Can you remember the last time you felt clueless?  I can.  Recently my wife, Tamara, spent a few days with her college girlfriends and I was left in charge of the household details.  Her annual get-togethers serve as a powerful reminder to me that she deserves an appreciative husband.  And after a couple of less than great dinners and blown personal details, it’s safe to say my children’s  appreciation for their mother was renewed too.

          Confusion that challenges us to think better is commonplace – and sometimes it is serious.  For many instead of mixed-up schedules or forgotten lunches, they are dealing with failed relationships or decreasing bank accounts.

          I read an article recently which spoke of what our financial advisors are facing in these challenging times.  It stated that there has been a great increase in the number of people they are dealing with who have glazed-over  looks in their eyes.  Their clients are struggling to come to grips with the answers that will ease and eliminate the pain.

          Fortunately, God has given us some great pillar-truths to build a successful life upon when times are stressful and even painful.  In  Matthew  24, Jesus shares some of  these truths.  Then He spoke to his followers about their responsibility to help people overcome in a world where violence, prejudice and human suffering are commonplace.

          What are these truths?  First we need to know that – God knows everything we need to know in order to live enjoyable, fruitful lives.  The apostle Peter boldly proclaimed that everything we need for life and godliness can be found through the knowledge God freely gives (II Peter 1:3).  The Word of God is prophetic, powerful and practical.  God supernaturally foretold events impossible for people to predict through His prophets – to produce in us an appropriate awe for His ability.  Then He filled the Bible with an abundance of life-giving nuggets that empower prosperity for anyone willing to obey.

          Next, we need to know that – God always cares about what we are going through.  Sadly, for many of us that isn’t as evident as it should be.  And it’s because lots of us weren’t raised in caring Christian families or taught to connect ourselves to a caring church.  But that’s clearly God’s will in scripture.  It’s why, in Matthew 24, Jesus told the church He was counting on us to help people break free from their webs of confusion and pain.

          Finally, we need to know that – God wants us to count on Him.  In Matthew 24, Jesus said God wants us to look up amidst our needs knowing He will bring real redemption.   Today, however, people who live in that reality are a rare breed.  According to a recent Barna poll, 50 percent of Americans believe the Bible is accurate in all it teaches  but only 4 percent conduct their life according to biblical principles.  In other words, God’s wishing more people would allow Him to prove His love to them when they are clueless!