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Creating Slides for a New Assignment Using Gamma and GPT Images

Every new teaching assignment starts with a blank canvas. This time, I wanted to create presentation slides that were informative, visually engaging, and personally meaningful. Instead of spending hours searching for stock photos or designing every slide from scratch, I combined Gamma with GPT-generated images to create a presentation that tells a story.

Starting with the Learning Objectives

Before touching any design tool, I focused on the key question:

What should students understand by the end of this lesson?

Once the learning outcomes were clear, I organized the content into logical sections. This made it easier for Gamma to structure the presentation while ensuring the slides followed a coherent narrative.

Using Gamma to Build the Slides

Gamma significantly reduced the time required to create a polished presentation.

Some features that proved especially useful included:

Automatically organizing content into visually appealing layouts.
Suggesting professional design themes.
Maintaining consistent formatting across slides.
Allowing quick revisions without manually adjusting every element.

Rather than worrying about fonts, spacing, or alignment, I could focus on refining the ideas.

Creating Personalized Images with GPT

Instead of relying on generic stock photos, I used GPT to generate custom illustrations that reflected my teaching journey.

Some of the images included:

Studying Business Analysis concepts with diagrams and notes.
Reflecting on Jeremiah 29:11 while preparing lessons.
Exploring Knowledge and Inquiry for the refreshed Philosophy syllabus.
Understanding the nine Business Analysis knowledge areas through visual storytelling.
Biblical scenes illustrating trust, agility, and lifelong learning.

These personalized images made the presentation feel authentic and helped reinforce key ideas.

Blending Faith with Professional Learning

One aspect I particularly enjoyed was connecting professional development with Biblical principles.

For example, while studying Business Analysis, I reflected on James 1:19:

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” — James 1:19

This verse aligns remarkably well with the mindset of a good business analyst:

Listen carefully to stakeholders.
Ask thoughtful questions.
Avoid jumping to conclusions.
Understand before recommending solutions.

The images became visual reminders that technical skills and personal values can complement one another.

An Iterative Process

Creating the presentation wasn’t a one-time activity.

The workflow looked something like this:

Draft ideas in GPT.
Generate supporting images.
Import content into Gamma.
Review slide flow.
Adjust wording and visuals.
Repeat until the story felt natural.

Each iteration improved both clarity and visual impact.

Lessons Learned

This experience reminded me that AI works best as a creative partner rather than a replacement for human thinking.

Gamma accelerated presentation design.

GPT helped generate meaningful visuals and refine content.

Together, they allowed me to spend more time thinking about how students learn, rather than wrestling with slide formatting.

Looking Ahead

As I continue preparing new lessons and assignments, I expect AI tools to become part of my regular workflow—not to replace creativity, but to amplify it.

Whether I’m designing a Business Analysis lesson, preparing Philosophy materials, or reflecting on Scripture, the combination of thoughtful content, compelling visuals, and modern AI tools helps transform ideas into engaging learning experiences.

Sometimes the biggest benefit isn’t creating slides faster—it’s having more time to think deeply about the message those slides are meant to convey.

Faith, Wisdom, and Business Analysis: Learning with Purpose

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.” — James 1:5 (NIV)

As I continue my journey of learning Business Analysis, I’ve come to realize that studying isn’t just about passing an exam or earning a certification. It’s about developing the wisdom to solve real problems, serve others well, and make a meaningful difference.

One study technique that has helped me is creating a mind map around the nine Business Analysis domains. Instead of memorizing definitions, I connect each domain to a practical scenario—such as improving hospital appointment scheduling. This transforms theory into a story, making it easier to understand and remember.

But it also reminds me of something deeper.

When I look at these domains through the lens of faith, I see principles that reflect how God calls us to live and work.

Understanding Before Acting

Business analysts begin by understanding the business problem before recommending a solution.

Likewise, Jesus often asked questions before giving answers. He listened, understood people’s needs, and responded with compassion and wisdom.

As believers, we’re reminded:

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” — James 1:19

Listening is often the first step toward meaningful change.

Serving People Through Change

Many projects involve change, and change isn’t always easy.

Organizations adopt new systems, improve processes, and adapt to new challenges. Behind every project are real people who may feel uncertain or overwhelmed.

As Christians, we are called to encourage others through change with patience, kindness, and humility.

Our goal isn’t simply implementing a solution—it’s helping people embrace it.

Creating Value That Matters

One of the Business Analysis domains focuses on Value.

In business, value may be measured by efficiency, customer satisfaction, or cost savings.

As followers of Christ, we can also ask:

Did this solution help people?
Did it make someone’s life easier?
Did it allow others to flourish?

True success isn’t measured only by outcomes but also by how we serve others along the way.

Keeping the Right Perspective

The final domain reminds us to consider the Context.

Every organization has its own culture, challenges, and environment.

Similarly, God places each of us in different workplaces, communities, and seasons for a purpose. Our role is to seek His wisdom and discern how we can faithfully serve where we are today.

Final Reflection

Studying Business Analysis has taught me more than frameworks and techniques. It has reminded me that knowledge becomes meaningful when it is applied with wisdom, compassion, and integrity.

Whether I’m preparing for an exam, solving a business problem, or supporting stakeholders, my prayer is that I would reflect Christ through the way I listen, think, communicate, and serve.

As Colossians 3:23 encourages us:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

May we continue to grow not only in knowledge but also in wisdom, using the gifts God has given us to create solutions that bring value, build trust, and bless the lives of others.

Grace and peace,
Happy learning! 🙏📖💼

Anticipating What I Need to Do When Revising Business Analysis Concepts

Studying Business Analysis is not just about reading notes—it’s about understanding how all the concepts connect. Before I begin revising, I take a few minutes to anticipate what I need to focus on. This helps me study with purpose instead of simply memorizing information.

I usually start by identifying the topics that require the most attention. For example, I ask myself:

Which knowledge areas do I find challenging?
Can I explain the nine Business Analysis domains without looking at my notes?
Am I able to apply these concepts to real-world scenarios?

Once I know my weak areas, I create a simple revision plan. Instead of reading chapter after chapter, I mix different learning techniques. I review summary notes, practise scenario-based questions, create mind maps, and use memory tricks such as:

Understand → Mindset → Implement → Change → Need → Solution → Stakeholder → Value → Context

Thinking of these domains as a business analyst’s journey makes them much easier to remember than trying to memorize them individually.

I also anticipate the types of questions that might appear in an exam. Rather than asking, “What is the Need domain?”, I challenge myself with questions like, “How would I identify the Need in a hospital appointment scheduling project?” This approach helps me connect theory with practical application.

Finally, I finish each revision session by reflecting on what I’ve learned and identifying what still needs improvement. Revising becomes much more effective when I study with intention instead of simply hoping the information sticks.

A little planning before revising goes a long way. By anticipating what I need to learn, applying memory techniques, and practising with real-world examples, I can build both my confidence and my understanding of Business Analysis concepts.

The Asbury Revival and What It Reveals About Our Hunger for God

Reflections on authenticity, Gen Z, and why polished professionalism may not satisfy our deepest spiritual longings.

In a recent conversation, I heard a university professor describe the Asbury Revival in a way that has stayed with me ever since. He spoke not about the crowds or the headlines, but about how visceral the experience was.

It began with what was meant to be an ordinary chapel service at Asbury University in February 2023. Instead of leaving when the service ended, a small group of students remained behind to pray. Others joined them. Hours turned into days. Worship continued around the clock. There were no celebrity pastors, no elaborate production, no marketing strategy—just students praying, confessing, singing, reading Scripture, and seeking God together.

What struck the professor most was not simply that it happened, but how it happened. It felt raw, genuine, and unforced.

A Generation Looking for Something More

One of the professor’s observations was that Gen Z has become one of the largest and fastest-growing groups expressing interest in faith and spirituality. While many have assumed younger generations are abandoning religion altogether, he believes many are actually searching for something deeper than institutional affiliation or polished experiences.

In his view, many young people are longing for authenticity. They have grown up in a world shaped by social media, constant comparison, and carefully curated identities. They have become remarkably good at recognizing when something feels manufactured.

Perhaps that is one reason why the simplicity of the Asbury Revival resonated with so many people.

When Everything Becomes a Product

The professor also offered a challenging thought: our culture of professionalism and commoditization may actually be diminishing our hunger for faith.

Today, nearly everything is optimized. We measure performance, track engagement, refine presentations, build brands, and seek efficiency. These are not inherently bad things. In many contexts, professionalism serves people well.

But when this mindset becomes the lens through which we approach every part of life, even faith can begin to feel like another product to consume.

Churches can unintentionally fall into this pattern. Services become increasingly polished. Worship becomes a production. Ministries become programs. Success is measured by attendance, engagement, and growth metrics.

Again, excellence is not the problem.

The question is whether our pursuit of excellence sometimes overshadows our dependence on God.

The Things We Cannot Manufacture

The professor suggested that the most meaningful moments of faith often cannot be scheduled or engineered.

Repentance cannot be programmed.

Conviction cannot be marketed.

The presence of God cannot be manufactured.

The Asbury Revival seemed to remind people of this reality. There was no attempt to create a spectacle. There was simply space for people to remain, pray, worship, confess, and listen.

Perhaps what made it powerful was precisely what made it ordinary.

A Different Kind of Success

In many areas of life, professionalism is necessary. Organizations need good leadership. Churches benefit from thoughtful planning. Excellence honors both people and God.

Yet there is also a danger when professionalism becomes our greatest strength.

If every moment is scripted, every experience optimized, and every outcome measured, we may lose our capacity to wait, to wonder, and to hunger for God in ways that cannot be controlled.

The Asbury Revival reminds us that spiritual renewal rarely begins with impressive strategies. More often, it begins with ordinary people who are willing to linger in God’s presence.

Final Reflection

Whether one views the Asbury Revival as a genuine revival or simply a remarkable spiritual awakening, it raises an important question for all of us.

In a culture that prizes efficiency, optimization, and polished experiences, have we left enough room for genuine encounters with God?

Perhaps the deepest hunger of our generation is not for a better performance, but for a real presence.

And perhaps revival begins not when we perfect our programs, but when we rediscover our dependence on God.

Why Philosophy Needs to Keep Evolving: Reflections on the New Knowledge and Inquiry Syllabus

When people think of philosophy, they often imagine ancient thinkers discussing questions that have puzzled humanity for centuries. What is truth? How do we know what we know? What makes something right or wrong?

These questions have not changed. But the world around them certainly has.

That is why the Ministry of Education’s refreshed Knowledge and Inquiry (KI) syllabus, which will be introduced in 2027, is such an encouraging development. Rather than changing what philosophy is about, it recognises that philosophy must continue to evolve alongside society. After all, the purpose of philosophy has never been to memorise old ideas—it is to help us think more clearly about new ones.

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parenting-education/jc-philosophy-subject-knowledge-and-inquiry-to-get-syllabus-refresh-in-2027

Today’s students are growing up in a world where artificial intelligence can write essays, generate images and answer questions in seconds. Information is everywhere, but knowing what to trust has become increasingly difficult. This makes philosophy more relevant than ever.

One of the biggest changes in the new KI syllabus is the introduction of the idea of “cognition and conscience.” In simple terms, students are encouraged to think about two equally important questions: How is knowledge created? and How should knowledge be used responsibly?

These are not just academic questions. They are questions that young people are already encountering in everyday life.

Can we trust information generated by AI? Should technology make decisions for us? Just because we can do something, does it mean we should?

These are philosophical questions, and there are no easy answers. What philosophy offers is a way of thinking carefully and critically before reaching a conclusion.

Another welcome feature of the refreshed syllabus is that it provides students with a stronger foundation by introducing key philosophers and concepts more explicitly. Thinkers such as John Locke and Karl Popper are no longer simply names students may come across—they become important guides in understanding ideas about evidence, scientific reasoning and the nature of knowledge.

Learning philosophy has never been about agreeing with these thinkers. Instead, students learn to question them, challenge them and build upon their ideas. In many ways, that is exactly what philosophy has always encouraged: respectful disagreement in the pursuit of deeper understanding.

The syllabus also introduces a consistent inquiry framework that students can apply across different topics. Whenever they encounter a new claim or idea, they are encouraged to ask questions such as:

Who produced this knowledge?
What evidence supports it?
What assumptions are being made?
How might culture, history or politics have shaped it?
Who benefits from this knowledge, and who might be affected by it?

These questions are useful far beyond the classroom. Whether students are reading the news, evaluating social media posts or discussing scientific breakthroughs, they are learning to pause, examine and think before accepting information at face value.

Perhaps that is the greatest value of philosophy today. It teaches students not what to think, but how to think.

The refreshed syllabus also places greater emphasis on intellectual qualities such as humility, open-mindedness and conscientiousness. These may sound like simple values, but they are becoming increasingly important in a world where opinions spread quickly and certainty is often mistaken for wisdom.

Being intellectually humble means recognising that we might not have all the answers. Being open-minded means being willing to consider different perspectives. Being conscientious means taking care to evaluate evidence before forming conclusions. These habits of mind are valuable not only in examinations but throughout life.

The updated KI syllabus reminds us that philosophy is not a subject trapped in the past. It is a living discipline that continues to help us make sense of an ever-changing world. While the questions may take on new forms—from artificial intelligence to emerging technologies—the skills that philosophy develops remain remarkably constant: curiosity, careful reasoning and thoughtful reflection.

As the world changes, our education must change too. The refreshed Knowledge and Inquiry syllabus shows that philosophy is more than capable of keeping pace. In fact, it may be one of the subjects best equipped to help students navigate uncertainty with confidence, integrity and wisdom.

In the end, philosophy is not about having all the answers. It is about learning to ask better questions. And in today’s rapidly changing world, that may be one of the most valuable lessons of all.

Applying Agile Principles to My New Assignment

Starting my new assignment, I decided to approach it as a project rather than simply another piece of coursework. Instead of jumping straight into the tasks, I wanted to apply Agile project management principles to help me stay organized while remaining flexible enough to deal with uncertainty.

The first step was defining the project’s scope. I identified the key deliverables, deadlines, and objectives outlined in the assignment brief. Breaking the assignment into smaller, manageable tasks allowed me to understand what needed to be completed and estimate the time required for each activity. Establishing a clear scope also helped prevent unnecessary work and ensured I remained focused on meeting the assignment requirements.

Although Agile is often associated with iterative and adaptive planning, I chose to begin with a predictive approach. At the start of the project, I developed a schedule based on the information available, allocating time for research, planning, execution, review, and final submission. This gave me a structured roadmap and helped me manage my workload effectively.

However, I also recognized that not everything could be predicted from the outset. One source of uncertainty was the introduction of a new student who would be involved in the assignment. Since I did not yet know their working style, communication preferences, or level of experience, it was difficult to plan every aspect of the collaboration in advance. Rather than treating this uncertainty as a risk that would derail the project, I decided to embrace an Agile mindset by remaining open to adaptation.

As the assignment progresses, I plan to regularly review my progress and make adjustments where necessary. If the new student’s availability, ideas, or working approach differ from my initial expectations, I will update my plan accordingly. This may involve redistributing tasks, modifying timelines, or improving communication to ensure the project continues to move forward effectively.

Applying Agile principles in this way allows me to combine the strengths of both predictive and adaptive project management. The predictive plan provides direction and structure, while the Agile mindset enables me to respond to changes without losing sight of the project’s objectives. This balanced approach helps reduce uncertainty, encourages continuous improvement, and increases the likelihood of delivering a successful outcome.

Overall, viewing my assignment as a project has changed the way I approach my work. Rather than following a rigid plan or reacting to challenges as they arise, I now have a clear framework that provides both stability and flexibility. By defining the scope, establishing an initial predictive plan, and adapting as new information becomes available—particularly regarding collaboration with the new student—I am better prepared to manage change and successfully complete the assignment.

Looking ahead, I have also recognized the need to prioritize my workload strategically. It is very likely that my main focus for the coming month will be learning the NTUC course content rather than spending excessive time worrying about smaller assignments. Based on the upcoming schedule, I expect August and September to be significantly more intensive, with a heavier workload and tighter deadlines. By acknowledging this early, I can plan my time more effectively, ensuring that I build a strong foundation in the NTUC course while still keeping up with assignment requirements. This reflects an Agile mindset of continuously reviewing priorities and adapting plans as circumstances change, allowing me to focus my effort where it will have the greatest impact.

When God Writes a Story You Never Planned

When God Writes a Story You Never Expected

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

There are seasons in life when we wonder if we’re falling behind.

We compare our timelines with others. Some people seem to know exactly what they want to do from the beginning, while others, like me, find themselves walking a path that twists and turns in unexpected ways.

Looking back, my journey has been anything but conventional.

I studied philosophy, which taught me to ask deeper questions about life, truth, and purpose. Years later, I pursued counselling and psychotherapy, learning to listen with compassion and understand the struggles people carry. Then I explored virtual events and digital production, discovering how technology could bring people together. Now, I’m completing my studies as an Artificial Intelligence Specialist in Data Operations.

If someone had told me years ago that I would one day be studying AI, I probably would have laughed.

But God already knew.

One of the beautiful truths of Scripture is that God isn’t surprised by the chapters of our lives. While we often focus on the next step, He sees the entire journey.

Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Notice that it doesn’t say we must understand every twist in the road. It simply invites us to trust.

Sometimes, God prepares us in ways we don’t immediately recognize.

The philosophy degree sharpened my thinking.

Counselling taught me empathy.

Artificial intelligence is teaching me how technology can serve people.

Individually, these experiences may seem unrelated. Together, they form a picture that only God could have been painting all along.

Perhaps that’s how faith often works.

God rarely gives us the whole blueprint. Instead, He asks us to take the next faithful step.

There were moments when I questioned whether I had made the wrong choices. Times when I wondered why my path looked so different from those around me. Yet with each passing year, I can see that every season had a purpose, even when I couldn’t understand it.

Romans 8:28 offers this comforting promise:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

“All things” includes the waiting.

It includes the detours.

It includes the unanswered questions.

It includes the dreams that changed.

God wastes nothing.

As I prepare to step into the world of AI and new career opportunities, my prayer isn’t simply for success. My prayer is that wherever God leads me, I will remain faithful, humble, and willing to serve.

Technology is advancing rapidly, but our greatest need remains the same: wisdom, compassion, integrity, and love. These qualities cannot be replaced by algorithms. They are cultivated through walking with Christ.

Perhaps you’re reading this while feeling uncertain about your own future.

Maybe your plans haven’t unfolded the way you expected.

Maybe you’re wondering whether you’ve missed God’s calling.

Take heart.

God’s timing is not our timing.

Your journey doesn’t have to look like someone else’s to have purpose.

Every lesson you’ve learned, every challenge you’ve faced, every unexpected turn may be preparing you for something you cannot yet see.

Keep trusting.

Keep learning.

Keep praying.

And remember that the Author of your story has never lost sight of the ending.

A Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for guiding us even when we cannot see the road ahead. Help us to trust Your plans over our own and to remain faithful in every season. Give us wisdom to use the gifts You’ve given us for Your glory and to serve others with humility, compassion, and integrity. When we feel uncertain or discouraged, remind us that You are always working behind the scenes for our good. May our lives reflect Your love in everything we do.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Faith That Stands, Hearts That Adapt

Why spiritual agility is about trusting an unchanging God in a changing world

The pace of change today is relentless.

Technology evolves overnight. Careers shift unexpectedly. Plans that seemed certain yesterday can disappear in a moment. We are constantly encouraged to reinvent ourselves just to keep up.

Yet, while the world celebrates adaptability, Scripture points us to something deeper.

Our faith is not anchored in changing circumstances but in an unchanging God.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” — Hebrews 13:8

There is a paradox in the Christian life. God never changes, yet He continually changes us.

Abraham left everything familiar because he trusted God’s promise. Moses had to exchange the security of the wilderness for the uncertainty of confronting Pharaoh. Peter left his fishing nets to become a fisher of men. Paul abandoned his former identity to pursue Christ wholeheartedly.

None of them knew exactly what lay ahead. What they shared was a willingness to follow wherever God led.

Faith is not resisting change for the sake of comfort. Faith is remaining steadfast in God while being willing to move when He calls.

Sometimes God invites us to learn new skills. Sometimes He closes one door to open another. Sometimes He strips away what we thought defined us so that our identity can rest more fully in Him.

This can be unsettling. We naturally cling to what is familiar. Yet every season of change is also an opportunity to discover God’s faithfulness in a fresh way.

The question is not, “How do I avoid change?”

The better question is, “Am I willing to trust God through it?”

Just as a tree survives storms because its roots run deep, believers endure life’s uncertainties because their hope is rooted in Christ.

Our methods may change.
Our responsibilities may change.
Our circumstances may change.

But God’s character never changes.

And that is where true confidence is found.

Reflection

Is there an area of your life where you’re resisting change because of fear rather than faith?
What might God be teaching you through your current season of transition?
How can you remain rooted in Christ while stepping faithfully into the unknown?

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You that You never change, even when everything around me does. Help me to place my confidence not in my own plans, abilities, or circumstances, but in Your unchanging love and faithfulness. Give me the courage to follow wherever You lead, the humility to keep learning, and the wisdom to discern Your direction. May every change I experience draw me closer to You and shape me more into the likeness of Christ.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

When God Builds Bridges

A recent image made me smile. It showed a shepherd holding what looked like an Agile planning board. Instead of software features, the backlog contained things like:

Graze greener pasture
Find water
Avoid wolves

The sprint board listed tasks such as:

Move as a team
Follow the leader

One sheep wore a sticky note that read:

“I prefer waterfall.”

Another complained:

“Too many meetings.”

Another simply asked:

“Where’s my grass?”

It was funny. But the more I looked at it, the more I realized it wasn’t just poking fun at Agile. It was quietly describing us.

Sheep Don’t Like Change

Sheep prefer familiar paths. If there is grass today, they would rather stay than move. Yet every shepherd knows something the sheep do not.

Today’s pasture will eventually run out.

The flock must keep moving. Not because the shepherd enjoys change. But because the shepherd sees what lies ahead. Isn’t that often how God leads us?

Sometimes we are comfortable. Then suddenly our workplace restructures.

New technology appears. AI changes the way we work. Job descriptions evolve.

Our first reaction is often:

“Can’t we just do things the way we’ve always done them?”

Perhaps we are more like the sheep with the sticky note than we’d like to admit.

“I prefer waterfall.”

Agile Is Not About Constant Change

One misunderstanding about Agile is that it celebrates change for its own sake.

It doesn’t. The Agile Manifesto values responding to change over following a rigid plan.

Notice the wording. It doesn’t reject planning. It recognizes that reality changes.

The destination remains. The route may need adjusting. That’s remarkably similar to walking with God. God’s purpose never changes. But He often changes our path.

Abraham never expected Egypt.

Joseph never expected prison.

Moses never expected forty years in Midian.

Paul never expected Macedonia after planning to go elsewhere.

Their mission remained God’s.

Their route kept changing.

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/govtechs-restructuring-reflects-what-is-expected-of-agile-tech-teams

The Good Shepherd Is Always Inspecting and Adapting

Every Agile team regularly pauses to ask:

What’s working?
What’s not?
What should we change?

Spiritually, isn’t that what God continually invites us to do?

Scripture repeatedly calls believers to examine their hearts.

Not because God needs information. Because we need transformation.

Sometimes we cling to methods that once worked but are no longer what God is asking of us.

Sometimes we mistake familiarity for faithfulness.

The Shepherd gently moves the flock because He sees dangers and opportunities we cannot.

Building Bridges

A recent Straits Times article described how organizations increasingly seek people who can speak both the language of business and the language of technology.

People who can walk into an executive meeting one moment and build software the next.

Reading that article reminded me that every bridge begins with understanding both sides.

Perhaps that is what God has been teaching me over the past few weeks.

First came Gideon’s fleece. Then my Project Management course. Then GovTech’s shift toward product thinking.

Now this article about people who bridge business and technology. Perhaps these aren’t isolated lessons. Perhaps God is quietly teaching me to become a bridge. Not simply between business and technology. But between ideas and people. Between planning and action. Between faith and work.

Agile Begins With Listening

One of Agile’s core practices is listening. Teams listen to users. Developers listen to feedback. Product Owners listen to changing needs. The best Agile teams don’t stubbornly insist they already know all the answers.

They remain teachable. James writes:

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” (James 1:19)

That sounds surprisingly Agile. Godly wisdom has never been rigid. It listens. It learns. It responds faithfully.

Following the Shepherd

The image ends with one sheep asking,

“Where’s my grass?”

I laughed.

Then I realized I’ve asked God similar questions.

Where’s the certainty? Where’s the roadmap? Where’s the future?

The sheep only sees today’s pasture.

The shepherd sees tomorrow’s.

Perhaps following Christ has always been the ultimate Agile journey.

Not because God is constantly changing His mind.

But because He invites us to trust Him one step at a time.

The flock doesn’t need to know the entire route.

It only needs to stay close to the Shepherd.

Becoming Before Arriving

The Straits Times article focused on the kind of workers organizations want.

The Agile image reminded me of the kind of followers God desires.

People who remain curious. People who keep learning. People who adapt without compromising truth. People who trust the Shepherd even when the next pasture isn’t visible.

Technology will continue to evolve. Project management will mature. Product management will change. Artificial intelligence will reshape industries.

But one thing remains unchanged. The voice of the Good Shepherd.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
John 10:27

Perhaps becoming “agile” isn’t merely about delivering software faster.

Perhaps, spiritually speaking, it is about cultivating a heart that is responsive to God’s leading—anchored in His unchanging character, yet willing to follow Him wherever He leads.

When the Lesson Meets the Headline

What Gideon’s Fleece Taught Me About Learning Project Management in a Changing World

“Give me a sign that it is really You talking to me.” — Judges 6:17

Some days have a way of making you stop and pay attention.

The week began with a devotion on Gideon’s fleece—a story about a man who wanted reassurance before stepping into the calling God had placed before him.

Later that week I attended the first module of my Project Management course.

Then came the news.

GovTech announced a major restructuring. The purpose was clear:

The restructuring is meant to take GovTech from managing projects delivered by vendors to running technology products itself.

When I read those words, I couldn’t help but pause.

Here I was beginning a course on Project Management, while the organization was talking about moving beyond traditional project delivery toward in-house product management.

The timing made me wonder.

Gideon’s Question

Gideon wasn’t questioning whether God existed.

He was questioning whether he had understood God’s direction correctly.

So he asked for confirmation.

God graciously answered by making the fleece wet while the surrounding ground remained dry.

The next day, Gideon asked again.

This time the fleece remained dry while the ground became wet.

The story has often been misunderstood as a method for making decisions.

But I believe its deeper message is something else.

It reveals a God who patiently reassures people whose hearts genuinely want to follow Him.

When the News Interrupted My Expectations

As I began learning about project management, my immediate thought was:

“Am I learning yesterday’s way of working while the industry is already moving toward tomorrow?”

It was an honest question.

The news wasn’t saying that project management no longer mattered.

It was saying something deeper.

Organizations are changing how they create value.

Instead of primarily managing projects delivered by external vendors, they want to own products, build internal capability, and continuously improve digital services.

That isn’t the end of project management.

It’s an evolution.

Preparation Before Purpose

As I reflected on Gideon’s story, I realized something.

God often prepares people before they understand why.

Joseph learned administration long before he governed Egypt.

David learned leadership while tending sheep before he became king.

Moses spent decades in the wilderness before leading Israel through it.

Preparation rarely feels exciting while we’re living it.

Only in hindsight do we recognize how every lesson had a purpose.

Perhaps learning project management is similar.

Maybe it isn’t the final destination.

Maybe it’s part of God’s preparation for whatever comes next.

The skills I’m learning today—planning, communication, stakeholder engagement, leadership, governance, and managing change—will remain valuable regardless of whether my future title is Project Manager, Product Manager, Business Analyst, or something entirely different.

The Fleece Was Never the Goal

What struck me most wasn’t whether the news was a “sign.”

The more important question became:

What is God teaching me through this moment?

Gideon’s fleece wasn’t meant to keep him looking for more signs.

It was meant to give him enough confidence to take the next step.

Likewise, I don’t think God is asking me to predict where technology or my career will be five years from now.

He’s asking me to faithfully learn what He has placed before me today.

To stay curious. To stay teachable.To remain open. To trust Him.

Walking Forward

The world of technology will continue to evolve.

Job titles will change. Methodologies will come and go.

Organizations will restructure. But God’s faithfulness doesn’t change.

Looking back, I don’t know whether the timing of the devotion, the course, and the GovTech announcement was simply an interesting coincidence or one of God’s quiet reminders.

I don’t need to know.

What I do know is this: God often uses ordinary moments to shape extraordinary trust.

Just as Gideon eventually moved forward in faith after receiving reassurance, I want to move forward with confidence—not because I know exactly where my career is heading, but because I know the One who does.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5–6

Perhaps the real lesson wasn’t about project management or product management at all.

Perhaps it was about learning to trust God while He quietly prepares me for the future I cannot yet see.