In our life we struggle with many doubts. No one is exempted from this difficulty in life. Jesus said John the Baptist was the greatest prophet, and yet he did no miracles. This great prophet also had doubts like we do, even after seeing many miracles. The moment John saw Jesus, he said “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”. Then the revelation took place when, “He (John) saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove”. With such a powerful inclination to declare Jesus as the Savior, then to watch the Holy Spirit descend upon Him, how could John ever doubt? Not to mention, he even heard the voice of God say, “This is my beloved Son in whom I’m well pleased”.
Not long after imprisonment, John the Baptist sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” John showed doubt and wondered why Jesus was fellowshipping with sinners and turning water into wine, while he himself was in Herod’s prison. John was expecting the Christ to come and judge the world, and then bring back His kingdom. Even Jesus’ disciples also wondered when He would bring the kingdom here on earth asking just before His ascension, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”
John the Baptist wondered if he had misinterpreted the Scriptures. Maybe he heard wrong from God and Jesus wasn’t the Christ? How many times have we wondered if God really spoke a promise to us? You know the promise that you used to fervently pray about, but no longer do, or maybe you’re still waiting? Maybe it is your marriage, ministry, a lost loved one or a promise that would give God glory. Somewhere along the way, you’ve stopped praying for it as you don’t see the results you desire, or maybe question whether it was from God or not. Faith is hardest during the last season of your breakthrough. People who have courage are people who move through fear to courage. People who have faith are people who move through doubt to faith. So how do we move deeper into this kind of faith and trust in God?
Satan was planting doubt in the life of John the Baptist trying to get him to slip up in his words. John took his question straight to Jesus, the one that mattered, as should we! Had he thought Jesus wasn’t the Christ written about in Isaiah, then would that have made him a false prophet? Or does this just make him human? Had he believed the lie, John would have doubted his own interpretation that he himself was “The voice crying out”.
The enemy wants to put doubt in your life and in mine. Maybe you’ve even had good people come against the promise that you so believed was from God. What if it were a family member or a spiritual father? Let me tell you my brothers and sisters, even King Saul betrayed his son-in-law David! People know that you are saved, but it doesn’t stop them from campaigning against you! Let us learn from David and remain humble as he said, “Who am I, and what is my family or my clan in Israel, that I should become the king’s son-in-law?” David later wrote in Psalms, “What is man that God is mindful of him?” Moreover David would not lift a finger against the LORD’S anointed–King Saul. This is not to say that David did not make mistakes, but DAVID HAD A REPENTANT HEART AND HE KEPT ON SERVING THE LORD.
God is all-powerful and all in control. It’s time to turn back to our promises from the Lord, and pray harder than we ever have for our marriage, ministries, lost loved ones, or any other promise given from God. This week God has shown me something so profound that impacted my life, and I pray it impacts yours as well. In James 2 it says, “Faith without works is dead.” In the same manner, faith without patience is dead! “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” I’ll say it again, faith without patience is dead! Hold fast to your faith in God! The word “faith” can accurately be translated into “TRUST!”Learn from David in his attitude as well as his plan to continue to pursue God, and his purpose in life. Surround yourself with others who will pray for you. I am here if anybody needs prayer, and I reply to all my emails. I plead to you that you’ll also pray for me. Prayer is priceless. For no money can buy such a precious thing that comes from the heart and touches God’s! I thank God for each of your prayers! God bless and have a wonderful week!
Because they haven’t heard,
Justin Gilpin
