Contributed by Abbey Thangiah • Feb 4, 2025
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13:44-46)
The verses above are my favourite “seeking” verses. The man sold everything he had just for the pearl. Today, this is like people seeking for the first release of an iPhone, the vintage signed jersey of a favourite player, or a custom-made luxury car. These ‘pearls’ consume people to a point where they become obsessed .
For 15 years or so, my ‘pearl’ was my career. After failing uni and restarting my life. I really thought that finding a good and stable job is the most important thing in the world. I need to repay my family (although this will never be possible) for all the sacrifices and suffering they went through emotionally and financially. I thought a job would be the answer to all my worries and desires. And yes, I get to tithe and be a good Christian. I will also get to give to missionaries like all the cool well-to-do Christians do. There is a missionary from YWAM Delhi whom I respect a lot and would bless him and his ministry whenever I am able.
For a moment, I thought I was doing fine. All was good. There were times where I had to work Sundays but it is okay, it’s all for God’s glory. Suddenly I found myself working long hours. Travelling far and wide the country. I skipped the cell. I did not attend church training and activities. I was so detached from my Cell Group and DUMC as a whole. Seven years in, as the church grew I was still hunting up and down for my ‘pearl’ of career stability
One of my greatest achievements was my greatest regret. I got the opportunity to work in Singapore. I can vision myself earning double and being able to elevate my life and my family. I thought this would be the time to shine. I was so full of gratitude till I was blinded. I got a job to be the architectural supervisor of RWS Sentosa. Of the 20+ construction packages, I was given the casino. I was going to build a casino. That would have been a red flag but I justified it because of all the thousands of people that applied, they chose me, so God had to be in it right? If not, I wouldn’t have gotten the job at all. How could I be deserving of such a high post? The project was only for 3 years and I would be moved to their next big project.
Alas, I lost the job in 6 months, I found out many discrepancies in the material, cost and drawings. The subcontractors worked against me and threw me out. To make matters worse, I became sick and went through a tonsillitis operation due to the constant exposure to the dust .
After this, life was better until the pandemic happened. I lost everything and was just going downhill. Losing my job, draining my finances to a deficit and constantly being dependent on the very people whom I wanted to be a blessing too.
I thank God now that things are so much better. I am on my own and have learnt to count my blessings. I know now that seeking God is the greatest treasure of all. I am not where I want to be yet, but I know that He is guiding me in every step. He is also blessing me every step of the way. Like manna from heaven, He provides and I have never lacked anything.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)