Life sometimes goes in a different direction than what we planned. Something unexpected happens. We hear bad news. There is trouble at work. The car breaks down. A family member says or does something that hurts us. Someone promises something and then disappoints us. We pray to God and expect Him to solve and answer our prayers the way we desire. But when He doesn't work things out the way we expected, we get upset and wonder why He didn't work things out the way we wanted Him to. Where is He? Is He listening? Has He forgotten us?

Here's the thing, the Bible doesn't promise that we will never have problems, but God makes us a powerful promise in Romans 8:28, where it says, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. God has a plan!

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

As we journey through the week that changed everything, we discover that without much work, Jesus has the numbers and the popularity to March up the hill, storm the fortress's gates, and restore Israel by removing the corrupt government leadership! The people there wanted Jesus to overthrow the occupying power. They felt Jesus should have been on his way to Herod's palace because now He could correct centuries of injustice. He can restore God's people to greatness. 

Last week we saw Jesus enter on a donkey, and the crowd began shouting, "Hosanna, Hosanna!" according to Mark 11:9. They were excited because their Savior had finally arrived! They had expectations of Jesus being their Savior and what He would do. But what does Jesus do? He doesn't take the turn to go to the palace; instead, He goes to the temple. Imagine the confusion and upset of the crowd. Can you feel their disappointment and maybe even their anger?

Sadly, once Jesus did what was opposite of their expectation, the same crowd shouting, "Hosanna! Hosanna!" turned on him and started shouting, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" according to Luke 23:21.

TRUST GOD: HE KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING

One thing is sure, if you follow Jesus long enough, at some point, you will feel let down by Him. He will turn left when you expect Him to turn right. He will show you that your view of Him is too small. The crowd couldn't see the bigger picture. They couldn't grasp that Jesus knew what He was doing when He made His decisions. Perhaps, you feel like God hadn't shown up where and when you expected him to. Is there a prayer you've been praying that went unanswered? Is there a direction you thought your life was going that shifted on you suddenly? Has a sickness overtaken you or someone in your family? Do you feel God is ignoring you? The more you pray, the fewer things change. We all have those moments of uncertainty. But what will you do in those moments?

When Jesus doesn't do what you want Him to, will you continue following Him, or will you walk away and turn your back on Him? First, we must understand that Jesus is for us, but He doesn't work for us. So then, we must trust Jesus when our expectations aren't met! We are encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 to Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Jesus understood His assignment. Jesus knew what needed to be done in order for His purpose to be fulfilled. A purpose that would change the entire world. Let us not be like the crowd who turned their backs on Jesus because everything He did and the way He did it--- It was all for us!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• MESSAGE: For the entire message from Part 2 of Liquid Church's "PASSION" Series, "Trouble In The Temple," click here.
• JOIN A SMALL GROUP: Small Groups are the way we make a BIG church feel SMALL. Our small groups meet during the week (some in person, some over zoom). They eat together, open the Bible, study the Scriptures, pray, and fellowship together. If you’re not in a group and would like to join one, click here.
• DEEP BREATHE is back!: Deep Breath is a daily devotional text message that comes straight to your phone Monday through Friday. These short videos help you get your morning going with a dose of Scripture, guided prayer, and some motivation from Pastor Tim Lucas to start your day off right. To subscribe, text the word "BREATH" to 85737, or you can subscribe here.