Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." — John 20:29
Doubt tends to creep in at unfortunate times. In pivotal moments, when we need mountain-moving faith, doubt whispers, Does God hear my prayers? Why hasn't He fixed this situation? How long will this continue? Often, when we experience doubt, we put on our game face and pretend all is well — but there's a better way.
After Jesus was resurrected, the apostle Thomas struggled to believe the reports about Jesus being alive. Thomas said,
Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe. — John 20:25
Sounds pretty cynical, right? Maybe so cynical that Jesus might write off Thomas? Hardly. Rather than dismissing Thomas because of his doubts, Jesus invited Thomas to take a closer look. A few days later, Jesus appeared to the apostle and said,
Put your finger here; see My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe. — John 20:27
When Thomas leaned in and took a closer look, he said,
My Lord and my God! — John 20:28
- The remedy for doubt is taking a closer look at Jesus.
No, you can't reach out like Thomas did and touch Jesus' flesh — but you can study His Word. You can study history. You can study science. You can wrestle with the Scriptures and voice your questions in prayer. Jesus invites you to lean in closer and express your doubts — it's the process that strengthens faith.
Lord, like Your disciples, I pray, "I believe, help my unbelief" (Mark 9:24). When I struggle with doubt, teach me to look for the answers in Your Word and fill me with Your faith.
*
No comments:
Post a Comment