John the Baptist was in prison.  Had he got it right about Jesus: was He really the Messiah promised by God throughout the Old Testament?  It was not that John denied the prophecies about his role as a forerunner of the Messiah (Luke 1:76), nor his own Spirit-inspired statements that Jesus was the Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world (John 1:29) and that Jesus would baptise His disciples in the Holy Spirit.  But John's gloomy prison cell offered no personal hope, so he turned to Jesus to be reassured about the truth.  

So, the Master told John's disciples to report about what Jesus had been doing, providing key evidence to reassure the evangelist.  Multiple healings and exorcisms were clearly acts of God; and Jesus' care to teach the poor (contrasting the religious leaders who flattered the wealthy) was another sign of God's compassion, freely giving truth to the oppressed.  Was this the work of the Son of God?

Unlike the religious leaders of the day who taught pious duty towards God, Jesus brought good news, love and joy.  John knew that God always speaks in advance of His actions, and that the true Messiah would fulfil many prophecies from God’s Word.  That was the final proof: Isaiah 61:1-2 says, "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.  He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour..."

God's Word always confirms the truth about Jesus to those who seek the truth.  That is why it is far more important to let God speak through His Word than to rely on what your feelings say.  It may be hard to live as a Christian, but do not let your reactions to circumstances entangle your heart and take you away from your only Hope.  Let your reactions be governed by God’s Word (Psalm 119:169-170).  That will then give you confidence to face your community and your colleagues in the knowledge that Jesus is in charge; and know that even the hard times are part of the plan.  John the Baptist’s desire was for Jesus to become greater and for John to become less (John 3:30).  God was answering that prayer: John’s little job was done; Jesus’ great work would be far greater.  Should that not be the same for us?