Wrestling with Doubt?

John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” – Matthew 11:2-3 NLT

Doubt is a strange thing. John the Baptist was the one who said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” [John 1:29] He was the one who saw the Heavens open and the Holy Spirit descend upon Jesus like a dove. He heard the Father proclaim, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” [Matthew 3:17] He was the one who declared, “I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.” [John 1:31] He was convinced. Yet, trials and suffering caused John the Baptist to send his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” [Matthew 11:3]

What are you doubting? What has the Lord clearly spoken to you that the disappointments and hardships of life have caused you to doubt? It usually happens to all of us at one point or another. Joseph endured enslavement, false accusation, and imprisonment before his dreams were fulfilled. Every one of the disciples experienced heart-wrenching trials. Even the Apostle Paul was overwhelmed beyond his ability to endure, and though he was going to die. [2 Corinthians 1:8-9] It is during our trials that we can be tempted to ask God, “Are You really going to do what You said You’d do?” “Do You really have an answer, or should I look around somewhere else?”

If you’re in a difficult season right now, don’t give up. Hold fast to the Lord. Trust and see how the Father can truly be a Heavenly Father, how Jesus can be a Savior, and how the Holy Spirit can be a comforter that leads to all truth. Paul was victorious in his trials as he stopped relying on his own strength, and learned to rely only on God. [2 Corinthians 1:9] Trials are hard. They usually last far longer than we expect. But God is faithful. As we resist the urge to go our own way, He draws us to Himself and becomes our strength. We learn more about His heart. We become more like Him. Some things we’ll eventually understand on earth. Other things we’ll only understand once we get to Heaven. God is faithful. He truly “causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” [Romans 8:28] Don’t give up. Hold onto the precious promises God has spoken to you.

“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” - Mark 9:23-24 NLT