One of the greatest prophets, Elija, called fire from heaven, in the next chapter he was hiding in a cave.
John the Baptist was chosen to prepare the path to the Messiah - he struggled with Jesus' identity. God is STILL WITH/FOR us! We might be struggling with our faith or feeling discouraged today, and that's okay!
Some of the most committed and godly leaders have struggled with doubts—just like everyone else!
It can be encouraging to remember that when we struggle with faith - we are in good company.
Elijah the prophet experienced such a struggle. One of the greatest prophets of all time had just called down fire from heaven, killed over 400 false prophets, and outrun King Ahab’s chariot— He could be considered an Olympic gold medalist of faith.
Then the next chapter we see him hiding in a cave, depressed and asking for death after all those miracles.
John the Baptist was another who struggled with faith. Jesus had called John "the greatest prophet". John had been selected by God before birth to be the one opening the way for the Messiah. After being imprisoned and sentenced to die, he struggled with doubts about Jesus’ identity. He sent messengers to ask Jesus if He was truly the One sent from God. Jesus did not rebuke John in his weakness but He quoted from Isaiah 61 and reminded John that He alone had fulfilled that Messianic prophecy.
A man admitted to Jesus that he wanted help with His unbelief - "Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)
Jesus did not rebuke the man but healed the man’s child anyway. We learn from these heroes of faith that God is patient with us when we desire to believe.
When we experience times of doubt, we must immerse ourselves in truth. We win the fight of faith when we continue to seek God individually in prayer and when we consistently hear the Word of God by reading our Bible.
We tend to put our faith in other people when we don't have any of our own - we need to develop our own faith instead!
"But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."
Hebrews 11:6
God knows our struggle — He understands us. He will not rebuke us— He will meet us where we are and help us go through it!
Never give up!!! Keep looking up!! He's coming!! He promised it and He will do it!
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