What steps can we take to discern God's purpose in confusing situations? The Scene of Confusion – Acts 2:12 “ ‘Astounded and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”’” Pentecost opened with bewilderment. From that moment we can trace a clear, practical path for discerning God’s purpose whenever life feels just as baffling. Step 1 – Acknowledge the Puzzle • The crowd didn’t deny their confusion; they voiced it. • Honest admission invites God’s clarification (cf. Psalm 62:8). • Give the Lord room to speak by naming what you don’t understand. Step 2 – Stay in Community • “They asked one another.” Isolation magnifies uncertainty; fellowship steadies it (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Share the question with trusted believers who will anchor you in truth, not rumor. Step 3 – Run to Scripture First • Peter answered the question by opening Joel and the Psalms (Acts 2:16-21, 25-28). • God’s Word interprets events better than human speculation. • Practical tip: list the details that confuse you, then search passages that address them; let clear verses explain cloudy circumstances (Psalm 119:105). Step 4 – Depend on the Spirit’s Illumination • The same Spirit who caused the commotion explained it through Peter. • Ask for His wisdom: “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). • Expect the Spirit to harmonize circumstances with Scripture, never contradicting it. Step 5 – Look for Christ-Centered Purpose • Peter’s sermon kept bringing the crowd back to Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection (Acts 2:22-36). • God’s purposes always advance the honor of His Son (Colossians 1:18). • Question to ask yourself (quietly, not aloud in the study): How might this confusion spotlight Christ? Step 6 – Obey the Next Clear Step • Once they understood, the people replied, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter’s answer was immediate: “Repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:37-38). • Revelation demands response. Act on what you already know before asking for more light (John 13:17). Step 7 – Persevere in the Basics • “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). • Regular time in the Word, consistent worship, and steady fellowship keep future confusions from derailing you. Putting It All Together 1. Admit the confusion. 2. Discuss it with believers. 3. Search Scripture. 4. Rely on the Spirit for insight. 5. Filter everything through the glory of Christ. 6. Obey the clear instructions you receive. 7. Remain devoted to the foundational disciplines. Encouraging Promise “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Following these steps positions you to experience that promise—even when life first looks as bewildering as Pentecost did. |
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