Perplexed? God Has an Answer

Now, while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision he had seen might mean, the men stood before the gate. (Acts 10:17)

Acts 10:1-17; Lev. 11; Rom. 11:33-36; Ps. 91:15; Isa. 55:8-9 and 59:1

What Is God Saying?

Two men were praying. They were praying in different places. They came from various backgrounds. Although they didn't know each other, they prayed fervently to the same God. God was about to answer their prayers. First, there was Cornelius, a Gentile, searching for the truth. God answered his prayer in an unexpected way. It was a little frightening but left no perplexity in his mind. An angel said, "God has heard your prayer and wants you to do as follows: send some of your people to Joppa. Go to Simon's house, the tanner. Meet a man named Simon Peter, and bring him here." God set out clear directions. Cornelius followed them explicitly. It was a strange order to receive, but it was not perplexing.

Peter was also praying. He was perplexed. He became hungry while praying on the rooftop. In a vision, he saw all kinds of animals, including reptiles and birds, lowered from Heaven in something like a sheet.

"There you are, Peter, go ahead and eat something. There are lots of choices on this menu."

"Not me, Lord; I have never eaten anything unclean."

"Peter, if I call it clean, you must not find it unclean or common."

Peter pushed it all aside three times, growing more and more puzzled. How could God expect a devout Jew to break with tradition so radically? (Lev. 11).

God was preparing Peter to share the Good News with Gentiles, and the rendezvous was about to happen. God broke down the barriers in Peter’s heart so that Peter could satisfy Cornelius’ hungry heart. (Acts 10, 24:43).

The Holy Spirit fell on all who heard, and God freed Peter from his narrowness of spirit. God was doing work in his life that would bring blessings to the whole world. This was a second Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles.

How Does This Apply To Us?

Peter was perplexed and wrestled with his conscience. God led him through his bewilderment to a turning point in the Church and Peter's life. If we are in the spirit of prayer and truly mean what we are praying, God will make His will known. For every human predicament, there is an answer. For all our perplexities, there are divine solutions. When we yield our prejudices and see things from God's point of view, He not only resolves our dilemmas, He makes us chosen instruments of His blessing to others. The people were at the gate to take Peter where he could be a blessing. God answered prayer.

Pray With Me

Lord, sometimes I am perplexed with problems. Sometimes, the mysteries of life remain locked against prayer and reason. Nevertheless, Your answer is on the way, perhaps even here! Peter was wrestling with the meaning of that vision. People were waiting at the gate, and the answer was with them. Let me not succumb to problems that will not let me go. There is a solution waiting. With patience, it is mine. When I look into the heart of a dark enigma, I believe the light is already shining there. Your love has the ever-present answer.

Hold my hand when each step in the course of duty leads me into a deeper night. Lead me through the valley of the shadow. It is enough to know that You are leading. It is enough to know what people of faith are always discovering—if we are in the will of God and the spirit of prayer, human perplexity and divine solutions are never far apart.

You told Peter to arise and go with these people "without hesitation, for You had sent them." Speak to me so that without hesitation, I may recognize and accept the answer that is always close at hand. You are a very present help in trouble, so You have a very present answer in perplexity. When I am on the rooftop of prayer, the answer may be waiting at some lowly service gate.

Through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Moving On In The Life Of Prayer

When we pray, we must expect the unexpected. God did what Peter had not expected and could hardly accept, making Peter a blessing. Prayer should melt our prejudices, broaden our horizons, and deepen our love. It is a way of blessing for us and others.