Trusting God in the Reset
My prayer journal entry from April 27th, 2021
There are times in life when we have to take two steps backward in order to move five steps forward. Even this week, as we kicked off the 2025 work season, I walked into the shop excited to focus on the goals ahead. Instead, I was greeted with the reality that a team member had “quiet quit” on me, leaving us short-handed as we entered the new year. Fun.
April 27th, 2021, was another one of those times. Feeling alone and defeated, I found myself back on the showroom floor—wearing every hat: general manager, sales manager, receptionist, and janitor. There I stood, questioning the decision I had made to keep the property and press forward.
[Added notes and elaboration are italicized…]
Tuesday, April 27th, 2021 8:49a NS4L front counter
Jesus,
Sometimes I doubt. I wonder if I’m doing the right thing. Turning down a $3 million dollar offer? Most would think I’m crazy. I think I’m crazy. Yet something just doesn’t feel right. So I pray you always make my path clear. It’s been humbling being the only sales person again. [For years, I’ve had a team running the sales department, so to have no one and to go all the way back to being the only sales person was very humbling.] It’s getting more humbling now that [team member] is taking a new job. [A different team member] has been gone for a month, and [another team member] has been gone for a couple weeks now. The good news is the fresh perspective being back on the showroom floor. Hopefully, this is your way of telling me to hold on, “reset,” and let you lead. Please continue to open my eyes to your will. Please help me sell lots of scooters, please don’t let my team or I get overwhelmed, please help me pay off lots of debt —> please help me pay off all the debt - at least NS4L’s debt.
Be in control of the hiring. Bring the people and the resources necessary to build a profitable well-oiled machine [the dream of every entrepreneur]. Use me. Allow me to speak into the lives of others. Help me build a powerful, productive, efficient, happy, lean team. Help me remain focused on my business and the beautiful life you have given me. Don’t let me be envious of the “success” of those around me. This time has been humbling, but necessary. I know you are working. I pray for these next steps, I pray for the health of my friend, [friend’s name]. I pray for each and every team member, past and present.
Let tonight’s podcast episode, episode 150, change/impact someone’s life for the better.
I love you, LORD.
Collin
Here’s what I’ve learned since April 2021 and the takeaways I’d like to share with you:
1. Resets Are a Good Thing
When you have to take a few steps back or completely reset, don’t dwell on it or feel sorry for yourself. Instead, embrace it. It’s not easy, but resets have a way of opening your eyes to new opportunities and new ways of doing things.
Even this week, when that team member “quiet quit” on me, I realized they did me a favor. That’s not the kind of person who will help me achieve our company vision. Sometimes, setbacks are actually blessings in disguise.
2. Avoid Debt at All Costs
Working hard to pay off debt—and staying out of it—requires discipline, but the rewards are undeniable. When I reflect on my journal entry and read, “please help me pay off lots of debt —> please help me pay off all the debt,” I feel an overwhelming sense of freedom compared to that time.
Today, the only debts we’re still working on are the mortgages on our home and business property. That’s it. What a blessing. Thank you, Lord.
3. Team Building Is the Hardest Part
Want to build a great business? Build a great team. Get the right people in the right seats.
As a business owner, I’ve come to realize that much of my time will be spent building, motivating, and, when necessary, pruning the team. Team building is an ongoing process, and while it’s challenging, it’s also the key to long-term success.
4. “Comparison Is the Thief of Joy”
This quote from Rachel Cruze (and a plethora of others) has been a constant reminder for me.
One of the biggest reasons we resist taking steps back or resetting is that we care too much about what others might think. Luckily, as I’ve grown older, I’ve learned to care less and less. What truly matters is the path God has laid out for me, not someone else’s opinion of it.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."
This verse has guided me through moments of doubt and uncertainty. It reminds me to trust God’s plan, even when it feels like I’m going backward.
What about you? Have you ever had to take a step back or reset, only to realize later that it was part of a greater plan? I’d love to hear your story—share it in the comments below!
Have a wonderful week and thank you for reading!
Collin
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