Luke 7
John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are You the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to You to ask, ‘Are You the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’” At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. So He replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: 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.” Luke 7:18-23 NIV
John the Baptist was sitting in prison because he spoke out against the sinful life that King Herod was living. John had confidence and faith that he was doing God’s will by calling people to repent of their sins. Yet, he now found himself in very unpleasant circumstances. It was in the midst of this difficult and depressing situation that he began to doubt whether or not Jesus truly was the awaited Messiah. It is normal to have doubts from time to time. The important thing to remember is that when we do have doubts we need to go straight to Jesus, just as John did. What does this look like practically?
1) Study the Bible. The remedy for doubt is faith, and faith comes from hearing and understanding God’s Word: “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” (Romans 10:17).
2) Pray. Praying for God to help you in your areas of weakness can be very powerful. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7).
3) Keep a journal. Keeping a journal of the gifts, miracles and God moments that have happened in your life can be especially helpful when you are facing times of doubt. When God intervenes in your life and makes it obvious to you, it usually leaves you with this tremendous high and is a huge boost for your faith. Over time you can lose this feeling and even forget about some of the amazing things God has done for you. Looking back and refreshing your memory by reading your journal can really help to eliminate doubt from your life.
4) Go to a conference or retreat. Everyone that has been to a Christian retreat or conference knows that incredible feeling that you get after worshiping alongside fellow believers, and taking time out of your life to rededicate yourself to God. You become fired up for the Lord like you never have been before and have all these plans and ideas….then reality sets in. The laundry needs to be done, the kids are fighting, there are bills to pay, etc. Life makes it impossible to hold on to that enthusiasm forever. That’s why it is so important to take the time to recharge your spirit and revitalize your faith once or twice a year.
5) Go on a missions trip. Whether God is pulling your heart to minister and meet the needs of people locally or on the other side of the world, there are various missionary opportunities available to anyone who is willing. Nothing will erase doubt like witnessing the hands and feet of Jesus at work in this world, and being a part of it!
When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, He went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, He would know who is touching Him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. Then He turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give Me any water for My feet, but she wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give Me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing My feet. You did not put oil on My head, but she has poured perfume on My feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:36-50 NIV
The more you understand and accept as absolute truth what Jesus did for you personally, the more your love and appreciation for Him will grow. Before we were even born, God sent His only Son to die on our behalf to give us the opportunity for eternal life. This amazing gift comes to us because of His wonderful grace for us, not because we have earned it: “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Although difficult to comprehend, the truth is that we do not have to earn His love; we simply accept it. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). His mercy and grace are truly amazing! We should all be like the woman in this story. We should be so grateful for His forgiveness that we should want to express our thanks through worship, and furthering the kingdom in practical ways. We can do this by giving of our time, talents and treasures, loving others, serving others, and acting as His hands and feet out in the world. How much has God forgiven you? Make sure to let Him know how immensely grateful you are!