I would certainly think that a man so anointed of God that Jesus could say that he was more than a prophet would never have any lapses in his faith. I’m referring to John the Baptist, the voice of one crying in the wilderness. Whenever I read about these Biblical superheroes, I must always remind myself that they too have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. They too had struggles in their venture of faith.

I’ve often wondered about John. He takes a stand for righteousness against Herod because of his adulterous situation and ends up in jail! Nice reward, huh? Well, John is more than a prophet and this won’t shake him. I mean, he’s not only more than a prophet, he’s Jesus’ cousin! But read Matthew 11:2,3: “And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to Him, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?'” Essentially John was asking Jesus if He is the Messiah. Forget the multitudes he faced and testified to; he’s now in prison and he’s having some doubts.

Let’s face it, we all encounter those times in our lives when we too feel imprisoned by circumstances and question, Are You really the Lord? Why am I still in this prison? Oh, how soon we forget those past miracles of answered prayer and God’s gracious dealings in our lives. The words that Jesus spoke to sinking Peter are good for his sinking saints today: O you of little faith, why did you doubt? Selah.

Even up to the moment of His ascension, some among the eleven disciples doubted. Jesus, God Almighty, passed the torch of His gospel to this band of doubters (Peter still had rough edges years later!) and declared that the gates of hell shall not prevail against them! Jesus didn’t get down on John the Baptist either because of his lapse of faith. Read in Matthew 11:7-15 His evaluation of John.

I truly believe that we look better in God’s eyes than we do in our own. (For example, Revelation 1:6 states we are kings and priests!) He would not be God if He weren’t merciful, and we wouldn’t need His mercy if we were perfect! Jesus tenderly whispers to us in His word, Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Are you imprisoned in a bad marriage? By ill health? With financial constraints? Are you doubting? Get alone with the Lord. Be still; be patient. If you find yourself still troubled by your situation, your faith is not in God’s ability or promise to deliver, but in yours. To doubt is human, but to remain a doubter is living like an infidel. Whether He grants you today the power to burst out of your prison or the grace to glorify Him in it, never doubt for one second that Jesus loves you!