Transformed – teen devotion – December 11, 2022
One truth shared: Everyone struggles with doubt, but we can find comfort in our Savior Jesus who handles our doubt with love and compassion.
When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: “ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
Matthew 11:2-11
Dealing with Doubt
Doubt. The devil loves to create it in the heart and mind of every person—doubt about God and his promises. It’s what he used in the garden of Eden. He questioned Adam and Eve and caused them to doubt God’s words as well as his goodness and love for them.
Doubt is the devil’s greatest power. He uses whatever he can—fine sounding arguments, challenges in life, etc.—to raise questions in our mind. He works through anybody he can—teachers, professors, bosses, coworkers, friends, and even family—to make us doubt the words of God that he gives us in the Bible.
And the devil shows no partiality. He attacks everyone, unbelievers and believers, people of weak faith or those of strong faith.
John the Baptist was one of those guys who was strong in faith. He was the forerunner for the Messiah. He confronted religious leaders and kings and called them to repentance. He pointed people to their Savior, the Messiah. But the devil attacked him too. He preyed on John when John was thrown into prison. He created doubts in John’s mind causing him to ask, “Jesus, are you the one sent to save us—or not?”
How did Jesus respond to John’s doubts? How does Jesus respond to your doubts? Look at today’s Bible verses from the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus doesn’t scold us and tell us that we should know better. He doesn’t humiliate us either. Instead, he points back to the evidence of his works and his Word. He assures us that he is indeed the Messiah that was long promised in the Bible. He encourages us and reminds us that as children of God we are among the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. He sweeps away our doubts and strengthens our faith.
When you struggle with doubt, take heart! Your Savior Jesus loves you. He came to die for you and his blood covers your doubts. He comes to you with compassion and understanding when you doubt. His words give you assurance that he is indeed the long-promised Messiah and you are his dear child.
Prayer: Merciful Savior, we praise you for looking on us with compassion when we doubt. Forgive us when we doubt your Word, and assure us of your grace and unfailing love. Amen.
