October 8, 2009 - Acts 10:14

“’Surely not, Lord!’ Peter replied. ‘I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.’” Acts 10:14.
Peter, while visiting believers outside of Jerusalem, had a vision in which he was instructed to “kill and eat” food that Jews were forbidden to eat. This voice instructed him to do so three times, adding, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” Peter was deeply perplexed by what he had seen. He was certain that the voice speaking to him was from God because he called the voice “Lord.” What was so perplexing was that the voice was asking him to do something that was completely foreign to his experience, as a Jew. Much had changed in Peter’s life, and even more was now being required.
Have you ever felt like you were being pushed beyond your limits? Sometimes it has felt as if I was being pushed far beyond my understanding, but like Peter, I say to the Lord, “This is difficult, but You have the words of life. Where else would I go?” In looking back, I can see the wisdom in His pushing, but at the time, it is painful and is usually, well, perplexing. For me, these times are dark and unsure, and I am challenged to the core of my belief. On the other side, I recognize how God was with me throughout the time, but it was still very tough to go through. Thankfully, it was He who guided me along.
Questions to consider: Have you ever experienced any perplexing times that challenged your beliefs? What was that like for you? In looking back, do you see His hand guiding you through the situation?
Prayer: Father, help me to hear Your voice in the midst of challenging and stretching times. Help me to a willing learner, ever seeking to know You better. Amen.