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But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

What is your goal? What is important to you? What are your desires?

God has been teaching us that the key to an abundant life is to seek Him first. However, it seems very counter-cultural. We learned that if we want to succeed in life, we must have a good education, career, physical appearance and so on. We must work hard and have a plan for where we want to be in three to five years from now. We are taught that we need to take control of our lives. Through all those successes we build our own security, stability and identity.

What is left of us when everything we hang onto collapses? What happens when things go in a completely opposite direction from our plans and thoughts?

Putting my confidence in God’s promises seems so difficult and scary. I’ve gone through decades of a rocky life: anger problems, watching my first marriage collapse in 1997, battling the uncertainty of my future after divorce, and depression for both myself and my daughter. All this left me with no other choice but to cry out to God. As I read Matthew 6:33-34, I took my own steps and God met me where I was. He showed me how to seek Him first. But as we know and experience, it’s so hard to sustain always putting God first, especially when we do not feel a desire or love for God.

How can I love a God I can’t see or touch? As a child, I learned, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37. I’m so thankful that in 2009, Island ECC’s Discipleship Classes helped me grow in faith. My second husband, Patrick, and I learned to make Him the centre of our lives and marriage. Our desires, goals and priorities changed. Understanding the true meaning of Jesus’ death on the cross made us realise how great the Father’s love is.

Having an intimate relationship with the Father has helped us feel His heart breaking for the lost and the broken. We are compelled to respond in love and obedience; to care for the poor; bring hope and reconcile the lost back to the Father. Previously, Patrick knew he would become redundant at his job, so we made the decision to respond to our calling, burden and vision to build a school ministry in the Philippines. In the midst of our trials, we seek, thank, praise, and obey God.

It has been a joyful and fruitful life! It is all about God! We are always reminded and very encouraged by what Romans 11:36 says: for everything comes from Him, exists by His power and is intended for His glory.

What about you? What are you currently seeking?

• Ask for God’s precious love be revealed, pursued, understood and treasured by you.
• Ask God to give you a craving for His words, a desire to be in His presence, and a willingness to be disciplined to choose His commands, plans and purposes for your life.