Feeling Confused

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Scripture

Acts 10:17   Now while Peter was greatly puzzled about what to make of the vision that he had seen, suddenly the men sent by Cornelius appeared. They were asking for Simon’s house and were standing by the gate.  18 They called out to ask whether Simon, who was called Peter, was staying there.  19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Look, three men are searching for you.  20 Now get up, go down, and go with them without hesitation; for I have sent them.”

Observation

Peter had a vision which resulted in his feeling utterly confused. The word for puzzled here means to be at a loss, in doubt or perplexed. One can see him scratching his head and wondering what in the world this means to him. However, just at the height of his confusion, the men sent by Cornelius appear at the door. His confusion will be turned into clarity as he follows the Lord’s leading. The answer is at the door, and now it is time to get up and follow through with the Lord’s providence.

Application

We’ve all probably been there, with Peter, on that rooftop scratching our heads and trying to make sense of what was happening. There may have been a change in direction didn’t seem to make sense and left us feeling confused. Someone said something that stunned us and we didn’t know what to do with those words.

While Peter was confused, he took his puzzlement to the Lord. He was up on the rooftop in prayer, asking God for clarity when God sent the answer. Peter was so absorbed in what he was doing that he almost missed the fact that the answer to his questions had been brought right to his home. It was an ordinary event — three men at the door. But it is often in the ordinary that God clarifies the extraordinary. Peter was to see the mission of Jesus Christ extended to the Gentiles and this was a major turn of events.

We will all have moments of confusion but God brings clarity. Peter teaches us to bring our confusion to the Lord, trust him for the answer, and follow him into the ordinary places to live out the life of faith. When we walk in faith with God, day by day, and step by step, the fog will lift and suddenly it will all make sense.

Prayer

Lord, please help me to trust in you, following where you lead.  Amen.

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