What steps can we take to strengthen our faith when questioning like John? Setting the Scene: John’s Honest Question “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?” (Matthew 11:3) Even a prophet who had heard God’s voice at the Jordan found himself wrestling with doubt in a dark prison cell. Jesus did not rebuke him—He answered. Step 1: Bring Your Questions Directly to Jesus • John sent messengers straight to the Lord. • Psalm 62:8 reminds, “Pour out your hearts before Him; God is our refuge.” • Doubt handled in prayer becomes a doorway to deeper trust. Step 2: Consider the Evidence Jesus Already Gave Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see…” (Matthew 11:4-5). • The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the good news is preached. • Concrete works confirm His identity; reflecting on them strengthens faith. Step 3: Revisit the Prophetic Word • Isaiah 35:5-6; 61:1 foretold exactly the miracles Jesus listed. • Lining up promise with fulfillment builds unshakable confidence. Step 4: Ground Yourself in the Whole Counsel of Scripture • Psalm 119:105—“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Romans 10:17—“So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” • Consistent Bible intake replaces swirling feelings with solid truth. Step 5: Remember and Rehearse God’s Past Faithfulness • Psalm 103:1-2 urges us not to forget His benefits. • Personal testimonies—answered prayers, past deliverances—give present courage. Step 6: Lean into Godly Fellowship • Hebrews 10:24-25: mutual encouragement keeps hearts steady. • Share struggles with mature believers who will lift you, not feed doubt. Step 7: Obey the Light You Have • James 1:22—“Be doers of the word.” • John 14:21—obedience invites greater revelation. Acting on clear commands clears foggy questions. Step 8: Guard Your Heart with Praise and Expectation • Philippians 4:6-7—thankful prayer ushers in God’s peace. • Isaiah 40:31—waiting with hope renews strength. Praise redirects focus from prison walls to the God who shakes them. Putting It All Together Questioning seasons aren’t failures; they’re invitations. Follow John’s pattern—run to Jesus, weigh the evidence, stand on Scripture, remember God’s record, stay in fellowship, walk in obedience, and keep praising. These steps move a wavering heart from “Should we look for someone else?” to “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” |
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