Encouragement for When We DoubtSýnishorn

We Don’t See What God Sees

The second reason we find behind John’s doubt is his limited understanding. It’s essential to recognize that John lived in a different time and under a different covenant. Unlike us today, he did not have the Gospels and other New Testament records, or the benefit of understanding the events of Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension. There was a significant gap in his understanding. He couldn’t see the period spanning approximately 2,000 years since Christ’s ascension. This period was a mystery to him.

Imagine it as two mountain peaks: one representing the first coming of Christ and the other the second coming. The Old Testament prophets saw these peaks but couldn’t discern the valley in between. In his role as the forerunner of Christ, John expected salvation and judgment to occur simultaneously upon Christ’s arrival. He thought the Messiah would establish His kingdom immediately, and sin would be judged without delay.

However, John found himself in prison, questioning the events—or lack thereof—unfolding around him. Where was the fire of judgment he expected to see? Why hadn’t Christ initiated the establishment of the kingdom? In his perplexity, John sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the expected one, or should we look for someone else?” John was was wrestling with the understanding the Old Testament revelation.

Likewise, in our lives, doubt creeps in when we struggle to comprehend some aspect of God’s revelation. It may be due to a lack of knowledge or a failure to internalize the truth. For instance, consider questions like: Does God genuinely love you? Is He actively working in your life with eternal purposes in mind? Do all things really work together for your good? Does God truly know every detail of your life and care about your daily concerns?

These questions aren’t vague or ambiguous in the Bible. God has revealed His love, providence, and care for His children. Despite this clarity, we often have doubts about these truths. Why? Because we either don’t know what God has revealed or we haven’t fully grasped these truths.

So, the next time you struggle with doubt, remember that it may stem, like John’s did, from a limited understanding of God’s Word. Seek to know and grasp the truths revealed in God’s Word, and let that knowledge anchor your faith in times of doubt.