I swallowed the lump in my throat as I read John the Baptist’s question to Jesus: “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another” (Matthew 11:3 ESV)? John’s earnest question conjured up memories of the times I also wondered where Jesus was and what he was doing––and if I had made a mistake in trusting him.
One of those times was when someone I thought I could always count on let me down. I battled doubt when chronic illness lingered for fifteen years of my life, and confusion plagued me when financial upheaval took up residence in my home. In the middle of the heartache, pain, and isolation, I questioned all I thought to be true.
John had similar questions as he languished alone in prison, awaiting execution––all because he had the courage to speak out with truth. The sentencing he received was not what he deserved, and it was out of his control. I imagine doubt crept in about Jesus’s true friendship with John, his activity in John’s life, and his reigning power over the world––and it pushed him to wonder if Jesus was who John had believed him to be.
Can you relate? I dare say that doubt is something we all find ourselves wrestling with at some point in our lives. Betrayal, sickness, and suffering are fertile ground for discouragement and despair, along with waiting for answers to prayer that never seem to come. Questions rush in like a flood: “Is Jesus who he said he was? If so, why doesn’t he do something about my pain?”
Honestly, I’m flabbergasted by John’s doubt. If there was anyone who should have never doubted Jesus, I’d think it would be John. After all, John is the one who leapt in his mother’s womb in the presence of Christ (Luke 1:41). He had declared Jesus to be “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 ESV)! And he knew that Jesus would “baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11 ESV).
John even had the honor of baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River. It was there that he witnessed God the Father open the heavens, saw the Holy Spirit descend upon Christ, and heard the voice of the Lord declare: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:13–17 ESV).
Still, while I’m surprised by John’s doubt, I also find myself thankful that his honest question to Jesus is recorded in Scripture. John’s honesty about his struggle––and Jesus’s response to him––provides a roadmap for us to move from the dungeon of doubt to a firm foundation of faith.
When we wrestle with doubt, we’re not doomed to everlasting captivity. Like John, there are steps we can take to find deliverance.
Run to Christ with Doubt
When I struggle with unwelcome thoughts and questions, my tendency is to dwell on them. I can hold on to the pain and ruminate until my thoughts spiral out of control. This is exactly what Satan wants us to do. It keeps us away from Jesus and the help he gladly offers us.
John paints a picture of the necessary first step to overcome doubt: go to the Lord––the trusted source––and honestly admit our struggle. John didn’t hesitate to voice the question running through his mind.
The Bible instructs us to pray continuously (1 Thessalonians 5:17), to bring everything to God in prayer (Philippians 4:6), and to ask, seek, and knock, promising that the Lord will provide the answers we need (Matthew 7:7). Christ welcomes us––and our questions––into his presence. And I’m so thankful!
Rely on Christ’s Word
I find hope in Jesus’s response to John’s doubt. Jesus didn’t rebuke John for asking, but he gave John the answer he needed. In essence, Jesus’s message to John was to look at the evidence: “the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them” (Matthew 11:5 ESV).
John didn’t have the view we have today. He didn’t get to observe Jesus’s death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven like other disciples did. He only saw in part. But Jesus’s words to John show even that glimpse was enough. Truly, Christ was fulfilling the Old Testament prophecy about the Messiah that John was raised knowing and proclaiming (Isaiah 29:17–18; 35:4–6; 61:1–2). Jesus was indeed who he said he was!
Blessedly, we have the complete Scriptures to hold in our hands, read, and pour into our hearts––and minds––when our experiences whisper doubt to us. The Word is “living and active,” bringing life and freedom (Hebrews 4:12 ESV). And it’s the power of the Word that gives us strength to believe and continue in Christ regardless of our circumstances (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
Rest in Christ’s Promises
Christ’s Word and his promises offer hope, help, and healing. When the darkness of doubt threatens to overshadow our faith, we can cling to the promises found in Scripture. It’s in these promises that we can overcome and live victoriously.
Jesus declared to the disciples that trouble is a guarantee in this life, but he also assured them that he would overcome this world––and all our trials (John 16:33). He invites us to throw our cares upon him as he promises to care for us (1 Peter 5:7). And he assures us that he will never leave us or forsake us; he will be with us always (Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 28:20).
We must grab hold of the Lord’s promises to his children. They are our lifeline of hope, joy, and peace. What a joy it is to have the promises of God to cling to and dispel our doubts!
Remember Christ is the Answer
It’s important to note that John wasn’t delivered from his dungeon. His life ended when he was beheaded in prison. While the Lord could have miraculously opened the dank walls where John sat captive, he didn’t. Yet that didn’t diminish God’s sovereignty and the ultimate working of his plan for John’s good and the gospel’s flourishing.
Like John, I’ve endured––and will endure––trials and tribulations. Every believer does. Some of those troubles may not end when or how we want, and the suffering can bring us to a place of questioning God. But in his Word, the Lord has given us a plan for how to respond when doubt knocks on the door of our hearts. Doubt may creep in––but it doesn’t have to remain. Christ provides the answer!
When we find ourselves wrestling with doubt, let’s remember to run to Jesus with our questions, rely on his Word, and rest in his promises. Assuredly, Christ is the answer our hearts desperately need to overcome every trial of despair, loneliness, and doubt.
Photo credit: Emilee Carpenter
Rosann Coulon is the author of40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God. She has contributed articles toThe Gospel Coalition,The Daily Grace Co.,Core Christianity, and other publications. She is the founder of Leaving a Well Ministries, whose mission is to share biblical hope with hurting hearts by providing Christ-centered resources. Rosann and her husband call North Carolina home. Visit her atLeavingAWell.comto receive free inspirational content. You can also connect with her on Instagram@Rosann_Coulon.
1 comment
The writing on wrestling with doubt is so good. I remember over the past 40 years of being a birn again Christian that in my beginning born again experience and “on fire” for the Lord when I first really read this verse I would say, “oh no, did he really just say that?” But as I matured in the word and went from milk to meat and the realization of my accountability to Him and the lifelong transformation of prayerfully and hopefully striving to become Christlike not only daily but minute by minute I could begin to not only understand John’s question but His doubt. It is in our humbling that we have to reconcile with that statement and decide that we walk by faith and not by sight. Thanks for this word. I am a recent widow of a 50 year journey with my best friend and I welcome some nurturing food from the scriptures. God bless!!!