Faith In The Shadows: Doubting Without Deserting

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We've all had doubts about God from time to time.  Situations when broken people and systems impact our lives in a way that challenges our concept of God.  

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If you have doubts, you are not alone.  Consider the person that Jesus said was the greatest man alive.  He had questions too.  How he handled his concerns is a lesson for us on how to doubt without deserting our faith.

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“When John (the Baptist), who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”  

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As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 

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This is the one about whom it is written:  “ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”(Mt 11:2–11).

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It’s Okay To Doubt

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The situation has changed since John baptized Jesus.  John is now in prison, and as the bars of isolation closed, the shadows of doubt crept in.  

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As with the other disciples, perhaps John thought that Jesus would lead the Jewish people out from under Roman rule as a political king.

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Despite John’s proximity and kinship to Jesus, his arrest, prison life, and the apparent decline of Jesus' popularity all converged to create doubt.  How could someone so close to Jesus doubt the Father's plan?

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John the Baptist wasn’t only a close relative and friend to Jesus; the Lord referred to Him as the greatest living human being. In carrying out his role as the herald for Jesus, John's ministry impacted many people and turned their attention to Jesus. 

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If John had doubts about Jesus, we could also expect some doubts.

Treat Doubt With Truth

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There is much in this world to raise doubts about the Father and His only Son, Jesus.  Instead of focusing on the genuine and painful circumstances around us, treat doubt by reflecting on the objective truth about the nature of Jesus. 

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Jesus replied to John's friends with evidence of his identity as the Son of God. The blind receive sight, the lame walk, and the rest are clear connections to Old Testament messianic prophecies about the miracles the Messiah would perform during His time on earth. See Isaiah 35:5-6, Isaiah 29:18, 1 Kings 17:17-24, 2 Kings 4:18-37, Malachi 4:5-6 for some examples.  

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Remember, too, that the Father sent Jesus to earth to rescue us from sin and the brokenness it brings.  We might say that the Father’s actions on our behalf cost Him everything - His only Son.  Jesus willingly allowed himself to be brutalized in our place, receiving the just punishment that our sins deserved.   This ultimate sacrifice defines the extent of the Father’s love for us and serves as a helpful reminder when tempted to question the excellence of God.

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Jesus says that people who treat doubt with the truth of His humble life and ministry find blessing and stability in this life and a secure eternity.  

Rest In Your Identity

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From a foundation of truth, we are free to live into our Christ-formed identity as a child of the King.  John was a messenger sent by the Father to prepare the way for the arrival of Jesus' earthly ministry.  He wore animal skins and ate locusts.  His place of service was out in the desert, an obscure stage where he preached an unpopular message that ultimately led to his arrest and imprisonment.

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John the Baptist moved through the shadows, trusting Jesus with his doubts, treating those doubts with truth, and finally resting in his identity as a loved child of his heavenly Father.  

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Have circumstances caused you to doubt the Father’s love?  How is He leading you to treat those doubts with the truth?  What step can you take to confirm your identity as the Father’s dearly loved child?

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Prayer: Father, I admit that circumstances sometimes dim the beauty and depth of your love for me.  Help me replace those lesser thoughts with the truth about your Son, Jesus.  Create in me a heart that rests in the identity you gave me as your child so that I will learn to be resilient and trust in your sovereign grace toward me.  Amen

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Resilient Faith: Doubting Without Deconstructing

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1. It’s Okay To Doubt

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“When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Matthew 11:2-3

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2. Treat Doubt With Truth

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“Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” Matthew 11: 4-6

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3. Rest In Your Identity

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“As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written:   “ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’” Matthew 11:7-10

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