Confusion in our Lives

March 5, 2011 By Travis Maclay

This is a guest blog entry written by Jeremy Hall, Student Ministries Pastor at Bannockburn Baptist Church.

“Confusing” is a widely used word in our culture today and it often helps us communicate our intellectual state. For example, I find crossword puzzles confusing, the DFW Airport is confusing, and the study of epistemology is confusing. But sometimes I am confused not because of my intellectual state, but because of my emotional state. For example, in the ministry in which I serve, there are teens living with illnesses such as cancer, Cystic Fibrosis and diabetes. Intellectually I can understand that in this fallen world things like this happen, but emotionally I am confused. I am confused by how a teen could possibly have to endure these illnesses. I am further confused when I look at the status of many families in America. It confuses me when I hear of parents neglecting their kids or men that have forsaken their marriage vows. Intellectual confusion hurts my head whereas emotional confusion elicits a feeling of heartache.

Confusion is a reality in our world, but it becomes a wall in my life whenever I allow my intellectual and emotional confusion to become spiritual confusion. This spiritual confusion I am talking about is partnered with frustration that stems from my desire to see things work out differently than they have and then become frustrated that they haven’t. This often leads me to blame God and wonder how in the world He could let such a thing happen. Ultimately, my response to spiritual confusion is to think that I have the right to judge God. At the very moment that we take it upon ourselves to put God on trial, we have ceased to worship Him and have tried to become Him and the “wall” between us and God has been erected. Not because God put the wall there, but because we have.

The wall of confusion is an ever present struggle in many of our lives. I have found that the only way to combat this wall is through the strength of the Holy Spirit and a change in the way I view circumstances. Instead of focusing on what I wish or think should happen, I must view life’s challenges as opportunities to learn from God, allow Him to transform me (Romans 12:2), and place my faith in the One that is in control (Hebrews 11:1). Being confused isn’t a bad thing; in fact it can be very healthy as we seek to better understand that which confuses us. But we must be diligent to not allow our confusion to keep us from resting in the Lord and proving ourselves faithful to Him.

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One Response to “Confusion in our Lives”

  1. btracy May 15, 2012 at 9:08 pm #

    This article from Jeremy was awesome. One part of his article that stuck out for me was the following:
    ” This spiritual confusion I am talking about is partnered with frustration that stems from my desire to see things work out differently than they have and then become frustrated that they haven’t. This often leads me to blame God and wonder how in the world He could let such a thing happen”.
    I believe that my confusion stems from inaccurate and inadequate teachings, perceptions and just an overall poor view of God that was more that likely introduced in my formative years as a child/teen/young adult, if that’s not too confusing (no pun intended). His solution is good as well.
    The question that I have is, do I continue to intellectually tell myself the truth even though emotionally I don’t feel it to be the truth?

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Start your faith breakthrough now!
The spiritual barriers people face are countless, but they can be categorized into Eight Primary Walls. These walls correlate with the 8 primary breakthroughs that everyone needs.
1 of 48
I am willing to serve others for nothing in return.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
2 of 48
I am so busy that I find myself ignoring the most important things in my life.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
3 of 48
I question why God allowed certain things to happen in my life.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
4 of 48
I have to guard against judging people when I learn they are dealing with tough circumstances.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
5 of 48
I worry about the problems that the future holds.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
6 of 48
I worry that God is angry with me.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
7 of 48
I feel with God's help, I can face any situation.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
8 of 48
I believe truth is the same for everyone.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
9 of 48
I know a lot of people, but don't feel very close to many people.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
10 of 48
It troubles me that God has not answered my prayers.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
11 of 48
I have witnessed things that make me wonder if God is in control.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
12 of 48
I spend too much of my energy pursuing material things.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
13 of 48
I find myself more focused on the things I don't have but wish I did.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
14 of 48
People would describe me as a giving person.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
15 of 48
I tend to expect the worst to happen.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
16 of 48
I am confident God has forgiven me for my past.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
17 of 48
I have a hard time trusting people.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
18 of 48
When I am facing a difficult situation, I feel like I can solve problems on my own.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
19 of 48
I believe in an all-powerful, all-knowing God.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
20 of 48
People who have hurt me in the past cause me to avoid some relationships today.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
21 of 48
I am grateful for the things I have been given.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
22 of 48
My faith practices are more about routine than relationship.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
23 of 48
I have been wronged in the past in a way I cannot get over.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
24 of 48
The possibility of gaining a good friend is worth the risk.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
25 of 48
When looking back on my life, I tend to focus on all of the things I did wrong.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
26 of 48
I think that God will meet all my needs.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
27 of 48
I believe the Bible has answers for today's circumstances.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
28 of 48
I observe things that make me wonder if I should believe the Bible.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
29 of 48
I am intentionally seeking to grow in my relationships with others.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
30 of 48
I think God cares about the details of my life.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
31 of 48
I am willing to sacrifice immediate gratification for something better down the road.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
32 of 48
I am amazed at God's power.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
33 of 48
I feel strong relationships are hard, but worth it.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
34 of 48
I feel compelled to make the world around me better.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
35 of 48
I believe God is loving and kind.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
36 of 48
It humbles me to think I can know God.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
37 of 48
When bad things happen, I wonder if God can make things better.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
38 of 48
I feel I can turn to God for direction.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
39 of 48
I try to avoid temptations that would bring me harm.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
40 of 48
I believe God loves me in spite of who I am.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
41 of 48
I feel there is a disconnect between who I really am and how I act in front of other people.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
42 of 48
When bad things happen, I feel like I am getting what I deserve.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
43 of 48
I find myself drawn to things I know are bad for me.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
44 of 48
I believe God is willing and able to answer my prayers.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
45 of 48
I believe God wants what is best for me.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
46 of 48
I don't believe anyone can ever know what is absolutely true.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
47 of 48
I have too many of my own problems to deal with the problems of others.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
48 of 48
I look forward to good things in my future.
Almost Never Seldom Sometimes Most of the Time Almost Always
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