Episode 104: Jesus In Your Uncertainty
One of the hardest things to manage in life and in faith is the feeling of uncertainty. You thought you knew where you were headed, and suddenly things take an unexpected turn. You thought you understood a path you were committed to, and over time… things change. Confusion and doubt flood in, and before you know it, nothing makes sense.
Uncertainty is a natural progression of faith. Uncertainty is the precursor to believing when things are hard or unknown. We all live in the tension of uncertainty, but it’s what we do with it, and how God uses it…that changes our lives.
In Luke 24: 13-17 we see two travelers walking on a road that led to a village named Emmaus three days after the crucifixion. It was about 7 miles from Jerusalem and their mood was somber and confused. Suddenly, Jesus Himself approaches and begins traveling with them. They didn’t recognize who He was as He asked what they were talking about. (It’s interesting to note that some scholars believe this man was Cleopas, also spelled Clopas, the younger brother of Joseph, walking with his wife. This would make him Jesus’s earthly uncle.)
It's strange that they didn’t recognize Jesus, as they obviously were disciples and believers. This is common when we fixate on problems and feelings more than Jesus.
Emmaus Key #1: Problems will always move with us, but the presence of Jesus does too. We must be aware of HIS presence more than the presence of our problems or pain.
Jesus stops to ask what the words are they are saying. If he stopped you right now and asked that question…what would you say?
Emmaus Key #2: Jesus IS walking with you and WILL stop to ask what you are saying or thinking. It’s how He gets our attention so He can speak the truth.
In verses 18-24 Cleopas is shocked that this man (Jesus) doesn’t know the current events that everyone is talking about. It almost seems as if Jesus is “playing dumb” with their questions, but He is not. He probes for comments and words that will allow Him to move in our faith.
Emmaus Key #3: Jesus reminded them of things they’d been taught through their years as believers. We need to go back to what we know, and how we know it. The Bible gives us all truth for all circumstances. We can trust it will show us the way.
When these travelers recognized it was Jesus, he vanished. They ran back to Jerusalem to tell everyone what they saw and learned.
Emmaus Key #4: We will come to moments of revelation where suddenly we feel His presence and understand He’s spoken. These are called encounters. They can happen through the written word of God, the spoken words of anointed men and women, and the Holy Spirit revealing something only He can.
GUTSY FAITH RESOURCES:
If you’re looking for a faith-based licensed counselor, look no further! We have teamed up with Amanda Moore to help you grow in your spiritual, emotional, and mental health. To schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with Amanda, visit wonderchristiancounseling.com.
Have thoughts or questions about today’s episode? Message us or leave a comment below.