When I first began my career as a surgical pathologist, I joined a large prestigious group in Southern California. One of the senior partners was the medical director for the hospital laboratory to where I was assigned. In addition to his prodigious knowledge of surgical pathology and hematopathology, he was an expert in computers and networking. Frankly, he knew more than the IT experts in our hospital! He was a Jack of All Trades, a modern Renaissance man!
The curse and blessing of being a Renaissance man is everyone wants or needs your help, no matter how trivial the task. His plate was already overflowing with the responsibilities of a medical director. Yet, nearly everyday, I witnessed hospital employees and physicians unexpectedly drop in his office, asking his advice from tweaking their upcoming computer presentation to getting rid of a computer virus affecting their laptop computers. My partner was one who could never refuse a request, even if it meant sacrificing his own personal time.
I was also guilty of asking him for assistance with computer issues as well. Cautiously I would approach his office and make sure he was not in the middle of an urgent issue. Whatever my request, his response was always amiable but at times, a fleeting weary look briefly appeared, as he agreed to take on yet another task. I was always grateful for his assistance and did not want to take advantage of our relationship. He had far more important things to deal with, like running the laboratory and caring for his patients.
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (CSB)
Whenever I am confronted with a trivial problem in my life, I am hesitant to turn to others because I don’t want to abuse the privilege or waste their time. Unfortunately, this reticence has carried over into my spiritual relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. My knee jerk reaction to many problems is to say to myself, “I don’t want to bother God! He has more important things to do, like running the universe!”
Yet, this is exactly what God asks me to do. In EVERYTHING, through prayer and petition WITH thanksgiving, present your requests to God. When I do, I do not have to worry that I am distracting God with my requests, no matter how trivial they seem to me. He proves this by answering my requests and giving me complete peace with His answers through faith and belief in His Son, Jesus Christ.
Praise God!
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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