How often have I said, “Jesus, if you loved me, why this?”
Why has my child strayed?
Why can’t I pay the bills?
Why this misunderstanding and mistreatment?
Why? Why? WHY?
How often has Jesus replied, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”
Dear one, are you in the midst of a trying situation and you can’t figure out what to do next?
Are you in a quandary?
Is there chaos all around you?
Are the storm waves crashing up against your sailboat?
Allow me read a story from the Bible:
“Are you the one?” was mentioned twice in this portion of Scripture. Jesus never answered that question directly.
Now then— let’s park this bus at verse 23 for just a moment— shall we?
Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me. Hmmmmm!
Jesus tells John’s disciples to tell John SEVEN things. The FIRST six are the mighty and miraculous works He is sharing with a hurting and dying world.
The 7th is the kicker:
Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me. Hmmmmm!
If Jesus was doing ALL of these things for ALL of these people, surely, by His power, He could have sprung John from the jail cell.
But He didn’t.
Jesus didn’t fix it!
How do YOU react to Christ’s reply?
How do I respond to Jesus’ answer?
Do you think it’s possible that John the Baptist was scratching his head? Now keep in mind the scene here:
John was jailed for telling Herod the truth.
John was questioning his surroundings.
It seems as though John was struggling and having some doubts?
John the Baptist was in a storm.
3 good habits in the midst of the storm:
I. Trust Him
Why should we trust Him?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5,6
- He cannot lie
- He has never failed
- He is sovereign
II. Praise Him
Why is He worthy of praise?
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 59:16
- He is the Creator
- For all He has done
- Look at His promises
III. Repeat
Why should we choose good habits?
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7
- Being obedient
- Following the Word
- We reap what we sow
Conclusion
It is human nature to doubt. But guess what? We have been given a new nature:
Trust and Obey
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