Why Do We Expect So Little of God?

-Ghent, Belgium
-July 14, 2004

I wonder why so often we expect so little of God? Why do we go about some of our tasks in life and ministry as if so much depended on us and so little on Him? Or why do we think that He is not interested in the details of our lives? Why?

Today, I have learned once again that I expect so little of God. Because Sam was sick last night, up with a cold and cough, I stayed with him during the morning sessions (Marti stayed with him yesterday). I decided to use the time to pack for my quick 3 day trip back to the States for my Family Practice Board exam on Saturday. Although it seemed mundane, it did give me and Sam some one on one time. I am thankful for that.

This afternoon I headed back out for my field work. But before I share what happened, let me give you an idea of what our “field work” entails. During this Pre-Field Training period, we are receiving training in “how” to learn a language and a culture so that we will be better prepared to do so once we get to Kenya. To do this we have been having lectures in the morning and then “field” exercises in the afternoon. Hopefully the practical application of the field sessions will give us some confidence in putting into place the knowledge we receive in the mornings. Still with me?

Anyway, our assignments in the afternoon are to go around this city and start connecting with the Flemish and the Turkish communities that live here. We have some data we are to collect over the next couple of weeks that will be distilled and passed on to the missionaries and national pastors here. So although they are “exercises” they are for “real”.

Now, let me resume my story from this afternoon. Marti stayed with Sam while he napped and I took Ben with me. We went back to the café (the one I described in “A Belgian Café”). The name of the café is Michele’s. The owner, Patrick, was happy to see us again. Although he had other customers, he came and sat with us for about 45 minutes. We first discussed bringing some of our group (there are about 40 adults here) for a dinner date to get a taste of Belgium. After that we discussed family life and the attitude of the young people here; sadly they face the same problems here as we do in America. As he was getting a bit busier, we said our good-byes and we promised to visit again next week.

I then decided to visit one of the hospitals here. Across from the church that the missionaries are working with was one of the larger hospitals in town. I took Ben inside to get a bird’s eye view of the place. After about 10 minutes, I decided to approach the Information Desk, introduce myself as a physician from the U.S., and ask if I could arrange sometime a tour of the hospital. The friendly lady asked to wait a moment and she would try to do this. About 10 minutes later, a gentleman approached me and kindly introduced himself as the Medical Director of the hospital. I was stunned and surprised. To make an already long story short, he spent 45 minutes telling me about the hospital, showing me the Emergency Room and Radiology Departments, and explaining the Belgian medical education situation, as well as the medical reimbursement and malpractice situation. He then invited me back.

Even as I write this, I am still amazed at how the doors seem to be all ready for me to walk through and engage in some meaningful conversations. But why should I be amazed? Haven’t I asked my prayer partners to pray that God would prepare the way this month? Haven’t I asked God to guide me and give me wisdom for the tasks? Why do I doubt? Why do I have such little faith that He would answer these prayers? Why do I expect so little from a Sovereign God?

I am humbled and amazed. I cringe when I look back and see all the answered prayers in the past that I did not recognize. God is interested in the details of our lives. He is interested in opening doors. He is interested in seeing His name glorified because of what He has done in our lives.

Comments

[Reid]

Tim, it never seizes to amaze me how I do this... I expect little from God. It's not that I don't think he is capable, its just that sometimes I wonder whether its important enough to him to interveine? I wonder why God chooses to interveine on some things and let others go. I guess sometimes I personally don't expect much from him because I'm afraid that when I do expect something from him, he will choose to let it go.

[Kathy]

What a blessing it is to read your posts, and see how God is working in the details. You are absolutely right--why do we expect so little from a sovereign God??

[Jane]

Wow, I'm so glad I found your blog. It's exciting to see others on the journey of leaving home, learning to survive in a new place and finding God in new ways. Bless your family for taking this huge step together. We had our fair share of pre-field training and field-training, so I can identify with your posts!