Have you ever doubted God? I’m not questioning whether or not you believe in him. I’m asking if you’ve ever STRUGGLED to believe in God.
If you’re struggling with your faith right now, you’re in good company.
- You aren’t the first to wrestle through your doubts, as a Christian and you’re not the last.
[Luke 7:24-28]
“After John’s disciples left, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people who wear beautiful clothes and live in luxury are found in palaces. Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet. John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say, ‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.’ I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is!””
What you may not know is that he also doubted God…
[Luke 3:1-2]
“It was now the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius, the Roman emperor. Pontius Pilate was governor over Judea; Herod Antipas was ruler over Galilee; his brother Philip was ruler over Iturea and Traconitis; Lysanias was ruler over Abilene. Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests. At this time a message from God came to John son of Zechariah, who was living in the wilderness.”
[Luke 3:3]
““Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven.”
[Luke 3:4-6]
“Isaiah had spoken of John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him! The valleys will be filled, and the mountains and hills made level. The curves will be straightened, and the rough places made smooth. And then all people will see the salvation sent from God.’””
- JOHN KNEW HIS CALLING
[Luke 3:8-9]
“Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.””
[Luke 3:16]
“John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”
[Luke 3:21-22]
“One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”
2. JOHN STILL STRUGGLED with his faith
Maybe there was a time in your life when your faith was bold too. You aren’t in prison but the life you have right now sure doesn’t feel like freedom! God just hasn’t done what you were hoping he’d do, expecting him to do, what you thought you needed him to do…So, here you are sitting in your doubts like John
3. JOHN TOOK HIS STRUGGLES TO JESUS
[Luke 7:18-20]
“The disciples of John the Baptist told John about everything Jesus was doing. So John called for two of his disciples, and he sent them to the Lord to ask him, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” John’s two disciples found Jesus and said to him, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?’”
Can I suggest you do the same?
- If you’re struggling with God’s existence, his compassion, his care for you…
- Go directly to God and ask him to show himself to you
[Luke 7:21-23]
“At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind. Then he told John’s disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.””
Two things I’d like to point out…
Jesus doesn’t argue with John, he simply points out the things he knows John already knows about.
- One of the the anchors that keep the ship of my faith from crashing on the rocks is the ways I’ve ALREADY experienced the goodness of God
[Isaiah 35:4-6]
“Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.” And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf. The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland.”
- Do you notice which part of this Jesus skipped?
- The part where he said he was coming to rescue him
Jesus wanted him to know that John’s circumstances didn’t need to change for his heart to change
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Application Questions
1. What stood out to you from this message and why?
2. What is one thing God is telling you to START doing because of this message?
3. What is one thing God is telling you to STOP doing because of this message?
4. How will this message change how you act at home, work and in the your relationships?