Provision

Sitting there, I thought about the early days of my solo practice—when there was no staff, no second location, and no guarantee the phone would ring. I remember sitting at my desk, staring out at the oak trees, praying simple, desperate prayers:

"Lord, I need You to bring a client."

And He always did.

Sometimes it was a single phone call that changed my entire week. Sometimes it was a referral I didn’t see coming. Every time, it was a reminder that my provision doesn’t come from hustle, marketing plans, or even my own expertise—it comes from Him.

Fast-forward to now: over 15 therapists, two locations, and more moving parts than I ever imagined. On paper, it looks like I’ve “made it.” But here’s the truth—my prayer hasn’t changed.

It’s still: "God, I need You."

Why We Forget—and How to Remember

When life gets busy or stressful, it’s easy to forget how God has shown up in the past. We get tunnel vision on our current challenge and lose sight of His track record of faithfulness.

This is exactly why God so often tells His people to remember. In Deuteronomy 8:2, He says, “Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness…” The remembering isn’t just for nostalgia—it fuels our faith for the next step.

For me, that moment outside my office was like placing my own Ebenezer stone. A mental and spiritual marker saying: “This is where God has been faithful before, and I will trust Him again.”

The “11th Hour” Feeling

One of the hardest parts of running a business—or really, living a life of faith—is God’s timing. Sometimes He moves quickly. Other times, it feels like He’s waiting until the last possible second.

To us, it’s the 11th hour.
To Him, it’s perfect timing.

I’ve had seasons where I prayed for an answer and nothing seemed to happen—until suddenly, the right door opened at exactly the right moment. Looking back, I can see that if God had given me what I wanted earlier, I wouldn’t have been ready for it. His “delay” was actually preparation.

If you’re feeling like you’re in the 11th hour right now—whether it’s a financial challenge, a staffing issue, or a personal struggle—take heart. God’s silence is not His absence. His timing is always purposeful.

Encouragement for the Weary Practice Owner

If you’re in private practice, you already know the balancing act it requires. You’re serving clients, managing a team, handling finances, navigating marketing, and trying to have a personal life—all at the same time.

Some days, it feels doable. Other days, it feels impossible.

When you hit one of those harder days, here are a few truths to anchor yourself in:

You’re not carrying this alone.
God’s presence is constant. Even if you can’t see the outcome yet, He’s walking with you.
You’ve been here before—and made it through.
Look back at your own “Ebenezer moments.” When did God come through for you in ways you couldn’t have planned? Write those down.
Your calling is still valid—even on the hard days.
The work you’re doing matters. The Kingdom impact you’re making is real, even when you feel unseen.
Community matters.
Don’t isolate yourself. Find people who will pray with you, encourage you, and remind you of truth when you forget it yourself.

A Practical Step: Create Your Own Ebenezer List

I want to give you something actionable. This week, I encourage you to start your own “Ebenezer list.” It’s simple:

Grab a notebook or open a blank document.
Write down as many moments as you can remember when God clearly provided, guided, or protected you in your practice or personal life.
Be specific—include dates, details, and even small victories.

Then, when discouragement hits, you can pull out that list and see the evidence of His faithfulness. Let those reminders fuel your trust for the future.

My Prayer for You

If you’re reading this and feeling worn down, I want to speak this over you:
That you will see God’s hand in your practice in fresh ways.
That you will remember His provision in the past and trust Him for what’s ahead.
That you will not give up, even when the path feels uncertain.

Running a private practice is hard work, but it’s holy work when you’re doing it in step with Him. He’s not just interested in your business success—He’s shaping your heart through the process.

Staying Connected

I mean it when I say: if you ever need prayer, encouragement, or support in your practice, I’m here. I’ve walked this road, and I know what it’s like to lead in faith through both mountaintop and valley seasons.

Let’s keep placing our stones of remembrance. Let’s keep telling the stories of God’s faithfulness. And let’s keep trusting Him to do His will—in His time—in our lives and our work.

"Thus far the Lord has helped us." – 1 Samuel 7:12
And He’s not done yet.

Final Thought

Whatever season you’re in—whether it feels like the best chapter yet or the hardest one to date—remember: God has always been there for you, and He will continue to show up in His perfect timing. The story He’s writing in your life and your practice is far from over.

Stay strong, stay prayerful, and keep your eyes fixed on the One who called you here in the first place.