I was hoping that one day someone would call me to offer a better job. After nine months with this wish on my heart, a well known hotel in Melbourne called me for a job interview. Everything sounded very exciting and even the interview conveniently coincided the day I had to dress up for a company function at my current job. I went to the interview before work with full of confidence.
I personally spend a lot of time with God every day. When I leave the house I start with thanksgiving, praises and go on a 20 minute prayer walk to pray for family, friends and people in need. At lunch I read some great Christian literature or study the Word of God in my desire of becoming a prayer warrior. I was reading about "being still and waiting on the Lord" the day before the interview and thought it was a very interesting topic.
Back to my interview. I got bombarded by questions from the HR manager and the sales director and it seemed quite obvious to me that the job is a very hectic one. I asked what the working hours might be. They said: "Technically 8.30am to 5.30pm with one hour break, but in reality we expect you to be in before 8am, the lunch break does not exist and on good days you can leave at 6pm" then added "Basically you have to finish everything the director has requested on the day. In the beginning there will be a lot of overtime but it should get better."
Then suddenly in my heart I could hear a loud weeping. It was so loud that I turned pale!!! I felt God was weeping and saying to me "How about me? There will be no time for me any more." I was speechless… I no longer had any more questions as the weeping continued in my heart. I left the interview very confused. All of sudden, I was struck by the thought that this high salary job would not only ruin my prayer routine, but also change my relationship with God because it would substitute my time and vitality with busyness and tired body.
My heart was split in half. I wanted to continue with my relationship with Jesus, but I didn't want to pass up this "great" opportunity. Who knows if I can get a lucrative job offer like this ever again?
The next morning on the train, I was thinking maybe I could do a test run to see how I go. So I got off the train in Richmond to change the train to this new office. On the opposite platform the transit train arrived timely. In a rush to get on the train, I stepped into the gap between the train and the platform and fell flat onto the train.
Ouch! I was in pain as I hit my knee so badly. It was like God saying to me "You heard my weeping yesterday, this job is not for you. Why are you trying to change the train?" Four people helped me up, and with blood running down on my knee I said interiorly, "Yes Lord. I am very sorry." In repentance, I asked the Holy Spirit to send an angel to tell the company I am not suitable for the job.
That day the company rang my referees to offer me the job. Surprisingly, one of my referees told them I am probably not suitable for that role. It was a very rude thing to say as a referee and was totally unusual, but the lesson was crystal clear.
God appreciates our attention, our talks and our love for Him. No amount of money can ever replace precious time spent with Him. His time is nourishing to my heart, soul and mind. He loves my personality, the company would just love my work. Thank you Lord for this important lesson in life.
Daniel back again. Thanks Simone.
Daniel Jang from Newcastle, New South Wales has worked for Compassion Australia for the past 2 years. He is currently preparing to join the ship MV Logos Hope, bringing knowledge, help and hope to the people of the world.