Even those who’ve walked closely with God, who’ve so clearly heard His voice, who’ve served Him faithfully for years, will face circumstances where they need to be encouraged to remember what they’ve seen and heard.

Years of serving does not make those of us, who still live in this world full of trouble, immune from doubt and discouragement.

John the Baptist sat in a prison, things had turned out far from how he expected they would go, though he had been the one who had clearly heard the voice of God proclaiming Jesus to be His Son.

He had even been chosen to baptize the Savior.

Surely, he should be immune from questioning and doubt.

People had once flocked to hear him tell of the Messiah… hanging on his every word.

His faith was so very public. His reputation well known.

Now the one who had so faithfully proclaimed sat imprisoned for his faith…
questioning…
doubting…
surely disillusioned with how things had turned out.

How long did John silently struggle before he finally called his disciples to find Jesus and ask Him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” (Matt. 11:3)

And why would God allow us to read of this crisis of faith in His Word?

Perhaps, because God knows we all will have times of silent struggle—even those strong in the faith.

Perhaps, especially those strong in the faith.

Shouldn’t we just pretend John’s doubts (and ours, and our pastors, and others we know) never happen? Shouldn’t we sweep those questions under the rug?

I don’t think so.

Instead, we should be honest with our times of doubt, so others can help us remember what we know and refute the lies the enemy whispers in our ears during these times.

When John had trouble holding on to the truth, Jesus told John’s friends to remind him of the things they saw: the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised and the poor have the gospel preached to them ” (Matt. 11:5)

There will be times when we too will struggle, when circumstances are so hard we just can’t see—it is especially during these times that we need to be willing to be honest with others who are in the faith.

It’s why we need church and small groups and close godly friends—friends who will remind you of what they see and hear and know of our Lord.

And, we too, need to be deliberate to encourage others to remember what they know of Jesus.

Don’t assume that anyone—including your pastor or ministry leader is immune from times of struggle.

God knows us and loves us. He says when we are faithless, He is still faithful.(2 Tim. 2:13)

And He tells us to keep meeting together and keep encouraging one another (Heb. 10:24-25) because He knows we need it!

We all need it friend. …❤️

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Check out my new devotional book, “A Journey Through Corinthians with Kim Jaggers” now available on Amazon. Link in comments and more info available at kimjaggers.com