Making Sense of the Hard Stuff
And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables, that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.” – Luke 8:10
Let me tell you something that might surprise you: if you’ve ever scratched your head while reading the Bible and wondered what in the world you just read, you’re in excellent company. Even the Apostle Peter admitted that some of Paul’s writings were “hard to be understood” (2 Peter 3:16). So before you start feeling like you need a seminary degree just to read your morning devotions, take a deep breath and remember that struggling with difficult passages doesn’t make you a second-class Christian – it makes you human.
The Reality Check We All Need
Here’s the truth that every honest Bible student discovers: Scripture contains passages that can make your brain feel like it’s trying to untangle Christmas lights in the dark. I remember early in my ministry, a church member approached me after a sermon on Ezekiel’s vision and said, “Pastor, I’ve been a Christian for forty years, and I still don’t understand those creatures with four faces. Am I missing something?” I told her what I’m telling you now: wrestling with difficult passages isn’t a sign of spiritual immaturity – it’s often a sign that you’re taking Scripture seriously.
The Tools in Your Toolbox
When you encounter a passage that seems impossible to understand, here are some practical steps that have served me well over two decades of ministry:Start with prayer, not Google. Before you grab a dozen commentaries, ask the Holy Spirit to guide your understanding. Jesus promised that “when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). The same Spirit who inspired Scripture is available to help you understand it.Context is king. Most difficult verses become clearer when you understand what comes before and after them. It’s amazing how often a puzzling verse gets explained by the surrounding chapter. The Bible isn’t a collection of fortune cookie messages – it’s a unified revelation that interprets itself.
Let Scripture interpret Scripture.
The Bible is its own best commentary. When you find a difficult passage, search for other verses that deal with the same topic. Often, a clearer passage will shed light on a more obscure one. As Isaiah tells us, “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little” (Isaiah 28:10).
Common Types of Difficult Passages
Cultural puzzlers: These made perfect sense to the original readers but leave us confused. Paul’s instructions about head coverings become much clearer when you understand first-century culture.
Prophetic passages: Books like Daniel and Revelation can feel overwhelming. Remember that prophetic literature often uses symbolic language. Focus on the main message rather than getting lost in every symbolic detail.
Apparent contradictions: Before you panic when two passages seem to disagree, remember that the God who “cannot lie” (Titus 1:2) doesn’t contradict Himself. Look for different perspectives on the same truth or different contexts.
Theological mysteries: Some passages deal with concepts that stretch human understanding – the Trinity, divine sovereignty, eternal security. When you encounter these, remember that mystery isn’t the enemy of faith; it’s often the result of a finite mind trying to grasp infinite truth.
When to Wave the White Flag (Temporarily)
Here’s something that might shock you: it’s okay to admit that you don’t understand everything in the Bible. Even after twenty-plus years of study, there are passages that still puzzle me. The goal isn’t to have every verse figured out – it’s to understand enough to know God better and live faithfully.
Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is say, “I don’t fully understand this passage, but I trust the God who inspired it.” This isn’t intellectual defeat; it’s humble faith. After all, “the secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever” (Deuteronomy 29:29).
Practical Steps for the Puzzled
When you hit a biblical brick wall, here’s what I recommend:
Read it again slowly. Sometimes a fresh reading brings clarity.Check the context. Read the whole chapter, maybe the whole book.
Look up key words. A simple word study can often unlock a difficult passage.Consult trusted resources. After you’ve done your own thinking, see what godly scholars have said.
Ask mature believers. Sometimes a pastor or longtime Christian can offer helpful insights.Be patient. Understanding often comes gradually, sometimes over years.
The Ultimate Goal
Remember that the goal of Bible study isn’t to win trivia contests or impress people with theological knowledge. The goal is to know God better and be transformed by His truth. Even when you don’t understand every detail, you can still be changed by what you do understand.
Some of the most spiritually mature people I know have learned to live comfortably with biblical mystery while still pursuing understanding with all their hearts. They’ve discovered that you don’t need to understand everything about God to trust Him completely.
A Word of Encouragement
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by difficult Scripture passages, remember this: God wants you to understand His Word even more than you want to understand it. He’s not playing hide-and-seek with truth. James promises us, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5).
The next time you encounter a passage that confuses you, remember: you’re not alone, you’re not less spiritual because of it, and God is faithful to guide those who seek Him with sincere hearts. Keep reading, keep studying, keep praying – and trust that the God who inspired every word is more than able to help you understand what He wants you to know.
After all, He’s been in the business of making the complicated simple for a very long time. Just ask any shepherd who’s ever understood that the Word became flesh, or any fisherman who’s grasped being a fisher of men. God specializes in taking the profound and making it accessible to anyone who approaches His Word with a humble heart.
“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” – Psalm 119:130