Confusion comes when there is lack of knowledge and understanding. Another reason is a lack of clarity when truth is obscured; and of us not thinking things through to the fullness of the consequences of our actions.

When we want our own desires filled in our own way, for our own benefit; then we become confused about what the Fathers’ will, plan and purpose is for us.

When James and John made a personal request for special treatment through their mother in Matthew 20, Messiah spoke to them in verse 22. 

But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask.

Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?

They say unto him, We are able.

Things that we think and imagine to be the most desirable, would often be the absolute worst for our spiritual progress; and in praying for these ‘good things’, we are apt to forget to count the cost that we must pay in order to gain them. Jesus/Yeshua sets the obstacles before the ambitious disciples, pointing out all that they would face.

Are ye able to drink of the cup?

Both Joy and sorrow, blessing and affliction, in Bible terms these are often referred to under the metaphor of a cup.

We read this in Psalm 11:6; Psalm 23:5; Isaiah 51:17 and Jeremiah 25:15. Here the cup signifies the internal, mental, and spiritual sufferings which Messiah endured Matthew 26:39, 42.  

That I shall drink of; ο{ ἐγὼ μέλλω πίνειν: which I am about to drink; or am purposing to drink.

He expresses His willingness and intent of suffering bitterly, and asks them if they are prepared to do the same. To be baptized, with the baptism He was about to endure. The baptism is significant of the external pains and persecutions, the waters in which He was to be totally immersed. 

Psalm 69:2, 15. Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. 2 I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me. 3 I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.

But Jesus answered, and said,…. To her two sons, ye know not what ye ask.

Notice Messiah answered the sons not the mother who asked for this special request. They were seemingly very ignorant of the nature of Christ’s kingdom, which is spiritual, and not of this world: or they would never have asked such a question. They were supposing that His kingdom was as they imagined it to be from their own experience. However in asking for positions of authority, honors and riches, they might not have known the spiritual connotations of what they asked for. The brothers were no doubt promising themselves a future enjoying great pleasures and happiness, and were not even thinking that they may encounter unexpected trials, troubles and testings. 

Messiah suggests to these disciples, that instead of indulging their ambitious desires of worldly grandeur, that they would do well to consider what a bitter cup He had to drink and what a sea of sorrows and sufferings He was about to be plunged into. And furthermore, whether they could think of enduring anything equal to it, for His sake; which was most likely to be in a short time, and what they would be called to endure. It was not going to be to honor, relaxing in luxury and pleasure before they entered the everlasting kingdom of His glory.

They were thinking that it would be with a special honor and a wonderful life should their request be granted, where in fact the truth was it would require much suffering and trial on their part.

In Mark 10:38,39. Our Savior gently reproves them for their ill advised request, and again reminds them, that He must first suffer, before entering into His glory, and that by much tribulation they also must enter into the kingdom of God.  This was to inform them that suffering and hard trials were more in line with reality than their present thoughts of sitting at His right and left hand.

It is clear in Romans 8:17

for we must suffer with him, if we will be glorified together.

How ready are we to ask for things which we really have no clue about; and are we confused about our role and the path we should take?

There are times in our spiritual life when there is confusion and the way out of it is not simply to say that we shouldn’t be confused. It is not a matter of right and wrong but a matter of our Heavenly Fathers Holy Spirit taking us through a Way that for the present moment, we temporarily don’t understand.

It’s only by going through this spiritual confusion that we will come to understand of what God wants for us. In Luke 11:5-8 Yeshua/Jesus gave the example of a man who appears to not care for his friend. He was saying that sometimes this is how we perceive that the Father seems to be with us.

We will mistakenly think He is a unkind friend however we need to remember that the truth is He is NOT an unkind friend.

That time will come when all will be clear and everything will be explained. It can seem as if there is a cloud on the friendship relationship of the heart however, even love itself often has to painfully wait with tears for the blessing of a deeper fellowship and oneness.

When our Heavenly Father seems to be completely hidden and far from us, will we hold fast by keeping intact our confidence in Him?

In Luke 11:11 – 13 He said that there are times when our Heavenly Father may seem like He is an unnatural and unloving father as if He is callous and indifferent.

However nothing could be further from the truth,  and we are to remember that He is not …He is love; although it is not the selfish human emotion we call love, His love is of a totally different caliber and includes chastening and correction to keep us on course.

Luke 11:10 everyone who asks receives.

If all we see is a shadow on His face at this moment, we must hold fast to the Truth that He will ultimately give us clear understanding, and He’ll fully justify Himself in everything that He has allowed into our lives.

Luke 18:1 –8 when the son of man comes will he really find faith on the Earth? Will be find the kind of faith that counts on Him In spite of all the confusion?

Stand firm in faith, believing that what Jesus/Yeshua said is the truth, although in the meantime we may not fully understand what He is doing. There are bigger issues at stake than the personal things we are asking of Him right now.

Confusion and every unsure feeling is from the adversary; it’s an enemy of peace, clarity and truth.

Confusion is the dust raised by the feet of the devil and is designed by that subtle calculator, to cloud our vision and blind our eyes to the good that the Father has placed directly in our path; and if we continue in faith, which is the direct opposite of fear, we will surely find that path.

His Word guides us, it is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path Psalms 119:105

Yeshua/Jesus is the Word made flesh and His Spirit will always guide us as He is

the Way the Truth and the life.

John 14:6

Paul said

Not that I have already attained or am already perfected, but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 

Phil. 3:12

We must never waver once we have clear guidance from the Holy Spirit of the Living God. If we set out to do what He has given us the instructions to do and sudden fear grips our hearts; know that it is a device of the enemy. Our Heavenly Father is NOT the author of fear but of courage and a settled sound mind. 2Tim. 1:7.

We should remember that fear is a spiritual force and we cannot fight a spiritual battle with carnal weapons, fleshly feelings and emotions or natural strength are not going to win the victory for us. The enemy will try to force us forward with pressure from many side. Our Fathers Holy Spirit always leads us, He never pushes us with anxious pressure.

Just as faith imparted to us by the Spirit of our Heavenly Father is a spiritual force, we have all been given the measure of faith according to Romans 12:3.

God has given to each a “measure of faith”.

This spiritual force is given to us to use for Him. This “faith” is the gift from which all the other gifts flow. This is what we apply when we speak out His word, knowing the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. The spiritual armor He provides is for our protection and to defend against the enemies attacks.

When our thoughts, decisions and actions do not line up with the Word of God then confusion with ensue. The way to combat that is to keep essential communication between ourselves and the Father. Only when that channel remains completely open can we hear and obey and fulfill His purposes. We must resist every hindrance, especially in our thought life, we are to Humble ourselves before the Lord Resist the devil and he will flee. James 4:9.

Truly we must humble ourselves continually, not trying to work things out in our own way and strength. The deepest part of our being must be yielded to our Father. When we do this, we give Him full control of our lives and all our energies are focused on Him and not on ourselves.

God is not the author of confusion but of peace.

1 Corinthians 14:33.

There are times that we are tempted to measure ourselves against others, their lives, situations, etc., and maybe ask their advice without first asking our Heavenly Father and that can further our confusion. People may be used to confirm what we already know and have a witness about.

We are to be considerate and tolerant of others at what ever state of spiritual development they may be, but we are not to set our standards by theirs or take advice unless specifically guided by the Holy Spirit to do so.

True peace in Hebrew is shalom, it is harmony with His Spirit of Holiness and is a safeguard when we are making decisions.

Col 3:15
And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].

It is from the Greek word brabeuo, which in ancient times was used to describe the umpire or referee who moderated and judged the athletic competitions that were so popular in the ancient world. Paul uses this word to tell us that the peace of God can work like an umpire or referee in our hearts, minds, and emotions.

Phil 4:7 And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends allunderstanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus 

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, do I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. John 14:27

The Hebrew word for peace, shalom (שׁלום) is derived from a root denoting wholeness or completeness, and its frame of reference throughout Jewish literature is bound up with the notion of shelemut, perfection.

YHWH Shalom means God who is peace, wholeness, completeness, nothing broken and nothing left out. Judges 6:24 

(‘settled quietness and composure of mind ‘means, the fullness of the word for peace which is ‘Shalom’ which is ‘full, total and complete wholeness for the human spirit, soul (mind will emotions), and body.

In the Bible, the word shalom is most commonly used to refer to a state of affairs, one of well-being, tranquility, prosperity, and security, circumstances unblemished by any sort of defect. Shalom is a blessing, a manifestation of divine grace.

It implies wholeness, completeness, and well-being in all aspects of life, health, safety, harmony, and prosperity and harmony with God, self, and others.

This is the shalom/peace He leaves with us John 14:27 and in this peace, this shalom, there is no confusion. This is what we must wait for before we do anything. If there is any tiny, slightest doubt…then wait, until there is complete deep settled peace/shalom. 

Is. 55:12 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap.

And by waiting with patience until we have that place of true peace/shalom, this is our faith in operation.

This is how He leads us with no spiritual confusion.

 

Shalom mishpachah/family

and cheverim/friends!

It’s all about Life and Relationship,

NOT Religion.

You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.

NOT SURE?

YOU CAN BE..

SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…

Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.

I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name. Amen.