When Doubt Creeps In

The disciples of John reported to him about all these things.
Summoning two of his disciples, John sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are
You the Expected One, or do we look for someone else?” Luke 7:18-19

John the Baptist was foretold as the messenger who would announce the
coming Messiah. He had seen crowds come to listen to the message he had
been given to speak. The Kingdom of Heaven was at hand. Many of those who
trekked out into the wilderness also came to be baptized. Then one day,
without much fanfare, Jesus walked into the crowd and stepped into the
water to be baptized.

In Matthew 3, we read that John sees the heavens opened and the Spirit of
God coming down like a dove and rest on Jesus. Then, something that is only
recorded a very few times – God speaks audibly.

Matt 3:17 and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved
Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”

Fast forward to John being held in Herod’s prison. The cell would have been
dank and filthy. John and Herod would speak, and John’s words troubled
Herod. But inside John was still waiting and wondering. Doubt crept into
his heart and mind in that miserable place.

John’s questioning should be an encouragement to us when we struggle and
doubt. How many have wondered where God is in their struggle? The Lord has
promised never to leave or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) Even with all John
has seen and heard he is clearly struggling here.

God understands when we are angry at Him, when we are disappointed with his
timing or delay of answers. Jesus’ answer to John assured John that the Messiah
was fulfilling His mission. (Luke 7:22) There was no rebuke given for the
honest questioning heart of John.

Tears are a language God understands. David told us that God keeps our
tears in a bottle (Psalm 56:8), and he thanks God that His promises are trustworthy (v.11-12). We can have the same assurance when doubt creeps
into our hearts and minds. Keep trusting God.