Amazed and Confused
When God's Actions Collide With Our Expectations
- Bible Studies & Devotionals
- Publisher: HarperChristian Resources
- Published: 2014
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Publisher's Description
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
Endorsements (6)
“Heather Zempel is one of God’s great gifts to today’s church. Her wisdom and insight on leading small groups, opening up the Scripture in fresh ways, and helping people discover new depths of God are breathtaking. This is a book you can’t afford to miss.”
“Heather ventures where most pastors fear to tread, grinding through the gritty pages of a neglected prophet who’s been waiting for someone courageous enough to tell his story. Raw truth, relentless love, and enduring passion fill these pages. Prepare to be amazed!”
Dr. Bill Donahue
“Heather reveals her passion for stirring up the next generation’s love for the Bible as she tackles the book of Habakkuk head on. That’s right, Habakkuk! An emerging voice in the church, Heather is always willing to get into the mess of the difficult areas of Scripture. She asks hard-hitting questions about life and faith and pain, but she does so with compassion, grace, and a healthy dose of humor. To find strength for the journey, read this book.”
“When Heather Zempel speaks, I listen. She has a prophetic voice that will challenge your assumptions, helping you see God and yourself in new ways. She doesn’t tapdance around the truth. She grapples with it in a way that is transforming.”
“Are you brave enough to ask the tough questions—especially the tough questions about faith? That’s what I love about Heather Zempel. She’s not afraid to ask the questions the rest of us are thinking but are unwilling to voice. In Amazed and Confused Heather boldly confronts our questions and yet gently reminds us that God is love. Whether on your own or with a group, you need to allow yourself to take this journey where your faith will be both amazed and confused.”
“With the intellectual capacity of a theologian, and a social worker’s sensitivity to the abilities of the rest of us, Heather unearths the gospel through the story of Habakkuk. You will laugh, cry, and intimately engage with the true God, not just the God you have created in your own mind.”
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