One of the worst things a business owner can experience is having a client who delays in paying for services. This can be exacerbated when the customer is someone you have a personal relationship with. And because I tend to build relationships with my customers and business partners, this has become a very real issue.
I once had a situation where I'd done the work expected and noticed payment wasn't forthcoming. I reached out to my contact at the customer's business and kept getting the same response - the money is coming. Yet, each day passed with no evidence in my bank account. This created resentment in me and once I got paid, the customer and I essentially agreed to part ways.
I never wanted to go through that again but the Lord had a different plan because once again, I ended up with another client who refused to pay on time.
This time, I rejected the anger and frustration that was knocking on the door of my heart. I prayed instead. I told the Lord to help and pleaded with Him to handle the matter. I felt anger growing in me, especially because I needed the expected funds to cover certain responsibilities.
Yet, I knew that if I picked up the phone to request the funds, there was a possibility the feelings I felt would bleed through. I also understood that doing such would be unacceptable as God's child and servant. Especially as my businesses also serve as vehicles for ministry. God is my CEO after all and my businesses all have a purpose for His kingdom.
So, I pleaded that the Lord would handle the situation and He spoke clearly, telling me to take no action, that He'd take care of things. And so, I took a breath and given the previous times God had told me to back off on a problem, I knew I would have to wait.
It only took nine days to get a notification that the client had paid. All I could do was look up to the sky and thank my Heavenly Father for keeping His word once again. I didn't have to jeopardize my ministry, my business reputation, or behave in a way I would regret to receive what I was owed.
I've learned to rely on the Lord more and more as a business owner. He has proven that He is more than able to handle whatever challenge I place at His feet. All I have to do is be patient without grumbling. The Almighty will always come through for me.
I pray that all of us believers will never opt to rely on our understanding to run our enterprises. That we will look to God for strategy and wait on Him to solve every problem. I also pray that God will send customers who will value the services we provide and promptly pay for that value. And may we do the same for others as well. IJMN Amen.