About 2 years ago, work stress in my office increased and I thought I could manage. But things got worse at the office as months went by. I began to ask the Lord “what should I do?” During a ministry time at the end of one Sunday service, God gave the word that I should “step out”. My prayer to the Lord then was, “Where to?” In 2005, my wife, Julia wanted us to attend the Growing Kids God's Way. I sort of put it off as I was busy and work was very stressful. While waiting on the Lord for an answer to where I should step out to, I asked the Lord during one of theworship in May last year, “What does He want me to do? I am going through such a stress that my spiritual and physical health was badly affected.” That moment, the Lord said, “Take care of your children first.” And so I was convinced to sign up for the GKGW in 2005.
Last year, I was diagnosed to be suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea which had caused me to be tired and sleepy during the day and was advised to go for an operation. After the operation though I got better sleep, work stress continue to cause me to lose sleep. I continued to ask the Lord, “now that I am applying GKGW in my family what's next? Where should I step out to?” The end of 2005, work had became worse compared to early 2005.
In 2006, we were approached to help facilitate GKGW in 2006 which we did as we found the GKGW very helpful. My only regret was that I did not attend GKGW earlier.
In the meantime, work stress had come to a point that I became desperate and gave my resume to brothers in Christ and a head-hunter friend (Leonard Yeow). I also requested brothers in church to pray for me, to know God's plan for me in this situation. I experienced love & concern from all, knowing that they were all praying for me and helping me look for job opportunities.
My wife's BSF studies in Genesis was an encouragement to me as she shared what she learnt about faith in God in the life of Abraham, Issac and Jacob. Elder Foong gave me sound advice and prayed for me. Leonard provided professional help, advises and prayers too. I fasted through lunch during the 40 day fast, I asked the Lord for a defining moment in my life. The words “step out” came to me once again.
My little faith tells me that God has to let me know where to go first. But the Lord is working to increase my faith, to step out first then He will show me where to go. I had to struggle with the Lord like Jacob who wrestled with the Lord. I just couldn't resign without a job due to my lack of faith in God.
During the difficult times at work, I would read Psalm 27 before I begin my work in the morning and it was a source of encouragement to me. At the end of July, after much prayer and struggle, I knew that the Lord wanted me to step out, even without of job. I had the peace of God and my wife affirmed that I had made the right decision to resign on the 1st August. She also had the peace and faith in God that He will carry us through.
On the 1st of August, I called a friend to see if there is a job for me where he was working.
On 10th August, in our discussion, it seemed that it may too risky to take up the job.
He suggested that I try another IC design company and he knows the design manager there. That same afternoon, he asked me to give the manager a call. After a brief discussion, he asked me to send him my resume. The timing of all this was clearly God's working- GRACE OF GOD! The company's Vice President was to be in town from USA the following week and would like to review my resume before deciding if they would be interested to interview me.
The next day after receiving my resume, the VP wanted to interview me, which is another GRACE OF GOD. I asked brothers and sisters in the Lord to pray for me, that God would grant me favour during the interview. And I experienced the Grace of God during the interview; the Lord granted favour to me!
Then came the time of waiting, although God had granted me favour, I had lesser faith than I know. And doubt crept in as days turn to weeks. I happened to be in a Christian book store, through my sons' recommendation bought a Christian album, there were 2 songs, “Just reach out, and He'll reach in” and “No Doubt” that kept me going for the rest of the waiting. This was another of God's grace, to provide me songs of encouragement during my waiting time!
I had the interview on 17th August and finally signed the letter of appointment on 18th September, exactly 1 month. During that month the word of the Lord in Genesis story of Abraham, Issac and Jacob helped me. Many of the encouragement from God's word came through my wife and this trial had kept us closer to Lord and to each other.
I know that it has to be the wonderful grace of God when I was told by the Human resource, that of the 6 positions opened, mine was the only one that was approved by the US headquarters! I didn't expect to get the salary equivalent to what I was getting. God never short change us. It is by the Grace of God that led me; though full of trembling due to my lack of faith and He never fails!
This new job is returning me back to my passion for IC layout design. I know that this new job God had provided would allow me to have the time for my relationship with God, family and church.
Thank you all for praying, it is wonderful to experience the love of God through the church, where brothers and sisters show their love and concern by praying to the Lord for me. This has been a blessing to me and my family. It has been a defining moment for me and I praise and glory to the Lord!
May the Grace of God be with you!
- Patrick Tan