A Lack Of Resources, But No Lack Of Faith

A Lack Of Resources, But No Lack Of Faith

At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike.” Matthew 11:25

In my career as a country doctor, there have been times when I felt as if the big-city doctors, with all of their specialties and resources, unfairly judged those of us who work with the rural poor.

For example, in the earliest days of my practice, whenever I referred patients to the regional hospital, I would receive a standard letter updating me on the patient’s status. Often, these letters would list things that should have been done but weren’t—maybe a battery of tests or lab work.

When I read those letters, I felt as if the other doctors were judging me—as if they assumed I didn’t know that additional testing should be done or that somehow I wasn’t competent to make the diagnosis. The truth was that the tests in question weren’t available anywhere in the county where I worked. I had to send my patients to a doctor in the city who had access to the regional hospital and additional resources. When I could, I called ahead and personally spoke to the doctor. But I often felt as if these specialists unreasonably expected us to diagnose rare and difficult diseases without the proper means.

Certainly some of the judgment I felt at the time was in my own mind. I was a neophyte doctor who was still learning the ropes. As I became more familiar with the system, I tried harder to communicate that our limitations were due to a lack of resources, not a lack of knowledge. And I no longer read their letters as judgments of me. The hospitals have changed as well. Today they are more likely to express their gratitude for our collaboration and thank us for the preliminary work we’ve done with the patients.

Whatever I lack in material resources, I make up for in faith. I depend on Jesus to provide healing for my patients in ways that go beyond our limitations. While the proud may trust in their education and medical advancements, the rest of us trust in God.

TODAY’S RX

God’s healing power is our number one resource for healing. Have the faith of a child that our heavenly Father can heal us.

God, soften my heart so that I may have childlike wonder again. Remove whatever it is that prevents me from putting all of my trust in you. Thank you that there are no limits to your healing power.