From Doubt to Peace

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad, California

Luke 7: 18-22, 28. 

18 Then John’s disciples informed him about all these things. 

19 So John called two of his disciples and sent them to ask the Lord, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?”

20 When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?’ ”

21 At that very hour Jesus healed many people of their diseases, afflictions, and evil spirits, and He gave sight to many who were blind. 

22 So He replied, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.”

28  “I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

There are several emotions that can disturb our peace. One is doubt.

What I notice and love about this passage is that John the Baptist was Jesus’ cousin, devout, bold, humble and prepared the way. Grew up with him, baptized him, loved him, and yet he doubted.

I would too if I was in prison. I wonder how John felt sitting there. I would struggle with, “Why aren’t you coming to rescue me?  I am your cousin, your servant, and now I end up here ??”

Jesus did not shame or criticize him for doubting. He told the two disciples to tell John that all these things were true. Then he gave John an affirmation like no other.

“Born to woman…there is no one greater than John.”

And yet Jesus did not go and rescue him, nor did he resurrect him.

Sometimes life doesn’t turn out the way we hope.

God permits us to wrestle with doubt.

The opposite of doubt is trust.  When we process our doubt, then trust in God, we can experience Peace.

After the resurrection, Jesus did not overthrow the Roman rule nor kick the Pharisees out.

He did promise we could have peace.

Exercise

• Get comfortable where you are. Take a few deep breaths. Breathe in peace, breathe out doubt.

• What is God saying to you through this passage?

  
  

• Ask God for wisdom.  What do you doubt?   Remember, it is ok to wrestle with God.
  

• Amid your doubt, what do you know is true?   Trustworthy?
  

• Hold your doubts in your left hand, outward to God.  Place what is true/trustworthy in your right hand and hold it over your heart.

         Express gratitude for what is true, what you know you can trust.

         Ask God’s help as you navigate through your doubts.