“When the men had come to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’ ” And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭7‬:‭20‬-‭23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

John was perplexed and sent from his prison to ask Jesus if he were indeed the promised Messiah. Jesus patiently answered the messengers. He always answers. 

Many of our prayers to Him are mixed with doubt; many of them are filled with complaints, fears, and murmurings. Still He never grows impatient with us. He never shuts His door upon us. It must grieve and pain Him to have us doubt Him. 

After all the sacrifices Jesus has made on our behalf and the blessings His love has bestowed upon us, when some shadow falls upon our heart we wonder whether Christ loves us or not, whether or not He has forgiven us, whether or not He will take care of us in the future. We are half the time perplexed about something — full of worries; and these doubts, fears, and anxieties get into our prayers. They take the joy out of our worship and the faith out of our supplications, and they give a sad tone to our devotions. 

Does Jesus never get tired of such prayers? No; He listens, and hears all the disturbances made by the murmurings. His heart must be pained by them too; but He answers us nevertheless. He is very patient with us — He never condemns; He remem- bers how frail we are, and He sends the sweetest answers that His love can give. It is wonderful indeed how rich and gentle our Savior is. 

Pray About It: 

The compassionate Jesus Christ is always available for our prayers. Let’s not misjudge Him by assuming He’s reluctant to be with us. Nor should we insult Him by any doubting as evidenced by worry or sadness. Who could possibly remain downcast in the presence of Him who is our joy? 

Bring all your prayers before Him today, ever the murmurings and complaints. He will hear then though He grieves at our small faith. 

“Whenever your hope seems to fail you and your joy begins to sink, the shortest method is to take to your knees.”

• CHARLES HADDON SPURGEON