Everyone wrestles with doubt.
The journey of John the Baptist along the Jesus way illustrates the power of doubt. Recall John’s confident announcement of his calling.
“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire†(Matt. 3:11).
John experienced widespread ministry success. But not long afterwards, John entered a harsh burial-like experience — Herod’s prison. Doubt reared up within him. John sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another†(Matt. 11:3)? What John formerly knew for certain had begun to sink in the quagmire of doubt.
Seasons in the tomb test the best of us. We may even be tempted to question the very One to whom we surrendered. In such times, let the words of Paul be our food, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart†(Gal. 6:9). Sometimes you may wonder if God has forgotten about you and your situation, that He does not care about your pain, and that God is being cruel to make you grieve and wait.
One thing you must grasp. Jesus’ story did not end in the tomb, and neither will yours. If He had stayed in the tomb, His message would not have been good news. Abide in Him, and stay expectant. When the time is right, he will take you by the hand and lead you out.
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