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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.

Day 1 of Project Management: Feeling Ancient, Yet Led by the Good Shepherd

There is something humbling about becoming a beginner again.

Today marked my first day of Project Management training. Walking into the classroom, I was excited—but I also quickly realised just how much the world has changed.

It has been years since I last worked extensively with modern workplace technologies. As trainers introduced collaborative platforms, digital project tools, cloud-based systems, and AI-powered features, I couldn’t help but smile to myself.

“Wow… I feel ancient.”

There were moments when everyone seemed to navigate the software effortlessly while I was still figuring out where certain buttons were. Technology has evolved so quickly that it almost felt like stepping into another world.

For a brief moment, I wondered if I had fallen too far behind.

Then God gently reminded me of something much greater.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want… He leads me beside still waters… He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:1–3)

A shepherd does not only lead sheep through familiar green pastures.

He also leads them through unfamiliar valleys, winding mountain paths, and terrain they have never travelled before.

The sheep don’t need to know every twist and turn.

They simply need to stay close to the Shepherd.

That was exactly how today felt.

I may not understand every new technology immediately.

I may need a little more time to adjust.

But none of that changes who walks beside me.

God has faithfully guided me through every season of my life—through university, career changes, uncertainty, waiting, closed doors, and new beginnings.

Why would He stop now simply because the world has become more digital?

One verse kept echoing in my heart throughout the day:

“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)

My understanding tells me,
“You’re behind.”

God tells me,
“Keep following Me.”

My understanding says,
“Everyone else seems ahead.”

God says,
“I’ve prepared good works for you to walk in.”

My understanding focuses on the unfamiliar technology.

God focuses on the person He is shaping through the journey.

Perhaps learning project management is about far more than mastering schedules, risk registers, stakeholder management, or project planning.

Perhaps God is teaching me to become teachable again.

To embrace humility.

To be comfortable not knowing everything.

To trust Him one lesson, one click, and one step at a time.

Looking back on today, I realised that although the software was new, the Shepherd was not.

His voice is still familiar.

His faithfulness is still constant.

His guidance has never failed me.

So I leave Day 1 not with confidence in my own technical ability, but with confidence in the One who has never led me astray.

The terrain may be new.

The Shepherd is the same.

And that’s enough.

“Even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.” — Psalm 139:10

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for walking with me through the first day of this new journey in Project Management. As I close this day, my heart is filled with gratitude. Thank You for giving me the courage to begin, the focus to learn, and the confidence that slowly returned as I refreshed my routines and completed my first lesson.

I am especially thankful for the unexpected message on LinkedIn. It felt like a gentle reminder that You are always at work, even when I cannot see what lies ahead. Just as I was rebuilding my confidence, You opened a conversation about a role in events or programme work—an opportunity that aligns with my interests. Whether this is the path You have prepared or simply an encouragement along the way, I receive it with gratitude.

Lord, grant me wisdom as I respond. Help me to be authentic, prepared, and discerning. If this opportunity is meant for me, open the right doors and guide every conversation. If You have something even better in store, give me the patience and trust to wait for Your timing.

Thank You for reminding me that progress often comes one faithful step at a time. Today was more than just the completion of a lesson—it was the renewal of hope. Help me continue building good habits, growing in knowledge, and becoming someone who serves others with excellence, humility, and integrity.

As I rest tonight, quiet every anxious thought and replace it with peace. Let tomorrow bring fresh energy, deeper understanding, and new opportunities to learn, contribute, and grow. May I never forget that my confidence is not rooted in circumstances, but in the gifts and purpose You have placed within me.

Thank You for today’s small victories, unexpected encouragements, and reminders that You are faithfully leading me, one day at a time.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Roller Coaster Before the Journey

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5

Just before the start of my course, I had a dream that has stayed with me.

I found myself in an incredible theme park unlike anything I had ever seen. Towering above me were ultra-high roller coasters that reached into the sky. They looked intimidating, yet strangely inviting.

Instead of watching from a distance, I got on the rides.

The climbs were steep.

The drops were exhilarating.

The twists and turns came unexpectedly.

Yet through it all, I wasn’t overwhelmed.

I was enjoying the journey.

When it was finally time to leave the theme park, I felt reluctant to go. I wanted to stay longer.

When I woke up, I wondered why this dream had come just before my course began.

Embracing the Unknown

Life often feels like a roller coaster.

We rarely know what the next turn will bring.

There are seasons of rapid change, moments of uncertainty, and unexpected opportunities that stretch us beyond our comfort zones.

If I had seen the entire track before stepping on the ride, I might have hesitated.

But once I was on it, I discovered that the journey itself was part of the adventure.

Perhaps faith is much the same.

God rarely shows us the entire path ahead.

Instead, He invites us to trust Him one step, one lesson, and one season at a time.

Growth Can Be Exciting

One detail from the dream continues to encourage me.

I wasn’t trying to escape the roller coaster.

I wanted to keep riding.

That surprised me.

Sometimes we think growth only comes through hardship.

But perhaps God also grows us through joy.

Through learning.

Through discovering new gifts.

Through meeting new people.

Through experiences that awaken wonder and gratitude.

Maybe the course ahead wasn’t something to fear.

Maybe it was an invitation to enjoy the process of becoming.

Every Ride Has a Purpose

Roller coasters are carefully designed.

Every climb prepares for a descent.

Every turn has a purpose.

Every moment contributes to the experience.

Our lives often feel random.

But God sees the whole track.

Even when we cannot understand why certain events happen, we can trust the One who designed the journey.

Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works in all things for the good of those who love Him.

Not every twist feels comfortable.

But every twist can shape us.

Reluctant to Leave

Perhaps the most beautiful part of the dream was my reluctance to leave.

That told me something.

I wasn’t merely enduring the experience.

I was enjoying it.

Looking back, I wonder if the dream was gently preparing my heart to embrace a new season with curiosity rather than fear.

To stop asking, “What if I can’t do this?”

And instead ask,

“What might God teach me along the way?”

The Journey of Faith

As I reflect on this dream, I’m reminded that following Christ is not simply about reaching a destination.

It’s about walking with Him through every climb and every descent.

Some seasons are quiet.

Others are fast-paced and unexpected.

But in every season, God remains faithful.

The future may feel like an unfamiliar roller coaster.

There may be moments when I grip the safety bar a little tighter than I’d like to admit.

Yet I know this:

The One who calls me is also the One who walks with me.

And because of that, I can embrace the journey with hope.

Not because I know every turn ahead—

but because I know the One who does.

Perhaps the greatest lesson from the dream is this:

Faith is not about avoiding the ride. It is about trusting God enough to enjoy the journey He has prepared for us.

When God Answers with More Than We Asked For

Reflections on Gideon’s Fleece and Learning to Trust God’s Timing

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

This morning’s devotion, “God at Work,” centered on one of the most well-known stories in the Bible—Gideon and the fleece (Judges 6:36–40). It’s a passage many Christians are familiar with, yet one that is often misunderstood.

At first glance, it seems like a story about asking God for signs. But as I spent time reflecting on the devotion, I realized it is actually a story about God’s incredible patience with a hesitant servant.

The Story Behind the Fleece

Before Gideon ever laid out the fleece, God had already spoken to him.

Israel was living under the oppression of the Midianites because they had turned away from the Lord. God chose Gideon—a man who saw himself as weak and insignificant—to deliver His people.

Gideon’s response wasn’t confidence.

It was uncertainty.

Although the Angel of the Lord had appeared to him and assured him of God’s presence, Gideon still struggled with fear. He wondered whether he had truly heard from God. So he prayed:

“If You are really going to save Israel through me, as You have promised, let the fleece be wet with dew while the ground remains dry.”

God graciously answered.

The next morning, Gideon wrung enough water from the fleece to fill a bowl.

Still uncertain, Gideon asked once more—this time requesting the opposite: that the fleece remain dry while the ground became wet.

Again, God answered.

The remarkable part of the story isn’t the miracle itself.

It’s God’s patience.

Rather than rebuking Gideon for his fear, God met him where he was and gave him the reassurance he needed to obey.

The Devotion’s Deeper Message

The morning devotion also shared the story of a man named Jay, who prayed something similar:

“If You want me to believe in You, do something I can’t explain.”

Soon afterward, he discovered a Gideon Bible in an unexpected place—an experience he believed God used to begin drawing him toward faith.

The devotion wisely reminds us that this doesn’t mean we should constantly ask God for signs.

Instead, it teaches us something even more beautiful:

God knows our hearts.

He understands our fears, our questions, and our desire for reassurance.

Sometimes He answers in extraordinary ways.

More often, He works quietly through ordinary circumstances.

Both reveal His faithfulness.

A Personal Reflection

As I reflected on Gideon’s story, I couldn’t help but think about a recent experience in my own life.

I had applied for an assignment at my preferred level and location.

As I waited, I prayed and asked God for confirmation.

I wasn’t asking Him to prove Himself.

I simply wanted confidence that I was walking where He wanted me to walk.

Then something unexpected happened.

On the very same day, I received not one but two confirmations.

One confirmed my assignment.

Another confirmed that it would be at my preferred location.

Could it have been coincidence?

Perhaps.

Could it have been God’s providential answer to my prayer?

I believe that’s possible too.

What struck me most wasn’t simply receiving good news.

It was the timing.

The confirmations came together, almost like God gently whispering,

“I hear you. I’m already ahead of you.”

Providence Is Often Quiet

Unlike Gideon’s fleece, I wasn’t asking God to perform a miracle.

Nothing supernatural happened.

Emails were sent.

Administrative decisions were finalized.

People simply did their jobs.

Yet Christians believe that God often works through ordinary events.

The Bible calls this providence—God directing circumstances according to His purposes.

Sometimes we expect God to work only through dramatic miracles.

But throughout Scripture, we also see Him guiding people through open doors, closed doors, conversations, timing, and opportunities that seem to fit together in ways we couldn’t have arranged ourselves.

Perhaps that’s why the devotion was titled “God at Work.”

His work isn’t always spectacular. Sometimes it’s wonderfully ordinary.

Trust Beyond the Confirmation

As encouraging as these moments are, I don’t want my faith to depend on signs.

Gideon’s story didn’t end with the fleece.

The real story began after it.

He stepped forward in obedience, trusting God even when facing impossible odds with only 300 men against an overwhelming army.

The fleece wasn’t the destination. It was preparation for obedience.

Likewise, I don’t want to cling to the confirmations I received.

Instead, I want them to remind me of the God who is faithful whether life feels certain or uncertain.

Walking Forward

Looking back, I see this experience as a gentle reminder that God is intimately involved in the details of our lives.

He doesn’t always answer our prayers the way we expect.

Sometimes the answer is “wait.”

Sometimes it is “no.”

Sometimes it is “not yet.”

And every now and then, He answers with more than we asked for—not because we earned it, but because He is kind.

As I begin this new assignment, my prayer is no longer, “Lord, give me another sign.”

Instead, it is:

“Lord, thank You for leading me this far. Help me trust You even when I don’t receive confirmations. Let me walk by faith, knowing that whether Your guidance comes through miracles or through ordinary moments of providence, You are always at work.”

“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)

Retrieving the Luggage: A Dream About Preparation for a New Season

There are times when a dream lingers long after you wake up. Not because every detail is immediately clear, but because it seems to arrive at exactly the right moment.

On the morning of my orientation for an Artificial Intelligence course—a new season of learning and growth—I had a dream that has stayed with me.

In the dream, I realized I had left my luggage in a hotel room. To retrieve it, I first needed to obtain a key from the room attendant. Once I received the key, I returned to the room and found my luggage exactly where I had left it. Interestingly, there were also many other pieces of luggage that belonged to other hotel guests.

At first glance, it seemed like an ordinary dream. But as I reflected on it alongside Scripture and recent events in my life, I began to see a deeper message about preparation, stewardship, and trusting God as I step into a new chapter.

A Hotel Is a Temporary Place

Hotels are places we stay for a season.

They are not permanent homes.

Perhaps that is the first lesson the dream teaches. Life is made up of seasons. Some are long, while others are brief. God often moves us from one assignment to another, teaching us different lessons along the way.

My orientation marked the beginning of a completely new season. After years of experience in other areas, I was beginning formal training in artificial intelligence.

The timing of the dream made me wonder whether God was reminding me that one season was ending while another was beginning.

Receiving the Key

One detail stood out.

I couldn’t simply walk into the room.

I needed the room attendant to give me the key.

Throughout Scripture, keys often symbolize access, authority, and opportunity.

Jesus said to Peter:

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven…” (Matthew 16:19)

In Revelation, Christ speaks of opening doors that no one can shut and shutting doors that no one can open (Revelation 3:7).

Whether or not the dream directly references these passages, the symbolism is meaningful. I didn’t take the key for myself—it was given to me.

That reminds me that new opportunities are often gifts from God.

Sometimes we spend years trying to force doors open when God simply asks us to wait until He provides the key.

Perhaps this new season of study is one of those doors.

Retrieving What Was Already Mine

The dream wasn’t about discovering new luggage.

It was about retrieving luggage that already belonged to me.

That detail changed everything.

Luggage represents what we carry with us.

It may symbolize our experiences, lessons, gifts, character, calling, relationships, and even the difficult seasons God has used to shape us.

As I begin studying AI, it would be easy to think that everything starts now.

But the dream reminds me otherwise.

God has already been preparing me.

Every conversation, every challenge, every ministry opportunity, every success and failure has become part of the luggage I carry into this new season.

I am not beginning from zero.

Neither are you.

Everyone Has Their Own Luggage

Another detail caught my attention.

There wasn’t only my luggage in the room.

There were many other bags belonging to other guests.

I didn’t touch them.

I didn’t compare mine with theirs.

I simply collected what belonged to me.

What a powerful reminder.

In today’s world, comparison comes naturally.

Someone has more qualifications.

Someone learns faster.

Someone has a larger platform.

Someone has more experience.

Yet God has never asked us to carry someone else’s assignment.

He asks us to be faithful with our own.

Each person has a unique journey.

Each person carries different experiences.

Each person has been shaped differently.

Faithfulness is not measured by comparison but by stewardship.

Connecting the Dream to Previous Lessons

What makes this dream especially meaningful is that it follows two other dreams that have been on my heart.

The first reminded me of Hebrews 11:1:

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

That dream challenged me to trust God before seeing the outcome.

The second dream portrayed lifting a veil from people’s eyes in a Chinese context, symbolizing a longing for spiritual understanding and the removal of spiritual blindness.

Now comes this third dream.

Rather than standing alone, these dreams seem to form a progression.

First comes faith.

Then comes spiritual vision.

Finally comes preparation.

Before helping others, God often prepares the messenger.

Before entering a new assignment, He reminds us of what He has already placed in our hands.

AI and Calling

Beginning an AI course is exciting.

Artificial intelligence is changing industries, education, healthcare, ministry, and countless other fields.

Yet the dream gently reminded me that AI itself is not my identity.

It is a tool.

The more important question is this:

What will I do with what I learn?

Knowledge without wisdom accomplishes little.

Technology without compassion can become empty.

Skills without purpose can lose their direction.

Perhaps God is reminding me that as I learn new technical abilities, I should continue carrying the values He has already been developing within me—faith, humility, service, integrity, and a desire to help others.

A Personal Reflection

Looking back, I don’t see this dream as predicting the future.

Instead, I see it as an invitation.

An invitation to trust.

An invitation to remember.

An invitation to move forward without forgetting everything God has already done.

Every season prepares us for the next.

Nothing is wasted in God’s hands.

The luggage we carry isn’t just our past—it is part of God’s preparation for our future.

Final Thoughts

As I stepped into orientation that morning, I realized I wasn’t walking in empty-handed.

I was carrying years of experiences, lessons, and opportunities that God had already entrusted to me.

The dream reminded me not to compare my journey with others or become distracted by what they are carrying.

Instead, my responsibility is simple:

Receive the key that God provides.

Retrieve what He has entrusted to me.

Carry it faithfully into the next season.

As Proverbs 3:5–6 encourages 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.”

Wherever God leads next—whether in ministry, technology, or opportunities I cannot yet imagine—I pray that I will faithfully carry what He has already placed in my hands and use it for His glory.

Perhaps that’s the true message of the dream: God prepares us long before He positions us. Before He opens a new door, He often reminds us of everything we already have, so we can step into the future with confidence, gratitude, and faith.

“Lord, as I begin this new season of learning, help me carry everything You have entrusted to me. Teach me what I need to learn, give me wisdom to use these new skills well, and keep me focused on the purpose You have for my life. May whatever I learn ultimately be used to serve others and glorify You.”

Faith to See: Reflections on Two Connected Dreams

Recently, I had two dreams that seemed deeply connected. Together, they reminded me of the biblical meaning of faith and the importance of spiritual vision.

The first dream centered on faith. It prompted me to revisit the well-known definition in Hebrews 11:1:

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1, NKJV)

This verse reminds us that faith is trusting God even when we cannot yet see the outcome. Faith gives us confidence in His promises before they become visible in our circumstances.

Not long afterward, I had another dream that seemed to build on that message.

In this dream, I found myself walking through a group of Chinese people who desired to have their spiritual blindness removed. As I moved among them, I gently lifted a veil from their eyes, and they were able to see. The dream wasn’t about forcing anyone to believe or changing their culture. Rather, it was a picture of people longing for greater spiritual understanding and clarity.

Throughout Scripture, the image of a veil often represents spiritual blindness or an inability to perceive God’s truth. Paul writes:

“But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” (2 Corinthians 3:16)

As I reflected on the dream, I wasn’t left with a sense of personal achievement but with a reminder that only God opens spiritual eyes. If the dream carries a message, it is one of being available for His purposes—to pray, encourage, and point people toward Christ, trusting the Holy Spirit to bring understanding.

The Chinese setting also stood out. Rather than seeing it as a prediction, I see it as growing my heart for a particular people group and reminding me to pray that many would experience hope, truth, and the love of Christ.

When I consider both dreams together, they seem to tell one story. Faith comes first—we trust God for what we cannot yet see. Then, in His timing, He brings light where there was once darkness. Our role is simply to be faithful, to love others well, and to trust Him to remove the veil from hearts.

May we continue to walk by faith, believing that God is still opening eyes, transforming lives, and drawing people to Himself.

Beginning My AI Learning Journey: Reflections on Chapter 1 of The Age of AI

Today I began reading Chapter 1 of The Age of AI: And Our Human Future by Eric Schmidt, Daniel Huttenlocher, and Henry Kissinger.

I expected to learn about artificial intelligence. What I didn’t expect was to revisit one of the greatest philosophers in history—René Descartes.

Descartes is perhaps best known for his famous statement:

“I think, therefore I am.” (Cogito, ergo sum.)

His philosophy marked a turning point in human thought. By questioning everything that could be doubted, Descartes concluded that the one thing he could not doubt was the existence of his own thinking mind. His ability to reason became the foundation of certainty.

Reading this in the context of AI was fascinating.

For centuries, thinking has been one of the defining characteristics of being human. Yet today, we live in a world where machines can write essays, generate images, compose music, solve complex problems, and even engage in conversations that resemble human dialogue.

Naturally, this raises deeper questions.

What does it mean to “think”?

Is intelligence simply computation, or is there something uniquely human that AI cannot replicate?

If machines can reason, what distinguishes human wisdom from artificial intelligence?

These are no longer just philosophical questions. They are becoming practical questions for leaders, educators, policymakers, and anyone living in an AI-powered world.

As someone who is just beginning my AI learning journey, I appreciate that this book doesn’t start with technology alone. Instead, it begins by exploring the ideas that have shaped how humanity understands knowledge, reason, and intelligence.

It reminds me that learning about AI isn’t just about understanding algorithms. It’s also about understanding ourselves.

Perhaps that’s why philosophy still matters.

As AI continues to evolve, the question may not simply be what machines can do, but what it truly means to be human.

I’m looking forward to continuing this journey—one chapter at a time.

The Book Voucher I Almost Forgot: A Lesson in God’s Timing and Beginning My AI Journey

About a year ago, I received three $10 Kinokuniya book vouchers.

Like many gift vouchers, I told myself I would use them “one day.” But life became busy, and before I knew it, almost a year had passed. The vouchers remained tucked away in my wallet, waiting for the right opportunity.

I didn’t realize then that they were waiting for the right book.

Recently, I shared on LinkedIn that I was beginning my AI learning journey. One of my LinkedIn connections kindly asked:

“Have you read The Age of AI: And Our Human Future (2021), co-authored by Eric Schmidt, Daniel Huttenlocher and Dr. Henry Kissinger? There is a good layout of foundational ideas regarding AI and its philosophical connections!”

I replied:

“Thank you for the recommendation! I haven’t read The Age of AI: And Our Human Future yet, but it sounds like a great place to build a strong foundation, especially with its focus on both AI and its philosophical implications. I’ll add it to my reading list as I begin my AI learning journey. I appreciate you taking the time to share this recommendation!”

After our exchange, I decided to see if Kinokuniya carried the book.

A quick Google search showed that it was available at my local Kinokuniya store. Even more interesting, the listed price was around $29.

That’s when it hit me.

I had three $10 book vouchers—almost the exact amount I needed.

For nearly a year, those vouchers had been sitting unused. Now they had a purpose.

Instead of ordering the book online, I felt prompted to visit the bookstore myself. There was something refreshing about walking through the aisles, searching the shelves, and taking my time.

When I finally found the book, I noticed there were only three copies left.

Some people might call it coincidence, and that’s perfectly reasonable. But as someone who tries to live by faith, I’ve learned to appreciate these quiet moments. Not because they prove anything extraordinary, but because they remind me that God often works through ordinary circumstances.

A forgotten set of book vouchers.

A thoughtful recommendation from someone in my LinkedIn network.

A Google search that showed the book cost almost exactly what my vouchers covered.

A trip to the bookstore instead of clicking “Buy Now.”

Three copies remaining on the shelf.

None of these events, by themselves, are remarkable. Together, however, they reminded me of something I’ve experienced many times: God often guides us one step at a time.

Proverbs 16:9 says:

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

Looking back, I can see how each small step naturally led to the next.

This experience also reminded me why I value communities like LinkedIn. Beyond professional networking, it is a place where people freely share knowledge, encourage curiosity, and sometimes influence someone else’s journey without even realizing it.

As I begin reading The Age of AI: And Our Human Future, I’m looking forward not only to understanding the technology but also to wrestling with the questions it raises.

How do we remain wise in an age of intelligent machines?

How do we steward technology responsibly?

How do we preserve the qualities that make us uniquely human?

Perhaps those are the questions that matter most.

Looking back, I don’t think the story is really about a book or even three forgotten vouchers.

It’s about being reminded that God often uses ordinary moments to nudge us toward new seasons of growth. Sometimes He uses a conversation. Sometimes a recommendation. Sometimes something as simple as a book voucher that’s been waiting in your wallet all along.

And sometimes, all that’s required is the willingness to take the next step.

As AI Becomes Routine, the Demand for the Humanities Grows

One idea from AI World: Underlying Logic and Survival Strategies by Sega Cheng has stayed with me long after I put the book down:

As AI becomes routine, the demand for the humanities grows.

At first glance, it sounds paradoxical.

We’re surrounded by headlines urging us to learn AI, master prompt engineering, or become proficient in the latest tools. The prevailing narrative suggests that technical expertise alone will define success in the future.

But what if the opposite is also true?

The Commoditization of Technical Tasks

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday work. It can draft emails, summarize reports, write code, analyze data, translate languages, and generate creative content in seconds.

As these capabilities become more accessible, technical tasks that once required specialized knowledge are increasingly becoming commodities. AI doesn’t eliminate the need for expertise, but it changes where human value lies.

The question shifts from “Can you produce?” to “Can you decide what should be produced?”

That distinction is significant.

Why the Humanities Matter More Than Ever

The humanities—history, philosophy, literature, psychology, ethics, and the arts—teach us to think beyond facts and algorithms.

They help us:

Ask thoughtful questions instead of accepting easy answers.
Understand different perspectives and cultures.
Navigate ethical dilemmas.
Communicate with empathy and clarity.
Interpret context and ambiguity.
Exercise judgment when there is no obvious solution.

These are not simply “soft skills.” They are enduring human capabilities that become increasingly valuable as AI handles more routine cognitive work.

AI Can Generate Answers, But Humans Define Meaning

AI is remarkably good at recognizing patterns and generating responses based on data.

What it cannot truly do is understand human purpose in the way people do.

When leaders decide how AI should be used, they face questions that cannot be answered by algorithms alone:

Should this decision be automated?
Is it fair?
Who benefits?
Who could be harmed?
What values should guide us?

These are questions rooted in ethics, philosophy, and human experience.

The Future Belongs to Hybrid Thinkers

I don’t believe the future belongs exclusively to technologists or humanities graduates.

It belongs to people who can bridge both worlds.

People who understand technology while appreciating human behavior.

People who can analyze data without losing sight of empathy.

People who combine logic with wisdom.

Technical skills help us build intelligent systems. The humanities help us build systems worth trusting.

A Personal Reflection

Reading this idea challenged one of my own assumptions.

Like many people, I initially thought succeeding in the AI era meant constantly learning new tools. While that remains important, I’ve come to realize that my greatest investment may not be another software certification or programming language.

It may be spending more time reading history to understand societal change.

Studying philosophy to sharpen ethical reasoning.

Exploring psychology to better understand people.

Reading literature to develop empathy.

These disciplines cultivate habits of thinking that AI can support but not replace.

Final Thoughts

As AI becomes an everyday utility—much like electricity or the internet—its novelty will fade. What will continue to differentiate individuals and organizations is not merely access to AI, but the wisdom to use it well.

Perhaps the most valuable skill in the age of artificial intelligence is not becoming more like a machine.

It is becoming more deeply human.

Technology will continue to evolve. The qualities that define humanity—curiosity, compassion, judgment, creativity, and ethical responsibility—will remain timeless.

In the end, AI may change how we work, but the humanities remind us why we work and who we serve.

The Greatest Danger Is Not Failure—It’s Success Without God

When we think about the greatest dangers in life, we often think of failure. We fear losing our jobs, missing opportunities, making mistakes, or falling behind. We pray for doors to open, for our efforts to bear fruit, and for God to bless the work of our hands.

But what if the greater danger isn’t failure at all?

What if the greater danger is success without God?

Success is not inherently wrong. In fact, Scripture reminds us that every good gift comes from God. He delights in blessing His people, equipping them with gifts, and opening doors that align with His purposes. Education, careers, businesses, ministries, and achievements can all be expressions of His grace.

The danger begins when success quietly changes where our trust rests.

It rarely happens overnight. There is usually no dramatic moment when we decide we no longer need God. Instead, dependence slowly gives way to self-reliance.

We begin to think:

“I’ve worked hard for this.”

“My qualifications got me here.”

“My experience will carry me through.”

“My network, my savings, my position—they’re enough.”

Without realizing it, our confidence shifts from God to ourselves.

This is why the warning in the Old Testament remains so relevant today. After entering the Promised Land, the people of Israel were cautioned not to forget God once they enjoyed prosperity. The temptation wasn’t only idolatry in the obvious sense—it was believing that their own strength and wisdom had secured their success.

That temptation still exists today.

In a culture that celebrates independence, productivity, and personal achievement, humility can easily become an afterthought. We measure ourselves by promotions, salaries, degrees, titles, followers, and accomplishments. These things are not evil in themselves, but they make poor foundations for our identity because they can disappear as quickly as they came.

The question is not whether we will succeed.

The deeper question is: Who will receive the glory when success comes?

Will our achievements lead us to greater gratitude or greater pride?

Will success make us more dependent on God or less?

True humility is not pretending we have no gifts or abilities. It is recognizing that every opportunity, every talent, every relationship, and every accomplishment ultimately comes from God. We are stewards, not owners. We cultivate what He has entrusted to us, but we never outgrow our need for Him.

Ironically, failure often drives us to prayer, while success can quietly draw us away from it. When life becomes comfortable, it is easy to replace daily dependence with self-sufficiency. We may still attend church, read Scripture, or pray, but our hearts can slowly begin trusting in our own strength more than God’s provision.

Jesus reminds His followers, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” Those words are just as true in seasons of promotion as they are in seasons of hardship. Our need for Him does not diminish when our circumstances improve.

Perhaps one of the healthiest prayers we can offer is this:

“Lord, if You bless me with success, don’t let success steal my heart. Keep me humble. Keep me grateful. Keep me dependent on You.”

The greatest achievement is not building a successful career, accumulating wealth, or earning recognition. It is walking faithfully with God through every season of life.

May our success never become the reason we forget the One who made it possible. Instead, may every blessing deepen our gratitude, strengthen our humility, and remind us that our greatest security is found not in what we have accomplished, but in the God who remains faithful through every success and every setback.