Confused?

Daily Reading: Matthew 11

Scripture Focus: Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” (Matthew 11.2-3)

Devotional Thought: My first reaction as I read about John the Baptist's message to Jesus was one of confusion.  Hadn't John the Baptist heard the voice from heaven proclaiming Jesus to be God’s Son? Hadn't he seen the Spirit of God descend like a dove and light on him? How could he now doubt that Jesus was the Messiah?  John had kept every law, denied himself completely of earthly pleasures - all for the sake of his mission for the Messiah.  Now, he found himself sitting in prison facing the end of his life here on earth. In a nutshell, “Things weren't working out according to the plan!"  We can’t blame him for being confused and perhaps second guessing himself.

How often do we do the same thing?  We get a picture in our mind of how God will work, and when he does things in a different way, it can leave us second guessing ourselves, and - if we're being honest - even questioning God.  Do we have the faith to trust God regardless of our circumstances?  Can we hold on to the faith we had at the beginning, despite what the world throws at us?

Jesus is the Messiah and in him the Kingdom of God has come.  But, things will not be complete until his secondcoming.  Until that day, there will always be opposition and confusion, but we must remain faithful in the belief that God’s plan is working and we are called to be a part of it.  When facing confusion, hold on to the promise in verse 28, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”.

Chris Miller

Prayer: Lord, when I am confused because things aren't going according to my plan, help me to trust your plan, to know that you are working in all things for my good.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 84.1-7

1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!

2 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.

3 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.

4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah

5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.

6 As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools.

7 They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.