After a few months of tirelessly looking for a job, I was very excited to begin my full-time work in a youth center. I knew God prepared this position for me. In the first two weeks of work, I reported to office earlier than the reporting time and I was eager to perform well. However, a nagging sports injury, not sleeping well and not being able to focus at work during that two weeks made me very frustrated that I was not able to do better. What was God trying to teach me?

When I looked at how Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu had offered incense to the Lord in a manner contrary to His command and that fire came out from the Lord’s presence and killed them, it dawned on me that perhaps their approach and attitude to God were wrong (Leviticus 10:1-2).  Whatever Nadab and Abihu did was not offered God’s way – I knew I was also not offering my service to God in His way.

I was wrapped up in selfish ambition, trying to prove myself at work. I thought I could gain the admiration and approval of my supervisor and colleagues by my exceptional performance. More severely, I was relying on my own strength to do God’s work! As soon as God revealed to me the prideful intent of my heart, I was ashamed and humbled myself. Only in prayer and humility did I come to understand my wrong approach and attitude to God.

I thank God for allowing me to experience Him in this manner and to have His blessed guidance every day.

Clarice (in hat) serves as a volunteer for edge arts, helping with sketchwalks and art programmes