I was in the middle of a remodel and had reached the point where a subcontractor was coming in to complete the siding, sheetrock, and roofing of the home on which we were working. For several weeks I’d been feeling called to return to Nicaragua to complete construction on an orphanage we had been working on over the last year. The timing seemed ideal. While the subcontractor was completing his work, I could be wrapping up the details on the orphanage.
I was gone for two of the next three weeks, taking another previously scheduled side-trip, feeling confident that the remodel was progressing in a timely fashion. Such was not the case. Returning from the mission trip, I found only half the work completed and discovered a number of errors in the part that was finished. The subcontractor agreed to return to the job and finish the work. However, as he continued, it became apparent that he was not capable of doing the work and I had to terminate him.
Stepping in to finish the work, I discovered more errors in workmanship and ended up tearing off much that the subcontractor had done. I hired another sheetrock contractor paying him as much in labor as I’d paid the original subcontractor to hang and finish the sheetrock. Half of the new roof had to be torn off and redone. The soffits and facia boards needed replacing. The project, scheduled for completion by mid-May, dragged on to mid-July.
The profit I anticipated was quickly eaten up by all the re-working of the subcontractor’s work. As well, I had to kick in an extra $6,000 to bring the work up to the standards I’ve set for my company. The subcontractor had not paid the laborer who had assisted him, so I also paid that man. I didn’t know how God would redeem these losses, but I couldn’t face the home owner, or live with myself, if the job wasn’t finished to the standards I’d want for my own home.
I’m happy to report that the Lord has already redeemed much of these losses. As the home owner saw me taking care of her welfare, our relationship was strengthened. She has become a friend and a supporter of my work. She’s even praying for my business. Additionally, because she is an experienced house painter, she has offered to do the painting on two of my upcoming projects, at no charge.
God and I have lots of discussions about my business. I’ve put Him in the driver’s seat of my company, but often find myself acting like a back-seat driver. I’m learning that while I don’t know how God will manage a difficult situation, my responsibility is to do what He shows me is the right thing and to leave the details to Him. I am thankful that He is able to make all things work out for the best for those who love Him and are called to His purposes.
Written by Dale Williams, President, Mountain Laurel Construction, Inc. Used by permission. Content distributed by WorkLife.org > Used for non-profit teaching purposes only.