When Unshakable Faith is Shaken

And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me. Matthew 11:6

Trials and difficulties have a way of revealing our true beliefs and also of clouding our view. I find it interesting that John the Baptist spent years preaching in the wilderness and baptizing in the waters of the Jordan River. He was the voice of one crying in the wilderness, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord.” It was his mission to prepare people for the entrance of Jesus. He had no trouble standing up against the religious and government officials of his day. He had a job to do and he did it. Whether people accepted his message or not, he spoke the truth. He also had no trouble pointing out who Jesus was. When he saw Jesus approaching him, he proclaimed with strong conviction, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” His certainty was unshakable!

And yet later on, John is in prison and sending his own disciples to Jesus with one question. “Are you the one we are looking for or should we look for another.” I sense weariness in his question along with discouragement, confusion, and a faltering faith. It could be that John’s life did not turn out the way he thought it would. Maybe he thought he would be that voice crying in the wilderness and eventually just fade into the background. When the circumstances changed he needed reassurance that he had been on the right track all along.

When Jesus talked about not taking offense at Him, He was not only referring to being bothered or upset. He was also talking about not getting tripped up. He knows it is in our nature to second-guess ourselves, get disheartened, and lose sight of Him in the midst of trials and testings. If John the Baptist needed the reminders and encouragement, we surely do as well. It is too easy to experience the discomforts of life and the disapproval of people and come away with the wrong view of God and ourselves. Like John, there are times we need to refocus and renew our minds. Over the weekend I sought out the encouragement of a handful of people. They heard the doubts and fears behind my questions and they were faithful to help me see clearly what had become clouded. I thank God for each one of them. This morning I rejoice in my God once again! While my situation has not changed, what I am focusing on has!

Father, it is when I understand the least that I need You the most. I hold Your hand tighter because only You can see what is ahead. Amen.