It’s really you, right Lord? Part Two

John the Baptist sat in prison, wondering what was going on with Jesus Christ, the one who he had preached as the Messiah. He had sacrificed time, energy, and reputation telling people that Jesus was God in the flesh, and there was none other to look for.

And now in prison, his confidence was waning, and doubts began to assail his mind. How do I know? Because the Bible says he sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus himself if he was truly the Messiah.

There are a few lessons here for Christians to consider, as each of us can be prone to doubt and insecurity, even without prison bars.

#1 – Solitude can foster insecurity and doubt in known Scriptural truths. There’s a reason that God told us not to forsake assembling with other believers (Hebrews 10:25)…it’s because when we’re alone we can be more easily nailed by Satan’s fiery darts of fear, doubt, and unbelief.

Other Christians help to reinforce our faith through difficult times. John reached out to friends to encourage him when uncertainty came knocking. Smart move…and far better than sitting alone with a mind full of mystery.

#2 – Jesus wants to reassure our insecurities. When those disciples came to Jesus, they said that John needed some reassurance in prison. I’m sure this was no surprise to the Lord, but his first reaction was not “How dare he question who I am?! What a faithless unbeliever!”

Rather, Jesus considered John as a person in need of encouragement. The Lord knows that we often need feedback in life. We want our sacrifices to make an impact…but sometimes our service has zero response and we’re left wondering, “Did it really matter? Am I wasting my time?”

#3 – Good work for God is not in vain. Jesus told those men to look at the fruit of His ministry. He pointed to all of the healed, helped, and transformed lives…then he encouraged those men to tell John what they saw.

I think Jesus did that to say, “John, your sacrifices were not in vain. When you preached my entrance into public ministry, you started a public awareness that has led to untold multitudes of changed lives. Your boldness has born much fruit! Look around!”

My friends, it’s okay to be insecure at times in life. But we’re not supposed to stay there, locked in a prison cell of doubt. Stay in contact with fellow believers, know that God wants to help you through, and continue to serve the Lord faithfully…even when you have a question mark for a brain.

God has your answers. Wait for Him. Jesus really is the Messiah, and He really cares for you today.

P.S. The devil is still a liar.