Amazed and Confused: When God's Actions Collide With Our Expectations

By Heather Zempel and InScribed

Most people have prayed for something or someone in earnest, seeking God’s will, only to be left confused by God’s response. Sometimes we ask, “Why would a good God allow bad things to happen to good people?” In Amazed and Confused, Heather Zempel tackles this question head-on by exploring the book of Habakkuk.

When the prophet Habakkuk prayed that God would bring change to the backsliding nation of Israel, this issue came to the forefront. Habakkuk begged God for revival and that He would turn the hearts of faithless people back to Him.

God’s answer to Habakkuk was, “Take a look at the nations and watch what happens! You will be shocked and amazed” (1:5, The Voice). The vision God gave Habakkuk was one of warfare and exile. How do you respond when God answers your prayers in a way that seems out of line with his character and promises?

Amazed and Confused proceeds systematically through the book of Habakkuk, exploring the prophet’s prayer, God’s response, and the prophet’s journey from confusion to worship. This interactive Bible study is the perfect choice for those who are hurting and confused about God’s responses to their prayers.

Features include:

• Helpful guidance on a question without an easy answer
• Practical tools for studying the Minor Prophets
• Easy-to-understand, accessible language

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Release date: Mar 11, 2014
• ISBN: 9781401679248

Heather Zempel

Heather Zempel is the discipleship pastor at National Community Church in Washington, D.C. Before serving at her church, Zempel served in the U.S. Senate as an environment and energy policy advisor from 2001-2005. She has previously published Sacred Roads: Exploring the Historic Paths of Discipleship including DVD leader guides with Threads/Lifeway. Zempel blogs at www.heatherzempel.com.

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Reviews for Amazed and Confused

[lcjohnson1988_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

“Look at the nations and watch--and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” (Habakkuk 1:5 NIV)When life happens in a way other than what we hope or expected, usually the first response is shock or disbelief. No matter the time that passes we usually call on our closest friend, relative or church to begin supplication for us, others or both. Yet, how do we respond when God answers differently than what we think we know about Him or what has been read in the Bible? In this particular study, women will go through the Old Testament book of Habakkuk who was a prophet to ancient Israel. We will learn, if we are willing to be transparent, about prayer in times of confusion and pain, bringing us to a place where we see just how big God is. The chapters share the author’s thoughts followed by questions that help us seek answers in the Word and also share our inmost heart.

[lamb521 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

“Look at the nations and watch--and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” (Habakkuk 1:5 NIV)When life happens in a way other than what we hope or expected, usually the first response is shock or disbelief. No matter the time that passes we usually call on our closest friend, relative or church to begin supplication for us, others or both. Yet, how do we respond when God answers differently than what we think we know about Him or what has been read in the Bible? In this particular study, women will go through the Old Testament book of Habakkuk who was a prophet to ancient Israel. We will learn, if we are willing to be transparent, about prayer in times of confusion and pain, bringing us to a place where we see just how big God is. The chapters share the author’s thoughts followed by questions that help us seek answers in the Word and also share our inmost heart.