I Doubt It: Week 1 - Tuesday

John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” Matthew 11:2-3

We heard during the weekend message that “the number one reason people doubt God is because of the bad things that have happened in their lives.” When sickness, loss, pain, and suffering come, doubt often follows. These doubts are natural as we try to make sense of the suffering people face in this world riddled with sin. For many, these doubts lead to shame, so they turn inward and keep their questions to themselves. There is a much better way for us to respond, however, with our questions, and that is to take them straight to God, our loving Heavenly Father.

John the Baptist knew that he could bring his questions to Jesus. We discovered yesterday in Matthew chapter 11 that he found himself in prison for speaking against King Herod Antipas, who had married his half-brother’s wife. While John the Baptist was in prison, he heard about everything Jesus was doing during His earthly ministry (verse 2). After hearing about Jesus’ miracles and teachings, John the Baptist sent his own disciples to ask Jesus a question: “Are You the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” (verse 3). John was not afraid to bring his question to Jesus. Instead of turning inward, He went straight to Jesus.

King David is another person in Scripture who was not afraid to bring his honest questions to God. He said these words to God in Psalm 13, “O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? How long must I struggle with the anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand?” (verses 1-2). Can you sense David’s distress in this passage of Scripture? He was in great despair, and he was not afraid to call out to God and ask Him, “How long?” He did not stop there, however. David continued writing, “Turn and answer me, O Lord my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die” (verse 3). David was always extremely honest in his prayers to God. He understood that he had the freedom to bring his questions to God and to be honest about exactly what he was feeling. As he expressed his emotions to God, he remembered God’s faithfulness. He said amidst his questions, “But I trust in Your unfailing love. I will rejoice because You have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because He is good to me” (verses 5-6). Even in his questions, and even when he did not understand, David did not lose sight of God’s goodness and faithfulness.

Amidst your struggles and difficulties, have you had questions similar to John the Baptist or King David? You can bring them before God today. Let your questions move you toward God rather than away from them. Bring Him your questions and doubts. Amidst it all, however, don’t forget to remember God’s goodness and unfailing love to you. Even amidst your questions and doubts, there is always something to praise and worship Him for.

Moving Toward Action

Has pain, heartache, disappointment, or loss led to questions? Turn to God today with these doubts. Follow John the Baptist and King David’s examples and tell Him exactly what is on your mind. He wants to hear from you. Share your struggles, disappointments, and questions with Him. Let your doubts lead you straight to the arms of your Heavenly Father.

Prayer Prompt: Use this prompt to guide you as you pray.

“God, thank You that I can bring my questions and even doubts straight to You. Help me…”

Going Deeper

Psalm 13:1-6