“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
Last year as the pandemic raged across the globe, many of us questioned whether life would ever return to normal again. A full year later, we still find ourselves with many more questions than answers regarding what the future may hold.
Just because we walk faithfully with Christ doesn’t mean that we’re completely immune from experiencing periods of uncertainty from time to time; even during our most peaceful moments in life, things can happen that steal our confidence and resolve.
John the Baptist, the man whom Jesus himself claimed that there was “none greater among those born of women,” experienced a moment of doubt while imprisoned under Herod’s reign. After a visit from a few of his disciples, John instructed them to pass along a message to Jesus. “Hey, Jesus, I have a question for you. Are you the Messiah that you claim to be, who I’ve spent much of my life preaching about and making a way for your coming ministry? If so, why am I still in prison? Would I not be of more service to you if I were a free man?”
John was clearly frustrated that the Messiah had finally come, and yet there he was, stuck in this miserable, lonely prison while all of his prophetic teachings were being fulfilled not far from where he was being held captive.
We all experience an occasional fleeting moment of doubt that steals our confidence. If it happened to someone who Jesus loved like his own brother, someone who was actively laying the groundwork for Jesus’ own ministry, obviously we are no exception!
Friend, each of us will encounter uncomfortable moments of frustration and uncertainty during our time in this life, just as a few of the disciples did while Jesus was literally sleeping in their tiny boat when the storm suddenly appeared that night. Those moments of fierce wind and pelting rain, as the waves crashed against their tiny vessel… one can easily appreciate the apprehension and fear that overcame them. They thought they were going to die!
But within that experience on the boat that evening with the disciples, we are reminded that we are never alone in this journey, and that God ultimately meets every need we have.
Just as Jesus quietened the angry sea that evening, he can quieten the storms of life when they come. As long as we remain faithfully focused and put all of our trust in our loving Creator, His faithfulness will always be our reward.
Not just when the seas are calm and peaceful, but ALWAYS.
Former Blackout Artist 