May 30

Jesus Always Answers

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. — Luke 7:22 BSB

John was confused and sent messengers from his prison to ask Jesus if He was truly the promised Messiah. Jesus answered John’s doubts with patience. He always answers us, even when our prayers are filled with doubts, complaints, and fears. He never grows impatient with us. He never shuts the door on us. It must sadden Him to see us doubt His love. When Joseph’s brothers sent him a message asking for forgiveness after their father died, Joseph wept. It broke his heart to think that they still doubted his forgiveness, despite all the kindness he had shown them.

In the same way, many of us doubt Jesus, even after all He has done for us. When difficulties arise, we begin to question His love, wonder if He has truly forgiven us, and fear that He may not take care of us in the future. Our prayers are often full of these doubts, fears, and anxieties. These concerns take the joy out of our worship and the confidence out of our prayers, giving a tone of sadness to our devotions.

Does Jesus grow tired of hearing such prayers? No, He listens patiently, despite the doubts and fears we express. Although it must pain Him to hear our worries, He still answers us in love. He is incredibly patient, never scolding us, but instead responding with gentle care. It’s amazing how tender and kind our Savior is.

“There is no place where earth’s sorrows
Are more felt than up in heaven;
There is no place where earth’s failings
Have such kindly judgments given.”