“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:8)
By Luke Cahill
After coming off the best year in our small agency’s history and investing in growth and team development, our pipeline took a turn and started to dry up. We had many active proposals, but they kept sitting out there. Weeks passed by and the reality started to sink in that this was not going to be a normal year and we were quickly running out of liquidity.
Our company had miraculously survived COVID, but emotionally, I was having a hard time accepting this new grim reality. I felt God’s plans for my business was continued growth and investment, but I was embarrassed, confused, disappointed, and scared about what was next.
I learned the issues we were facing were widespread due to client anxiety about economic softening. Their fear led to putting a pause on many initiatives that ultimately drove demand for our services.
We had to act quickly to cut costs, but I didn’t know how deep to cut. I ran to God in prayer and sought the Holy Spirit’s guidance. I was told that it was going to be OK. Don’t overreact but be patient. It was going to be slow and steady. We needed to pivot from hitting home runs to playing small ball.
We got to work across the business and ramped up sales and relationship-building efforts. Our gratitude and perseverance increased as we leaned in. Even as the big project opportunities faded away, small and medium-sized opportunities began to emerge.
After a six-week lull, our pipeline is on its way back to a healthy level, even in a challenging environment. God has been faithful providing so many little gifts and reminders of his providence along the way. I continue to remind myself to surrender the future to God, and just focus on being a good steward of this business one day at a time.
Pray
Dear Jesus, give us the grace to surrender and trust, even as the future looks uncertain.
Reflect
What situations cause you to grip tighter vs. trusting God to provide?
Discuss
How can we bring the light of Christ to stressful situations at work and evangelize others through our faith, hope, and love?
Luke Cahill is a member of the Minneapolis-South Men’s Chapter. He is also the chairman of the Board of Directors for WorkLight. Luke lives in Eagan, Minnesota, with his wife and five children. He owns a marketing research agency, REAL Insight, based in Minneapolis. Luke can be reached at lcahill@real-insight.us.