Written by Vianne Satterfield
Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Isaiah 41:10 “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
I suppose it began with a desire to live with more purpose and intention. Maybe it was a mid-life crisis that lead me to questioning my legacy. Whatever the case, as I sat with my friend, Sue at the local pizza place, I told her, “If God really wants me to go back to work in counseling, He had better show me each step of the way, because it is too big for me to accomplish on my own!” (That conversation was pre-Covid, when eating together in restaurants was a normal experience.)
I want to be a good steward of everything I possess – every resource, whether it be a spiritual gift, talent, skill, finances, time, or energy. It became my goal to live out a specific mission statement that I felt the Lord had given to me through a time of connection with Him. It sounds great on paper, however, the reality of stepping out of my comfort zone and into a different and unknown territory — setting up a counseling practice — has been scary. I prefer to be comfortable, however, I am learning to lean into the Lord and trust Him more fully each step towards and into this new territory. Every step has had its challenges along the way, which has required me to totally depend upon the Lord for His help, guidance, wisdom, provision and courage.
The Lord has been there every step of my journey. I believe He began answering my prayer as I spoke about it with my friend, Sue. He helped me to see value in what I can offer to those needing hope and healing. He gave me the name of my business. He lead me to the attorney who would assist me in setting up the business. He helped me learn and navigate the various systems to getting my credentials in place. He lead me to a nearby office space that just happened to be available when I wanted to rent it. He helped me find office furnishings and is helping me market my practice so people can find me online. All because I said “yes” to Jesus’ request that I step outside my comfort zone and into my purposeful life — using all of my gifts, talents, abilities, time and energy to build up and encourage others by offering counseling services to adults seeking hope and healing. (Check out my professional website at vianne-satterfield.clientsecure.me)
I received education and training in counseling in the late 80’s, and worked as a counselor in a variety of settings until I stopped not long after I married. I kept my LPC license active “just in case” I needed to return to the workplace. I did not expect to ever want to return to counseling — but God works in mysterious ways! I had stepped away from the counseling field fifteen years ago, and volunteered within various intercessory prayer ministries, and wrote for my blog this past year. That had been my comfort zone until I began sensing His leading me back to the counseling field.
The Scriptures pertaining to God’s presence have been my lifeline and my experience as I have taken these steps towards my new identity as a business owner and licensed professional counselor in private practice. His Presence is real. He was there in my past. He is here now and He is there waiting for me. I am incredibly grateful for the people who have encouraged me and prayed with me throughtout this process. My husband is my cheerleader, furniture mover, desk assembler, “I.T.” guy, encourager, supporter and best friend. Momma Margie, Sue, Laurel, Joan, Deborah, Sheri and Pastor Jon listened, prayed and encouraged me when I experienced self-doubt or fear. Diane sent me texts and prayers that helped sustain me. Several others spoke courage into me and believed for me when I could not see the possibilities. Danny Matthews and the Quiet Waters team prophesied about new territories over me in November of 2019 — none of us knew what God had planned and it is now becoming reality. God is so cool — how He weaves together the tapestry of our lives to create something beautiful! I believe God wants this for all of us, if we are willing to partner with Him.
I am experiencing new ways of connecting with Jesus as I take steps towards and within the new territory. In my prayer time, I sense His presence and connection differently. It is peaceful, inviting and filled with joy. I see Him extending His hand of invitation as if He is asking me to dance with Him. I step over the threshold and accept His invitation by taking His hand and partner with Him in this new place.
I share this to encourage you on your journey with God. Let Him lead you into new places of trust. Connect with His Presence today. He is always there to help, guide, support, teach and comfort. I pray you will accept His invitation to connect with Him today. Share in the comments how your journey with God has brought you to new places of trust and adventure.