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Amazed and Confused: When God's Actions Collide With Our Expectations
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
Helpful guidance on a question without an easy answerPractical tools for studying the Minor ProphetsEasy-to-understand, accessible language
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
Helpful guidance on a question without an easy answerPractical tools for studying the Minor ProphetsEasy-to-understand, accessible language
- GenresChristianNonfictionFaith
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2014
15 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Heather Zempel
5 books5 followersHeather Zempel is the discipleship pastor at National Community Church in Washington, DC where she oversees small groups, directs leadership development training, and serves on the weekend teaching team. She is the author of Sacred Roads: Exploring the Historic Paths of Discipleship and Community is Messy.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 6, 2019
1.5 star is a more accurate rating from me.
I read this book as part of a Bible study. If a book like this is chosen again by the group majority, I will abstain from the study. This book contains several misrepresentations of the Bible, which can derail anyone who is not well-versed in the Scriptures. The author’s purpose is more about showing off how “knowledgeable” she is about the Bible and it’s history than to actually convict readers of God’s truth. The Gospel is provided as a paraphrase in the last chapter to wow readers of her fabulous skills at storytelling. Finally, I consistently walked away from each chapter frustrated at two things: 1) confused at what the author is trying to say (or ask in the study questions), and 2) not having learned anything new or being convicted—all that was understandable was surface-level “feel good” stuff that makes no difference in a person’s life or brings a new perspective in the Word that is both enlightening and consistent with God’s Word. Again, the author’s purpose from the first chapter was to amaze readers with her knowledge about the Bible and it’s history and confuse her readers with misrepresenting the Bible and providing very confusing information and questions.
As a veteran English teacher, I have waded through numerous student essays and writings that are deeply confusing (and I still was able to make sense of most of them). This book is just like those confusing essays, but I wasn’t successful in making sense of it. It would receive a D due to incorrect analysis of source material, misrepresentation of source material, and logical fallacies. If I can’t figure out the logic of the author who is trying to make sense of something that is blatantly and clearly understandable in God’s Word, then I didn’t need this book to help me understand Habakkuk. I understood Habakkuk just fine before I read the book.
I recommend to stay away from this book. If you do decide to read it, keep your Bible close so that you’re not led astray.
Furthermore, I know this is an unpopular idea today due to the continual campaign for women’s rights. Being a woman myself, I strive and promote equity for women in America. But there are clear directions in the Bible that indicate why a woman’s role is not being a pastor of a church. That does not mean women are demeaned, cannot teach (teaching is different than preaching) in churches and be treated like second-class citizens. I have never felt like my God-given role in life is to be barefoot, pregnant and demeaned. I am an educated, independent woman who is married and loved. I am God’s princess; I am not a doormat! Since this author is a pastor, that is a direct perversity against God’s Word. Because she is a pastor indicates why she’s trying to wow readers with her knowledge: she’s trying too hard to prove her worth in a position that is rightfully God given for men. It’s okay if you disagree with me. I don’t need to defend God’s Word. God already did that already by never leaving or forsaking His children and keeping His promises. Living and loving by God’s Word has never disappointed me.
I read this book as part of a Bible study. If a book like this is chosen again by the group majority, I will abstain from the study. This book contains several misrepresentations of the Bible, which can derail anyone who is not well-versed in the Scriptures. The author’s purpose is more about showing off how “knowledgeable” she is about the Bible and it’s history than to actually convict readers of God’s truth. The Gospel is provided as a paraphrase in the last chapter to wow readers of her fabulous skills at storytelling. Finally, I consistently walked away from each chapter frustrated at two things: 1) confused at what the author is trying to say (or ask in the study questions), and 2) not having learned anything new or being convicted—all that was understandable was surface-level “feel good” stuff that makes no difference in a person’s life or brings a new perspective in the Word that is both enlightening and consistent with God’s Word. Again, the author’s purpose from the first chapter was to amaze readers with her knowledge about the Bible and it’s history and confuse her readers with misrepresenting the Bible and providing very confusing information and questions.
As a veteran English teacher, I have waded through numerous student essays and writings that are deeply confusing (and I still was able to make sense of most of them). This book is just like those confusing essays, but I wasn’t successful in making sense of it. It would receive a D due to incorrect analysis of source material, misrepresentation of source material, and logical fallacies. If I can’t figure out the logic of the author who is trying to make sense of something that is blatantly and clearly understandable in God’s Word, then I didn’t need this book to help me understand Habakkuk. I understood Habakkuk just fine before I read the book.
I recommend to stay away from this book. If you do decide to read it, keep your Bible close so that you’re not led astray.
Furthermore, I know this is an unpopular idea today due to the continual campaign for women’s rights. Being a woman myself, I strive and promote equity for women in America. But there are clear directions in the Bible that indicate why a woman’s role is not being a pastor of a church. That does not mean women are demeaned, cannot teach (teaching is different than preaching) in churches and be treated like second-class citizens. I have never felt like my God-given role in life is to be barefoot, pregnant and demeaned. I am an educated, independent woman who is married and loved. I am God’s princess; I am not a doormat! Since this author is a pastor, that is a direct perversity against God’s Word. Because she is a pastor indicates why she’s trying to wow readers with her knowledge: she’s trying too hard to prove her worth in a position that is rightfully God given for men. It’s okay if you disagree with me. I don’t need to defend God’s Word. God already did that already by never leaving or forsaking His children and keeping His promises. Living and loving by God’s Word has never disappointed me.
November 16, 2021
I enjoyed this study of Habakkuk. Zempel has a unique writing style that makes you want to read more, and best of all, the book makes you want to study more of scripture.
January 4, 2016
Would not recommend this book. Her poor exposition of the book of Habakkuk and a lack of reverence in the tone was alarming and irritating.
March 7, 2018
I read Amazed and Confused as part of a church Bible study. I found this to be a very good book. While often the books which are designed for study concentrate so much on the content that the style is lost, this book is very readable as well as containing a great deal of food for thought. The book provided a springboard for good discussion as it tackled some very difficult ideas. The author has a conversational style and uses anecdotes to develop complex ideas. If you are looking for a good study companion, I would very much recommend this book.
July 13, 2020
SO GOOD! Have you ever read a book that changes your perspective and fills in the blanks of things you knew but didn't know you knew all at the same time. She connects the dots from the Divided kingdom to exile and how patient and present God is with us through our lives. It sparked a personal journey of discovering more about the historical sources and extra biblical information to give Scripture a better theology. I do reread books...but if I did...this is one that would be on that list.
April 9, 2021
Learning from Habakkuk
One of our Bible Study teachers taught in the book of Habakkuk and I was led to pick up this book and read it. I had purchased it month ago, but never got around to reading it. God's actions collided with Habakkuk's expectations, and sometimes they collide with ours. It's good to know that God knows what's best and will do what He says He will do. We can run this race that God has set before us by keeping our eyes focused on Jesus!
One of our Bible Study teachers taught in the book of Habakkuk and I was led to pick up this book and read it. I had purchased it month ago, but never got around to reading it. God's actions collided with Habakkuk's expectations, and sometimes they collide with ours. It's good to know that God knows what's best and will do what He says He will do. We can run this race that God has set before us by keeping our eyes focused on Jesus!
September 6, 2021
Heather Zempel provides perspective and insight to view Habbakuk in an impacting new light. She utilizes story-telling, an understanding for Biblical culture, and personal vulnerability to evoke conviction in a positive, encouraging manner. The book was thought provoking and inspirational. Highly recommend!
March 25, 2019
I enjoyed this book although the style of writing is very casual at times (or maybe that’s because I am British!). There are some great insights in here and it certainly gets you thinking. I did this on my own but can imagine it would work well in a group.
June 21, 2014
"The problem with that approach is that we are left with only a partial view of the story, and we fail to recognize that the story is first and foremost about us. Certainly, we can and should see ourselves in the Bible, but the main character is God Himself. When we put the spotlight on God and keep Him center stage, all the random stuff begins to make a little more sense and we have a broader perspective on the stories that He is writing in our own lives" page 161 of "Amazed and Confused.
I really enjoyed reading "Amazed and Confused", because its one of the few bible studies that weren't focus on the "usual books of the Bible" such as Matthew or Ephesians or even Proverbs 31, but really focused on the little known and often what is considered the "hard to read" books of the bible, namely that of Habakkuk.
Not really considered to be a "fluffy book of the bible", Habakkuk, for a short read, is a pretty hard hitting book of the bible and Heather Zempel, with ease, a laid back style and down to earth intelligence that really brings the book alives, really conveys not only the complexity of the Bible but really into the grittiness of a little talked about prophet.
In the introduction, Heather Zempel gets down to the heart of the matter...God is not "nice" in the sense of how our brains want to bring him to earth as, but in her introduction on page xi, she goes,
"We expect and settle for a God who is well mannered and plays well with others, instead of daring to embrace the wild, ferocious, and jealous God of love. If we fail to make the distinction between "God is nice" and "God is love", we wwill also fail to grasp the beauty of the gospel, and we will misunderstand or ignore many passages of Scripture that reveal something important about the glory of God". from page "xi" of "Amazed and Confused
Wow.
You can tell that Heather is not afraid to get into the meat of the bible and really into the grittiness that also makes up this both beautiful and complicated word of God.
This is really a rare book that I could see myself using over and over, for both personal enrichment but also for bible study with self and others. As Heather eloquently puts it still in the introduction of the book, Habakkuk really recognized who God is and he (Habakkuk) wrestled with the same questions, concerns and even awe that we, as followers of Christ have for God
Filled with biblical scriptures from the book of Habakkuk, with short chapters, discussion questions and even a place for notes, this is a book to challenge everything we think we know of not just God, but really gets the reader into the meat of a very little read book.
She explains with skill and experience the importance of hermenteutics regarding the bible and the writing and knowledge she shares, reflects not only what she has learned but what she hopes to impart and encourage in others.
The book, part of the Inscribed series, is beautiful. A lustrous red color for the cover, the papers reminded me of parchment and the words are on easily read type that stands out just as eloquently as the words that are shared within the pages.
Just the book along seems like a work of art and it brings a mix of invitation and comfort as the reader is challenged and encouraged by the authors writing.
Habakkuk may not seem like an "interesting read", much less easy to spell, but Heather accomplishes showing the importance of stepping out the comfort zone of ones bible reading and the importance of understanding Gods word as a whole and not just in parts.
Highly recommended for both personal and group bible study, or even just as a personal read, this was an enriching book to read.
I really enjoyed reading "Amazed and Confused", because its one of the few bible studies that weren't focus on the "usual books of the Bible" such as Matthew or Ephesians or even Proverbs 31, but really focused on the little known and often what is considered the "hard to read" books of the bible, namely that of Habakkuk.
Not really considered to be a "fluffy book of the bible", Habakkuk, for a short read, is a pretty hard hitting book of the bible and Heather Zempel, with ease, a laid back style and down to earth intelligence that really brings the book alives, really conveys not only the complexity of the Bible but really into the grittiness of a little talked about prophet.
In the introduction, Heather Zempel gets down to the heart of the matter...God is not "nice" in the sense of how our brains want to bring him to earth as, but in her introduction on page xi, she goes,
"We expect and settle for a God who is well mannered and plays well with others, instead of daring to embrace the wild, ferocious, and jealous God of love. If we fail to make the distinction between "God is nice" and "God is love", we wwill also fail to grasp the beauty of the gospel, and we will misunderstand or ignore many passages of Scripture that reveal something important about the glory of God". from page "xi" of "Amazed and Confused
Wow.
You can tell that Heather is not afraid to get into the meat of the bible and really into the grittiness that also makes up this both beautiful and complicated word of God.
This is really a rare book that I could see myself using over and over, for both personal enrichment but also for bible study with self and others. As Heather eloquently puts it still in the introduction of the book, Habakkuk really recognized who God is and he (Habakkuk) wrestled with the same questions, concerns and even awe that we, as followers of Christ have for God
Filled with biblical scriptures from the book of Habakkuk, with short chapters, discussion questions and even a place for notes, this is a book to challenge everything we think we know of not just God, but really gets the reader into the meat of a very little read book.
She explains with skill and experience the importance of hermenteutics regarding the bible and the writing and knowledge she shares, reflects not only what she has learned but what she hopes to impart and encourage in others.
The book, part of the Inscribed series, is beautiful. A lustrous red color for the cover, the papers reminded me of parchment and the words are on easily read type that stands out just as eloquently as the words that are shared within the pages.
Just the book along seems like a work of art and it brings a mix of invitation and comfort as the reader is challenged and encouraged by the authors writing.
Habakkuk may not seem like an "interesting read", much less easy to spell, but Heather accomplishes showing the importance of stepping out the comfort zone of ones bible reading and the importance of understanding Gods word as a whole and not just in parts.
Highly recommended for both personal and group bible study, or even just as a personal read, this was an enriching book to read.
March 12, 2014
I have never actually read a book on Habakkuk before and I think that’s because there’s really not that much out there. That made my anticipation for reading Amazed and Confused extremely high! That and the title which I found awfully creative (like dazed and confused but amazed instead).
When I read the introduction I was immediately captivated by the first sentence “God is not nice.” What? Where did that come from? As I read on I realized that Zempel had a point. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that God is nice. God is love and God is just but nice isn’t a word used to describe in. This statement alone set the tone for the book and made me want more!
How often do we question God and ask of him ‘why?’ when bad things happen to good people, when things don’t go our way or when prayers don’t get answered the way we want it to. Again, nowhere does it say in the Bible that God is nice. But he does have a plan for all of our lives and sees the big picture that we in our limited perceptions can not even imagine.
While I was intrigued by the overall subject matter and appreciated Zempel’s insights, I did find it a bit dry at times and hard to stick with. She always brought it back in the end and wrapped it up with me getting what she was saying and appreciating and relating to it. I just sometimes had a hard time staying with it.
I liked the questions at the end the most. They really brought it home and made it relevant and personal for me and challenged my way of thinking. I had to reach outside the box for a lot of this and anything that changes my way of thinking and makes me grow in my spiritual walk is a success.
Amazed and Confused had me exactly that: amazed AND confused! I’m curious to see what’s in store for me
next in the InScribed Collection.
When I read the introduction I was immediately captivated by the first sentence “God is not nice.” What? Where did that come from? As I read on I realized that Zempel had a point. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that God is nice. God is love and God is just but nice isn’t a word used to describe in. This statement alone set the tone for the book and made me want more!
How often do we question God and ask of him ‘why?’ when bad things happen to good people, when things don’t go our way or when prayers don’t get answered the way we want it to. Again, nowhere does it say in the Bible that God is nice. But he does have a plan for all of our lives and sees the big picture that we in our limited perceptions can not even imagine.
While I was intrigued by the overall subject matter and appreciated Zempel’s insights, I did find it a bit dry at times and hard to stick with. She always brought it back in the end and wrapped it up with me getting what she was saying and appreciating and relating to it. I just sometimes had a hard time staying with it.
I liked the questions at the end the most. They really brought it home and made it relevant and personal for me and challenged my way of thinking. I had to reach outside the box for a lot of this and anything that changes my way of thinking and makes me grow in my spiritual walk is a success.
Amazed and Confused had me exactly that: amazed AND confused! I’m curious to see what’s in store for me
next in the InScribed Collection.
March 26, 2014
Amazed and Confused – When God’s Actions Collide When our Expectations by Heather Zempel takes us on a systematic journey where few modern Bible teachers dare to tread.
Amazed and Confused leads us straight into the Minor Prophets, deep into the book of Habakkuk, where we examine God’s sometimes confusing responses to our prayers, and takes a hard look at that frequently asked question:
Heather grabs our attention at the start of this study with this startling statement:
If you want to deepen your understanding of God and – perhaps – see Him through fresh eyes – this study is for you!
Note: Amazed and Confused is one of several Women's Bible Studies in the new Inscribed Collection from Thomas Nelson. To learn more about this series - and to read my review in its entirety - please visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. However, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Amazed and Confused leads us straight into the Minor Prophets, deep into the book of Habakkuk, where we examine God’s sometimes confusing responses to our prayers, and takes a hard look at that frequently asked question:
Why do bad things happen to good people?
Heather grabs our attention at the start of this study with this startling statement:
God is not nice.
If you want to deepen your understanding of God and – perhaps – see Him through fresh eyes – this study is for you!
Note: Amazed and Confused is one of several Women's Bible Studies in the new Inscribed Collection from Thomas Nelson. To learn more about this series - and to read my review in its entirety - please visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. However, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
March 22, 2014
love the style of these books as well as the actual Bible Studies themselves. Included in this series are:
*Dive Deeper; Finding deep Faith Beyond Shallow Religion by Jennifer Jernigan
*Leaving Ordinary; Encounter God Through Extraordinary Prayer by Donna Gaines
*Living So That; Making Faith-Filled Choices in the Midst of a Messy Life by Wendy Blight
*Amazed and Confused; When God's Actions Collide With Our Expectations by Heather Zempel
While I haven't done all the studies yet I have skimmed through all the books and love what I see and am very excited to use these as my next Bible Study. They are waiting for me on my nightstand.
These are such nice devotionals/studies that I can see giving one or the whole set as a gift to any woman in my life. It looks like three more books in the series will be coming out this fall and I'm excited to read those as well!
Disclaimer: These books were given to me by BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion.
*Dive Deeper; Finding deep Faith Beyond Shallow Religion by Jennifer Jernigan
*Leaving Ordinary; Encounter God Through Extraordinary Prayer by Donna Gaines
*Living So That; Making Faith-Filled Choices in the Midst of a Messy Life by Wendy Blight
*Amazed and Confused; When God's Actions Collide With Our Expectations by Heather Zempel
While I haven't done all the studies yet I have skimmed through all the books and love what I see and am very excited to use these as my next Bible Study. They are waiting for me on my nightstand.
These are such nice devotionals/studies that I can see giving one or the whole set as a gift to any woman in my life. It looks like three more books in the series will be coming out this fall and I'm excited to read those as well!
Disclaimer: These books were given to me by BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 21, 2016
It's perhaps hard for me to judge this book independently since I know Heather Zempel personally, and have for years now. Nonetheless, she manages to write an entire book of spiritual insights mostly just by studying Habakkuk. Not many can say that.
Hearing Heather speak is always a challenge because she never lets you off easy. Yet she is rarely if ever harsh. Instead, she tells you scriptural truth as she sees it, with all of its complexity and simplicity. In a sense, that makes her very much like Habakkuk, who was forced to tell his people their redemption was coming by way of destruction and oppression, at least in the short term.
I don't have a lot to say about this book really, other than it's one I think I will come back to, quite simply because I trust her to give me the truth, and the grace that always comes at the end of it for those who believe.
Hearing Heather speak is always a challenge because she never lets you off easy. Yet she is rarely if ever harsh. Instead, she tells you scriptural truth as she sees it, with all of its complexity and simplicity. In a sense, that makes her very much like Habakkuk, who was forced to tell his people their redemption was coming by way of destruction and oppression, at least in the short term.
I don't have a lot to say about this book really, other than it's one I think I will come back to, quite simply because I trust her to give me the truth, and the grace that always comes at the end of it for those who believe.
June 24, 2015
Inspirational Truth
Zempel's turns of phrases take an obscure biblical account and make it real and applicable. So often I found myself highlighting and quoting on Goodreads and Twitter. She does not down play the pain in our lives at all. However, she does speak to reframing it in the context of God's greater story. I'm thankful she was obedient to the Lord on writing this book.
Zempel's turns of phrases take an obscure biblical account and make it real and applicable. So often I found myself highlighting and quoting on Goodreads and Twitter. She does not down play the pain in our lives at all. However, she does speak to reframing it in the context of God's greater story. I'm thankful she was obedient to the Lord on writing this book.
May 22, 2014
What a great study! I very much enjoyed this book. Habakkuk is a little-known prophet, but a great one--a man we can learn from. His book and this study gives a great new perspective on life and God's actions.
To read the full review, visit my blog! Sarah, Plain & Average: http://sarah-plainandaverage.blogspot...
To read the full review, visit my blog! Sarah, Plain & Average: http://sarah-plainandaverage.blogspot...
March 26, 2016
Amazed and Confused, When God's Actions Collide With Our Expectations by Heather Zempel offers answers to why things don't always go our way. The author uses the Book of Habakkuk from the Bible to prove that God's way is always the best. There is a place for notes included and lots of references. I love the easy way of learning her books provide.
October 24, 2014
Best religious book I have read in 2014. Really interesting deep stuff about how we interact with God when things aren't rosy and we aren't getting the answers we want. I was blown away by this book!
August 8, 2014
would love to gather some friends and do this study
September 8, 2015
I bought this book after hearing Heather Zempel give a talk at my church. I really like how she addresses real life issues through the book of Habakkuk.
April 18, 2016
Amazing study. I thought a couple of the chapters were a bit dull and not thought provoking but over all this book was truly amazing and I learned so much and grew in my faith.
December 21, 2016
Good study of Habakkuk, connecting it relevantly and personally to questions in our own lives.
January 5, 2017
A book on Habakkuk?! An obscure book in the Old Testament we rarely talk about. Heather zeppelin gives a thorough treatment of a rather unusual interaction between a prophet and God.
May 1, 2017
What an amazing book.
10 months ago my husband left me because of a gambling habit (this was a joint decision) ....I prayed like crazy for a restored marriage and my husband to recover. Two months ago he asked for a divorce and told me he had found another woman. About 2 weeks after that bomb was dropped I found this book on my shelf while dusting (bought the previous year) and started to read it... I am living in the "even ifs" and I am ever so grateful for this book and it's author. And a God I continue to have faith in.
10 months ago my husband left me because of a gambling habit (this was a joint decision) ....I prayed like crazy for a restored marriage and my husband to recover. Two months ago he asked for a divorce and told me he had found another woman. About 2 weeks after that bomb was dropped I found this book on my shelf while dusting (bought the previous year) and started to read it... I am living in the "even ifs" and I am ever so grateful for this book and it's author. And a God I continue to have faith in.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews