Strange questions from one who we suppose was always strong in faith. If a Christian was to ask these questions of the Lord Jesus today we would wonder how he could be a Christian at all. These are the kind of questions we would think a seeker, one who is near the kingdom but not yet in it, would ask. It is hard to imagine John struggling with doubts. Maybe we think, ‘I would never doubt like this.’ Remember the place where John has been brought and the terrible dark place he finds himself in. Let us not be proud and self confident and think ourselves incapable of fainting. If Satan lock us up in a dungeon and trials flood into our life and our souls be brought into a dark place and we become like Christian and Hopeful incarcerated in Doubting Castle who can tell what state of mind we might get ourselves into. Bunyan imagines their plight.

“The Giant, therefore, drove them before him, and put them into his castle, into a very dark dungeon, nasty and stinking to the spirits of these two men. Here, then, they lay from Wednesday morning till Saturday night, without one bit of bread, or drop of drink, or light, or any to ask how they did; they were, therefore, here in evil case, and were far from friends and acquaintance.”

John’s fainting fit and apparent doubting bout did not prevent the Lord’s marvellous loving kindness continuing to him. The Lord helped him and even commended him and his past service for God. How good is the Saviour. You can read all about it there in Luke 7. Doubt not, but if feebleness of faith arise Christ remains loyal, "If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself" (2 Timothy 2:13).