John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” Matthew 11:2-3 NLT
When I drive in unfamiliar places, confusion normally reigns.
My wife and I were off to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, for our honeymoon. We planned to attend a few dinner shows, shop, and visit antique stores. Our antique shopping took us to nearby Sevierville. After hours of shopping, lusting, and learning, we headed back to Pigeon Forge. I veered into the left lane, preparing for the left turn I would make to get us there.
“What are you doing?” my wife questioned.
“I’m turning left,” I said.
“Not if you want to go to Pigeon Forge,” she replied.
Convinced of my correctness, I made the left turn anyway. After a short drive, confusion blossomed on my face. “I don’t recognize any of this stuff,” I remarked.
“That’s because you’re going the wrong way,” she quipped. And I was.
Fortunately, she knew the right way, reoriented me, and directed us back to our hotel.
John the Baptist experienced confusion as well. He had introduced Jesus as the coming Messiah and pointed others to believe in Him. But now John languished in jail and wondered if Jesus was the Messiah after all. He wasn’t leading a rebellion against the Roman authorities. He didn’t seem to be a military commander. John did the only thing he knew to do—even if it might have expressed weak faith. He sent word to Jesus and asked if He was the Messiah.
God doesn’t want me confused about Him or what He wants me to do. He has a plan for my life which involves conforming me to the likeness of His Son. He plans for me to be a little Jesus who goes about my daily affairs influencing and touching the lives of others as Jesus did. If I’m confused about whether I’m going about His plan the right way or not, all I have to do is petition Him in prayer and meditate on His word. Things will clear up, and the answer will come.
When I know I’m in His will, I can live each day with confidence. I won’t have to second guess the direction I’m taking. I’ll be convinced of who I am in Christ—His forgiven child—and I’ll serve Him with peace and gladness.
Don’t let confusion steal your joy of serving Christ and fulfilling His plan. Be confident.
Prayer: Father, in our times of confusion, draw us to You for clarification.
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