I’m So Confused

Been confused by anything lately?

Let me tell you a story.

I went to a Kohl’s store today. I went for two reasons: 1) I was getting my haircut and was close to the store, and 2) I had $75 worth of Kohl’s gift cards to use. Now, I should probably note that I rarely buy anything that is not on sale. And the same was true for today. I purchased 4 dress shirts, which were marked down significantly. The way I had it figured, the gift cards would cover all but $5 of the entire amount. I was ok with that.

Here comes the confusing part. While checking out, the young lady working asked if I had a Kohl’s card. I replied that I do not but I do receive emails from Kohl’s with coupons. To which she replied, “Oh then you have an account.” I did not know that “account” and “card” meant the same thing. Apparently, they do.

I should probably state that my wife and I do not have store credit cards. We have 1 credit card that we use RARELY! Only in the event of an emergency. I could not tell you the last time we used the credit card, and we NEVER have a balance on it.

Before I knew it, the young Kohl’s employee had me signed up for a Kohl’s credit card. Then told me that because I had signed up for it today and had received an additional discount by doing so, I could not use the gift cards for this purchase. So, I ended up paying cash for the shirts, still having $75 worth of gift cards, and will receive my new Kohl’s card in the mail soon.

Life itself can sometimes be confusing, right? Sometimes things just don’t add up or make sense. Thankfully, we serve a living God who does not add to our confusion. Paul writes to the Corinthian believers, “God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” (1 Corinthians 14:33).

I am currently pursuing my Doctorate in Biblical Counseling. One verse many biblical counselors refer to often is also found in 1 Corinthians. “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13). In other words, we will be tempted and even confused at times. But that temptation or confusion did not come from God. Also, God has given us the ability to withstand the temptation or the situation that is causing us to be confused. Finally, we are not the only ones being attacked this way. Temptation and confusion are common for all of us. We just have to go to the Source that will empower us to not be taken captive.

The moral of the story is that when you feel tempted or confused, don’t fret; God is there. He will give you the strength to stand against any temptation you encounter. And…when the Kohl’s card comes in the mail, just do what I will do. Cut it up and throw it in the trash!