Do you ever get discouraged about where you are? It seems like bothering will change, and you begin to doubt your purpose. I get encouraged by reading about John the Baptist’s prison days. He doubted himself, his clear call, and even Jesus in the prison. John’s entire life and purpose were focused on recognizing, identifying, and preaching Jesus as the Messiah. If, in his darkest days of prison, John even doubted, we shouldn’t be so hard on ourselves. In God’s amazing grace, He’s patient and gives us direction even if we disappoint Him, others, and ourselves.
“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, her baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered by Him.”
Luke 1:41
Born For It
John was born to recognize and prepare the way for Jesus. His ability to identify the Messiah began in utero. He lept within Elizabeth’s womb when Mary, pregnant with Jesus, said hello. When John stepped into his ministry, he boldly preached the most unpopular and hated message of repentance, undeterred. He boldly called the religious leaders out on their hypocrisy. Every risk he took was to prepare the way for Jesus.
” Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan [River], to be baptized by him.”
Matthew 3:13
In The Water
Then Jesus stepped onto the banks of the Jordan, a moment for which John the Baptist would become famous. Again, John was surrounded by water but not in utero. This time, it was in the Jordan River where he baptized new converts. John saw the Holy Spirit descend on Jesus, and God said that Jesus was his son, and He was very pleased with Him. This is the stuff of legends, of testimonies, the building blocks of everyone’s faith. Then came his dark day as it comes for us all when our faith is put to the test and we fail. Even the strong and bold John the Baptist began to doubt his calling, purpose, and Jesus.
Now when [a]John [the Baptist] in prison heard about the activities of Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and asked Him, “Are You the Expected One (the Messiah), or should we look for someone else [who will be the promised One]?”
Matthew 11:2-3
Strong And Weak
When John had an identity crisis in prison, Jesus didn’t condemn him. He didn’t give words of condemnation or correction but instructed disciples to share with John the miracles they saw that day. Today, Jesus meets us where we are, not where He wishes we would be. In Christ, we have the grace to see our doubts and trials as elements to strengthen our faith. In our weakness, God is strong.
but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.
2 Corinthians 12:9
Poetry
I included “The Fruitful Tree” as a reminder to be patient with where we are. Like with the tree, God wants us to continue to grow and find enrichment in Him and His word and the environment in which He places us. When we do this, God will work it all to His glory without us having to worry or strive.
