SCRIPTURE
Luke 7:18-19, 22 (NLT) - 18 Then disciples of John the Baptist told John about everything Jesus was doing. So, John called two of his disciples, 19 and he sent them to the Lord to ask Him, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” 22 Jesus said, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard - the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.”
OBSERVATION
In this passage, we see John the Baptist being visited in prison by those closest to him and they begin to tell him all the incredible things Jesus was doing. In response to this news, John has a question that we may ask when we find ourselves facing difficult situations with no help in sight; “Are you the Messiah, the One who saves or should we keep looking for someone else?” I love how Jesus tenderly deals with our doubt and fear, and he answers the hard questions by encouraging us to remember all the wonderful things He's done for us and is still doing on our behalf. Like John’s situation, Jesus has the power to save us from our painful circumstances, but in His sovereignty He sometimes chooses to increase our faith which reaches far beyond our pain.
APPLICATION
During the times when we face difficult or painful situations and we feel the uncertainty of God's presence, let us turn back the pages of our lives a few chapters and remember the faithfulness of God. Let us recall the time he’s provided for us and the ways he’s comforted us. And let us anchor our faith in the One who still performs miracles on our behalf or uses our trials to increase the faith or bring about salvation for someone else.
PRAYER
Dearest Heavenly, thank you that you are still working out the difficulties I’m going through for my good. In the times when my heart is broken, my spirit feels weak, and I need you to step in and rescue me, help me to find comfort in your presence and remind me that I am not forgotten or alone. Thank you for being all that I need and for performing miracles in my life. And keep me from complaining and doubting your love. I trust you and I thank you for loving me and holding me close. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
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