The Experts

We all like personable people and choose them as friends. But when we want answers and expertise we generally turn to the experts, whether or not they are sociable and amiable.  When I was in seminary, i had the privilege to learn under a lot of different profs. Some were so friendly and caring, while others were more aloof and socially-challenged.  My favourites however were the experts - those that were experts in their fields and were never stumped by any questions. I really felt like I was getting my money's worth from their classes.

Whether it is the field of medicine, finances, investments or personal troubles, we all want our help to be experts. We want our doctors, investment brokers, accountants and counselors to know what they're talking about.  We want them to know far more than we know. When we're pretty certain this is the case, we put our trust in them.

It is interesting that this principle changes when it comes to God.  Obviously, if you believe in God then you'd agree that He is the ultimate expert (knitting together our brains, the solar system, a cow's digestive system etc) in ALL fields.  It stands to reason therefore that He can be trusted.  Yet if you're like me you have such a hard time giving up control to the expert.  You prefer doing it your own way, even though you have to admit you know so little about life.

Tomorrow morning I'd preaching on Daniel 1. In this story Daniel puts his trust in the expert - God.  He prioritizes God's ways above the obvious choices (just eat the flippin' meat Dan!).  He makes the choice to be faithful, even though it puts his life in jeopardy.  But by doing so, he gives God enough margin to do miracles.  He allows young Daniel to become totally in shape on a steady diet of mere vegetables!

The lesson is clear: when we prioritize faithfulness rather than our own agendas (they are still important - remember that Daniel still became successful and wealthy and renowned for his brilliance) it gives God, the expert, room to include us in His plans.