Finding Strength in Doubt

By Romina Chevren

"After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee. 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?’ 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 11:1–6 (NIV)

Let us explore today’s Scripture and reflect on the lessons it offers us in times of doubt.

The Weight of Doubt:

John the Baptist, the one who prepared the way for Jesus, found himself imprisoned and facing doubt. The weight of his circumstances led him to question whether Jesus was truly the Messiah. In our lives, doubt often creeps in when we face trials and tribulations. We may wonder if God is still with us during difficult times.

Honest Inquiry:

What is remarkable about John's doubt is that he didn’t keep it to himself; he sought answers. Instead of allowing doubt to fester in silence, he sent his disciples to inquire of Jesus. When we experience doubt, we should follow John's example and seek God through prayer, Scripture, and the counsel of wise believers.

Christ's Response:

Jesus' response to John's inquiry is profound. He didn't rebuke John for his doubt; instead, He provided evidence of His divinity through His works. Jesus healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and proclaimed the gospel to the poor. He reassured John by showing that His actions aligned with the prophecies of the Messiah.

Blessing in Not Stumbling:

In His response, Jesus affirmed that those who do not take offense at Him are blessed. Doubt can lead to stumbling if we let it consume us. However, when we choose to trust God despite our doubts, we receive His blessing. This blessing is a deeper faith and a stronger relationship with Him.

When grappling with doubt, we can turn to several valuable tools for guidance and strength. These tools include prayer, seeking counsel from wise mentors, and delving into Scripture to discover reassurance and clarity. Through this deliberate process, it becomes evident that doubts, rather than being obstacles, can actually lead us to a more mature and nuanced understanding of our faith.

Prayer serves as a powerful means to navigate the turbulent waters of doubt. It allows us to communicate our deepest concerns and uncertainties to a higher power. Seeking divine guidance through prayer can offer comfort and insight, reminding us that we’re not alone in our struggles.

Wise mentors, individuals with spiritual wisdom and experience, provide another invaluable resource. Their guidance and counsel can help us navigate the complexities of doubt, offering perspectives and insights we might not have considered. Engaging in open and honest conversations with these mentors can illuminate our path through the darkness of doubt.

Moreover, immersing ourselves in Scripture provides a rich source of wisdom and inspiration. It allows us to explore the narratives of faith, witness the struggles of biblical figures, and find answers to our own questions. The stories of doubt and perseverance within the sacred texts often resonate deeply, offering solace and guidance as we grapple with our own uncertainties.

In embracing doubt as a natural facet of our faith journey, we discover that questioning and wrestling with our beliefs can lead to profound growth and a deeper connection with our spirituality. Doubt, in its unique way, can be a transformative path toward a more authentic and unwavering faith. It serves as a reminder that, even in moments of faltering, the grace and presence of God remain steadfast, ready to guide us through our spiritual explorations.

Pause: Take a moment to still your heart and mind. Find a quiet place where you can reflect on the words of Matthew 11:1–6. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. As you do, imagine the scene: John the Baptist, imprisoned and filled with doubt, reaching out to Jesus for answers. Feel the weight of his uncertainty, and consider any doubts or questions you may have in your own life.

Practice: Consider the evidence of God's presence and power in your life. Recall moments when God has answered your prayers, provided for you, or guided you through challenges. Write down these instances as reminders of His faithfulness.

Pray: Dear heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts, acknowledging the doubts and questions that sometimes cloud our faith. Just as John the Baptist sought answers, we come to You seeking clarity and understanding. Help us, Lord, to be honest in our inquiries, knowing that You welcome our doubts and seek to strengthen our faith. As we seek answers to our questions, grant us wisdom, discernment, and a deeper understanding of Your Word. May we find reassurance in the evidence of Your presence and power in our lives, just as Jesus demonstrated His divinity through His works. Thank You, Lord, for Your unwavering love and grace. Help us not to stumble in our faith but to trust in You even when we have doubts. May our faith grow stronger as we learn to rely on Your promises. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.