By Cheryl Mah
For more than a decade of my career, I thrived as a marketer. I poured myself into my work, driven by the adrenaline of fast-paced campaigns, creative challenges, and the thrill of seeing results come to life. It felt good to be seen, to achieve, and to succeed. My work gave me a clear sense of purpose in my life. Without realising it, I began to see my job as more than a role – in fact, it became my identity.
Then, the unexpected happened.
In 2020, when COVID-19 hit, I lost my job. Suddenly, the identity I had built over the years crumbled. For months, I wrestled with anger, confusion, and deep uncertainty. I felt lost. Without the title, the work, or the structure, I did not know who I was anymore, or where to go from there.
One day, I happened to scroll through the AMKMC church e-bulletin – something I hardly ever did – and saw a job listing. The requirements matched my background and experience, yet I hesitated. I did not feel qualified or “spiritual” enough for the role. I prayed about it, then a truth came to mind based on Hebrews 13:21: “If Christ calls you, He will equip you.”
So, I applied for the role, and in April 2021, I joined the AMKMC staff team.
What followed was a season of being stretched beyond what I thought I could handle. I stepped into unfamiliar territory, uncertain of expectations, direction, or even my own capacity. Everything felt new, and I felt so small. Without a clear roadmap or sense of control, I found myself navigating a world that felt completely foreign compared to corporate life. However, it was in that very place of not knowing that I began to experience Christ in a deeper, more personal way.
Feeling so overwhelmed, I turned to Scripture not out of routine, but out of desperation. I prayed honest and unpolished prayers and clung to Christ for wisdom, strength, and peace. Slowly, He met me – quietly, faithfully, and consistently. What began in fear and uncertainty became a journey of faith.
Throughout that season, Christ gently taught me four things:
1. Our identity is not in what we do, but in Christ.
We are not defined by our job titles, achievements, or even productivity, but by the unchanging truth that we belong to Christ. Whether we succeed or stumble, His love for us remains unchanged.
2. God does not wait for us to be fully ready; He equips those He calls.
If He calls us into something new or unfamiliar, He will not leave us to figure it out alone. We must trust that He will provide the wisdom, strength, and grace we need – right where we need it.
3. Spiritual growth often begins in the unknown.
Our moments of uncertainty, discomfort, and unfamiliarity are often where God works most deeply in our hearts. These difficult seasons are not pointless. They can become sacred when they lead us to trust Him more and draw closer to His presence.
4. Losing what once defined us can open the way to what truly matters.
Sometimes, God removes what we once clung to – not to leave us empty, but to fill us with something better. He not only leads us in new directions; He also draws us closer to Himself and reminds us where our true foundation lies.
In times of transition or uncertainty, it is natural to feel overlooked or to question our worth. Yet our value in God’s eyes has never changed. While the world measures people by roles, achievements, or status, Christ sees beyond all that – He looks at the heart.
Our identity is not found in what we do, but in who we belong to. We are His beloved children – chosen, called, and deeply loved. When the future feels unclear, trust the One who holds it – and who lovingly holds us.