Last week was a very eventful one for me. I had a job interview for a new position which was pretty nerve-wracking for me. Although I'm usually helping out in internship and panel interviews, it's been a while since I was at the other end of the table.

After the interview, I busied myself with one thing I was looking forward to if I get the job--salary negotiations. I did research, I wrote my arguments, I asked people, I prayed about it, and I asked other people to pray about it. All that plus my heavier than usual workload that week made things really intense. The last time I had a job offer, I did a negotiation but really didn't put my heart to it. But this time, game on! Looking back, it was a very interesting experience. So much has changed in a span of one week.

The results of the interview should have been in by Friday but with the way things progressed, it was a good thing as I had the opportunity to prepare. You may be asking, "Not ready for it? What happened to the bring it on attitude?" Well, God's will is good, pleasing, and perfect.

I had the opportunity to talk to someone last Friday while waiting for our cell meeting. It was pretty warm anywhere else so I decided to get comfortable and sat beside that person. Let's call that person Amy (not her real name). Amy was reading a book and because she was busy and I was really there to just get peace and quiet, we didn't talk much. That is, until she finished reading one chapter. She asked me whether I was a spender, a giver, or a craver. I laughed and confidently said I'm all three. Oh humility, where did you run off to?

I did not think much about the incident until I was walking back home that night. "Jack, shouldn't you be learning about contentment?" I was suddenly reminded of my quiet time last Wednesday and what I shared during our cell group last Thursday. It was about contentment. I really didn't think that they were perfectly applicable to my heart's desire at that moment. At that moment, I knew I needed to reconsider the direction I'm headed to. I prayed and asked God for confirmation.

The next day, God spoke to me in Proverbs 29:23.

"Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor."

I thought to myself that it's not that specific anyway. It could mean a lot of things. I was really a bit hard-headed so God spoke to me again in verse 25.

... but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

Let's wait a bit more okay? There's the whole weekend to think about it anyway. The next day, God led me to Proverbs 30:5,25.

v5 "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him."
v25 "Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer."

Okay. Maybe I'm just bent on getting a quick answer (rationalizations can really get you nowhere)? Later that day, I was suddenly reminded of all the times I was seeking God's will regarding a specific decision. There was peace the moment I made the right decision. Okay, fine.

This morning, my prayer went like this, "Lord, I will say yes immediately but please grant me Your favor that I get <...> and <...> in the offer". Baby steps.

Just this morning, HR sent me an offer and deep in my heart, I knew that I don't have to do things my way. Guess what? God answered one of my conditions. I really didn't mind that my second condition wasn't given. You can't have everything.

God wasn't finished teaching me. At that very moment, I was reminded of Proverbs 30:8-9.

... give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, "Who is the LORD?"

That, I think was a wonderful experience. Seeking God's will is much more worthwhile than you can ever imagine. Quoting someone,

"hahaha it should be fun seeking God's will no? 😛 kasi it's based on a relationship. nakakatuwang mawitness ung sunod sunod na sinasabi sayo ni Lord. magblog ka na kasi haha"

So here's the blog entry. In closing, let me share with you this quote. I'm not sure who said it though.

There's no better (and safer) place than being at the center of God's will.

By the way, I said YES without any second thoughts.