Doubts are a part of the Christian journey, and it’s essential to recognize that we all experience them—even those we look up to. This is the poignant message from Matthew 11:1-19, a passage that highlights how Jesus offers assurance to those wrestling with uncertainty.

The Reality of Doubt

When facing difficult circumstances or unmet expectations, doubts can creep into our minds. As someone who has lived through 47 years, I can assure you that doubts have a tendency to pull us down, affecting every aspect of our lives—from our work to our relationships, and even our faith. This is true not just for the average believer, but even for John the Baptist, who boldly proclaimed Jesus’ identity. Despite his incredible faith and calling, he found himself doubting while imprisoned and facing execution.

Jesus Meets Us with Compassion

In our doubts, it’s comforting to know that Jesus responds with compassion rather than criticism. He does not dismiss our struggles but instead reassures us of his identity as the Messiah. Jesus affirms that he is trustworthy, and he has done and will continue to do exactly what he promised.
When John the Baptist sent his disciples to ask Jesus if he was the one to come, Jesus didn’t scold him. Instead, he reassured John by recounting the acts he was performing—healing the blind, raising the dead, and sharing good news. This reminder of his miracles serves as a source of assurance, emphasizing that even when we cannot see God at work, we can still trust who he is through what we are told.

The Call for Action

However, doubt does not need to paralyze us. Jesus illustrates that we should actively seek out truth and reassurance. This means asking questions, digging deeper into Scripture, and engaging with the community of faith. We shouldn’t let doubts linger without confronting them. Instead, we are called to pursue the truth.
In this fallen world, we must also recognize another call to spiritual violence—not the physical kind, but one that fights for our faith and pursues the kingdom of God passionately. We must be committed to overcoming doubts and seeking spiritual growth with urgency.

Seizing the Kingdom

We live in a world that often dismisses truth, but Jesus encourages us to become spiritually violent. This means valuing our souls as immensely precious and willingly fighting for our place in God’s Kingdom. Just as we take care of our physical bodies, we must prioritize our spiritual health and engage deeply with our faith.
As we navigate our doubts, we should remember that wisdom will be vindicated by its deeds. While the world may mock the truths we hold, ultimately, it is through living out our faith that we will demonstrate its value.

Reflection Questions

• How do I typically respond to doubts in my faith? Am I more prone to ignore them, or do I actively seek answers?
• In what areas of my life am I willing to pursue God with the same urgency that he calls us to?
• How can I become more aware of my responses to Jesus’ truth? Am I open to his guidance, or do I have a tendency to resist?

Embracing our doubts and actively seeking assurance in Christ is an ongoing journey. By leaning into the compassion of Jesus and daring to confront our uncertainties with truth, we can grow deeper in our faith and connection to him.