Doubting Thomas

Doubting Thomas

John 20:24-29

I have always thought the reference Doubting Thomas when talking about one of the twelve disciples of Jesus is kind of unfair. I mean, he definitely wasn’t the only disciple that doubted; in fact all of them did at some point. The difference between Thomas and the other disciples was that Thomas voiced his doubt out loud more honestly and openly than anybody else did. Peter just denied him and went back to fishing, most of them pretty much disappeared at the sight of trouble, and some disciples even saw him and didn’t even recognize Him for a while.

Thomas told the rest what he needed to be able to believe, he was honest, and Jesus compassionately understood Thomas, and when Jesus met him he gave Thomas what he needed to believe “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Jesus didn’t condemn Thomas, He didn’t scold him, He didn’t roll His eyes at Thomas because there was doubt in his heart. Instead He met him where Thomas was at, and with the love of a brother he walked Thomas back on the road to faith, and strengthened him.

Many times I have believed that doubting is sinful, I have allowed for condemnation, and guilt to drown my doubt, never addressing it. The problem with unaddressed doubt is that it grows in the darkest parts of our heart. God knows how we are feeling, if we are just honest with him, much like Thomas; He will deal with our doubt and turn it into a beautiful statement of faith. We will be able to say like Thomas “My Lord and my God!”

Today I encourage you to bring your doubts to the Lord, have an honest prayer time and let Him restore your faith.