In times of confusion and uncertainty, many of us seek solace and guidance, longing for a sense of purpose and direction. This quest often leads us into a spiritual journey, searching for something that can liberate us from our external challenges. However, true liberation, as Jesus teaches us, is not merely external but also internal – it begins in our hearts. Let’s explore the concept of finding faith amidst confusion and how nurturing intimacy with Jesus can provide us with the strength and clarity we need to navigate through life’s uncertainties
The Journey of Doubt
Meeting Jesus in the Midst of Confusion
One of the remarkable aspects of Jesus’ ministry is how He meets people in the midst of their doubt. Despite their skepticism and fear, Jesus gently guides them and teaches them about Himself. It’s disheartening to witness individuals who are afraid of Jesus, believing that their sins will make them unworthy of His love. However, Jesus came not to condemn but to die for the very sins they are committing. His purpose is not to catch them in their wrongdoings, but to reveal Himself and teach them about His boundless love. The more we know about Jesus, the deeper our love for Him grows, and it is this love that holds us steadfast in the midst of confusion and doubt.
Personal Stories of Confusion and Faith
Ps. James’ Journey of Calling
Ps. James experienced a profound sense of confusion when he first felt called to be a lead pastor and faced repeated rejections. He recounts the emotional turmoil he went through, questioning God’s plan and wondering if he should pursue an alternative path. Ps. James shares how he had reached a breaking point, feeling lost and uncertain about the future.
However, a heartwarming incident with his daughter at the park reminded him of the importance of trust and faith. Through this encounter, James realized that his desire to serve God as a pastor had overshadowed his love for Jesus Himself. God called him to return to his first love, to focus on intimacy with Jesus rather than pursuing positions of authority. Ps. James learned that true faith is not dependent on external circumstances but is nurtured through a deep, personal relationship with Jesus.
The Internal Journey: Cultivating Intimacy with Jesus
Moving Beyond External Circumstances
The story of the two men walking with Jesus on the road to Emmaus illustrates the significance of an internal journey. As they conversed with Jesus, their hearts burned within them, even though their external circumstances remained unchanged. This encounter teaches us that a relationship with Jesus goes beyond external manifestations and is rooted in the depths of our hearts. Regardless of the confusion and uncertainties that surround us, cultivating intimacy with Jesus enables us to find solace and strength.
The Power of Scripture
During their conversation, Jesus recounted the Scriptures to the two men, revealing Himself through the words of Moses and the prophets. This emphasizes the importance of engaging with Scripture as a means of deepening our intimacy with Jesus. The Scriptures serve as a guiding light, shedding clarity on our path and allowing us to encounter Jesus in a profound way. Through the study and reflection of God’s Word, we can find comfort, wisdom, and guidance even in the midst of confusion.
The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats: A Call to Action
In Matthew 25, Jesus shares a powerful parable about the final judgment. He speaks of the righteous, those who will enter into eternity with Him, and reveals the criteria for their inclusion. Jesus identifies six conditions that demonstrate their righteousness: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming strangers, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, and ministering to those in prison. All of these situations involve vulnerability and desperate need.
When the righteous question Jesus about when they performed these acts of kindness, He responds by saying, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” Jesus acknowledges that society often considers the vulnerable as the least valuable. However, He challenges this mindset and reveals that when we extend love and assistance to those in need, we are doing it for Him.
Navigating Confusion through Intimacy with Jesus
Bringing Confusion to Jesus
When confusion overwhelms us, it is crucial to bring our specific concerns and details to Jesus. He longs for us to approach Him intimately, sharing our struggles, doubts, and fears. By surrendering our confusion to Him, we allow Him to work in our lives and bring clarity to our situations. Intimacy with Jesus provides a safe space to pour out our hearts and find solace in His presence.
Trusting in His Plan
Even when the situation does not immediately turn around, nurturing intimacy with Jesus helps us trust in His plan. We may not have all the answers or understand the purpose behind our confusion, but knowing that Jesus is with us provides the strength to persevere. Our faith is not contingent on the resolution of our circumstances but on the unwavering love and faithfulness of Jesus.
Internal Evidence of Knowing Jesus
As we deepen our intimacy with Jesus, we begin to experience internal evidence of His presence in our lives. This evidence surpasses external circumstances and becomes a source of strength and peace. The burning in our hearts, similar to the two men on the road to Emmaus, signifies the transformational power of an intimate relationship with Jesus. It is through this internal evidence that we find faith amidst confusion.
Conclusion
In the midst of confusion, our quest may lead us to external solutions. However, true liberation and clarity lie within our hearts. Nurturing intimacy with Jesus allows us to navigate through life’s uncertainties, finding solace, strength, and purpose. By bringing our confusion to Jesus, studying His Word, and trusting in His plan, we can experience the internal evidence of knowing Him, which surpasses our external circumstances. As we cultivate intimacy with Jesus, we will find faith amidst confusion, anchoring ourselves in His unwavering love and guidance.
