Christianity is based on faith in the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ, faith in God’s power to forgive sins and give eternal life. Faith comes easily for some, but for many it’s not easy to believe it when you can’t see it! Many people want proof positive. Those who are plagued with doubts may avoid asking the hard questions for fear of criticism. Some churches don’t respond well to people who question the foundations of faith. Jesus did not shun those who doubted. Thomas is a disciple known synonymously with doubt, Doubting Thomas. It seems unfair that he is forever characterized by his worst moment. Perhaps Thomas should be known as Honest Thomas. He voiced his doubts and was willing to allow Jesus to remove them and replace them with faith.

Scriptures – Matthew 28:16-17; Luke 24:36-39; John 20:24-28; Hebrews 10:25; Matthew 7:7-8

Verse – Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. The other disciples kept on telling him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “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.” 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!” 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.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:24-28)

Thought – Some people say you can’t have faith if you doubt; however, it’s more likely that you can’t have real faith unless you work through your doubts. Doubts are not the end of faith; they are the beginning. Thomas was not present when the resurrected Jesus first appeared to the disciples. We don’t know why, but he was probably sad, discouraged and decided to deal with it alone instead of joining with his fellow Christ-followers for worship, support, and comfort. By deciding to stay away, he missed it! He missed the proof positive that Jesus had risen. When we are struggling with doubts, fears, and problems, we need the support and fellowship of the body of Christ, the church, our fellow believers. Thankfully, Thomas’ friends continued to tell him that Jesus was risen, they continued to encourage him to believe, and Thomas showed up at the next gathering where Jesus again appeared. If they had merely discounted Thomas’ doubts and hadn’t been persistent in reaching out to him, he might not have shown up. When you ask someone to church, share your faith with them, reach out in Jesus’ name, be persistent. Don’t be annoying, but don’t give up. When Jesus saw Thomas, he encouraged Thomas to touch his nail scarred hands and put his hand in Jesus’ wounded side. Thomas’ doubts ended. For the sake of the Gospel, Thomas traveled to India, farther than any of the other apostles preaching the Good News, and he lay down his life for the cause of Christ. Doubts are not bad, but holding onto them and not seeking answers is bad. You might spend your whole life doubting. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Mt 7:7) If you seek answers, you’ll find them. You’ll find yourself in the presence of Jesus and you’ll stop doubting. You need a personal relationship with Jesus. You need your own experience. You can’t ride into heaven on the faith of parents or those who had led you, find your faith!

Questions – Were you raised in a Christian home? Did you accept Christianity because it was your parents’ faith? Did you have doubts? Explain. When and how did you experience Christ, first-hand? Do you share the truth of Christ with others? Are you persistent? How can you be persistent without being annoying? Do you have doubts? Do you worry that someone will ask you a question concerning their doubts that you won’t be able to answer? If that happens, what is the right response?

Response – Write down any doubts that are keeping you from fully believing. Share them with someone who can give you honest answers and guidance. Pray and ask God to reveal truth to you and to resolve your doubts.

Prayer – Lord, I want to be a person of faith who walks by faith even when I cannot see. Give me confidence and continued assurance that you are the only way, the truth, and the life. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.