Verse: John 20:26-27
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Thoughts
Have you ever doubted your faith? Have you ever wrestled with questions like, “Did Jesus really rise from the dead?” or “Is Christianity really true?” or “Is there really a God?”
Chances are you have struggled with these, or some other form of doubting Jesus. And often when we feel these doubts, we can also feel guilty or like a “bad Christian.” We can feel like we shouldn’t feel these thoughts, and maybe even try to ignore them.
One of the most amazing things about this account of the life of Jesus is that John (as led by the Holy Spirit) decided to put this story of Thomas in there. It doesn’t look good for the early disciples, and it honestly doesn’t look good for Jesus either. How could people be doubting him right after he raised from the dead?
‘But they did put it in, because it is a true story (and not some made up story) AND God knew we’d need to read it. This account tells us a couple of things that I think may be encouraging for you this morning:
1) It’s OK to bring Jesus your doubt. I love that Thomas goes to Jesus. He takes his doubt right to the source. This is exactly what you can do. We don’t have to pretend to have it all together. We don’t have to feel ashamed when we struggle with doubt. We can bring it into the light with Jesus.
2) Jesus isn’t afraid of our doubt. Sometimes I think we get worried that God can’t handle our hard questions. One thing I’ve learned in my life is that he is well able to walk with us through our most difficult questions. He is not afraid (or even offended) by your doubt. And he can lead you into all truth.
3) Jesus loves doubters. Just because you wrestle with doubt doesn’t make you a “bad Christian” or less of a believer. Jesus clearly loves Thomas in this story. In fact, he died for him! So you don’t have to feel “less than” or ashamed. He loves you! And just like Thomas, he will use you in his kingdom!
I hope these thoughts bring you some encouragement if (and when) you struggle with doubt. Jesus is well able to handle it, just bring it to him, and let him love you.
Prayer
I pray for you to walk with me in my doubt and give me clarity and truth as I search.
Author: Christian Dunn
Recent Comments