I also gradually discovered the power of prayer.  I have always been a quiet introverted individual.  This was even more so when I was younger as I did not have any close friend.  In times of anxiety and uncertainty, God was the first one to whom I turned.  There was nothing that prayer could not solve.  When an issue troubled my mind, I would be restless the whole day until I prayed at night in my bed.  Talking to God took my troubles away.  He also answered my prayers, big or small.  I began to excel in my studies and I knew that this was His blessing.

Unfortunately, as I grew older and achieved more, I became proud.  As a sinful human being, I believed that my achievements were all due to my efforts alone.  I stopped praying and stopped seeking Him.  God and I grew apart.  Looking back, I can see that this may have been due to a poor foundation of my faith.  Although the seed was planted, it was not properly nurtured.  This lapse in my relationship with God carried on all the way to my university years.

I went to an overseas university.  Hence, I finally had free rein over my lifestyle.  When fellow Singaporean friends invited me to church, I admit that I agreed for two reasons.  Firstly, I wanted to be included.  Secondly, however, I knew that it was an opportunity to get to know God again.  Looking back, I am very thankful that I made that decision for it was one that set me on the correct path to righteousness.  For the first time, I learned about the true meaning of Christianity and the privilege of being a Christian.  “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).  Despite our sinful nature, we need only confess our sins to receive eternal life.  I began to understand that there was more to life than just our worldly and materialistic achievements and desires, for our time on earth is only temporary.  Instead, my motivation in life should be to store treasures up in heaven.  “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).  His Word gave me comfort and assurance in difficult times, for I know that He is always in control.  Matthew 6:33 says, “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

I have been blessed to have known God from a young age.  He has always been faithful even when I lost my way and drifted away from Him.  He is kind and has blessed me abundantly and loves me despite my sinful nature.  How can I not make Him the Lord of my life when He has done so much for me?  For that reason, I was baptised in 2013 in Glasgow before returning to Singapore after graduating from university.  The move back home was another stumbling block but God was faithful and I found a church to which I can belong again.  As we continue to settle here, I resolve to work hard at growing in my faith, to learn so as to develop a Christ-like character, and to be the salt and light of the earth, in order that His kingdom may be glorified.