Doubting God
There are times when it's difficult to understand God, especially when we ask and pray with faith and we feel like he doesn’t do what we ask, our prayers go unanswered, we don’t feel his presence. There are thousands of people suffering all over the world, people that may not have food or a safe place to live, perhaps someone has lost a loved one or are going through a series of very tough times but if God’s existence were determined by his prevention of our pain, he would be gone with the next storm.
At some point in our lives, all of us have doubted God and we wouldn’t be the first ones, John the Baptist was troubled with doubts about Jesus while he was in jail awaiting his execution. I still recall the story of a friend who was going through a tough time, struggling to make ends meet, and felt abandoned by God - it's a feeling that can be overwhelming, but it's also a reminder that we're not alone in our doubts. I've found that sharing our struggles with others can be a powerful way to find support and guidance, as I did when I spoke with a mentor who had faced similar challenges and found a way to reconnect with their faith. For example, I remember a conversation with a friend who had been struggling to find a job, and how we prayed together, asking God to provide, and soon after, they received an offer that exceeded their expectations - a tangible reminder of God's provision in the midst of uncertainty.
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.”
Christians who lose their faith during a period of struggle sometimes begin to do things they would never have thought about doing before, they drop out of church or they stop praying. If you are among those people who have lost sight of God, know that you are not alone. Most of us have experienced moments where we feel like we have been abandoned, but God's silence doesn't mean he's absent - his presence is still with us, even when we can't feel it.
His responses may not always align with our timeline or expectations, and sometimes the outcome is not what we had hoped for. Nevertheless, God will always provide what we need, even if it doesn't seem that way in the moment. As we navigate these challenging times, it's essential to remember that God's ways are not our ways, and his plan is often revealed in hindsight. For instance, I think about the story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers, only to later become a leader in Egypt and save his family from famine - a powerful reminder that God can bring good out of even the most difficult circumstances.
In John’s darker moments God sent a promise to keep John’s faith, and he will do the same for you. This promise is a reminder that God is constantly working in our lives, even when we can't see it or feel his presence.
Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.
We will all have days in which we feel as though we have nothing left. Regardless of what we’re facing, we must continue to seek God, for it's in those moments of desperation that we can experience his redemption and restoration. By holding onto our faith, even when it's difficult, we can find the strength to persevere and trust in God's sovereign plan. As I reflect on my own journey, I'm reminded of the importance of community and accountability - having people around us who can offer support, guidance, and encouragement can make all the difference in our walk with God, especially during times of doubt and uncertainty.
