The Daily: Monday December 8, 2025

When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his* disciples and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’
Matthew 1:2-3

When Faith Feels Heavy

Have you ever found yourself in a place where your faith feels more like a burden than a blessing? John the Baptist knew this feeling intimately. From his prison cell, this man who had devoted his entire life to preparing the way for Jesus found himself asking the most honest question: "Are you the one, or should we look for another?" There's something both heartbreaking and beautiful about John's vulnerability. He wasn't pretending to have it all figured out. He wasn't putting on a spiritual mask. He was simply being real about his doubts and disappointments. In our culture that often demands constant positivity,

John's question gives us permission to acknowledge when our faith feels shaky. Maybe you've poured years into a ministry that seems to be going nowhere. Perhaps you've prayed faithfully for a situation that only seems to get worse. Or maybe you're just tired of waiting for God to show up in the dramatic ways you expected. John's story reminds us that even the most faithful people have moments of deep questioning. His doubt wasn't a sign of spiritual failure - it was a turning point that led to a deeper understanding of how God works in the world.

Reflection Question
What expectations about how God should work in your life might be preventing you from seeing how God is actually working?

Prayer
God, thank you for the honesty of John the Baptist and for showing us that our questions and doubts don't disqualify us from your love. Help me to bring my real struggles to you, knowing that you can handle my uncertainty and meet me in my moments of weakness. Amen.