Doubt

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although 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, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:24-31 ESV).

 

Doubt is the unique problem of a believer. We have to believe in something, in order to doubt it.  So usually in the New Testament when it focuses on doubt, it is referencing believers. Within the context of faith, doubt may arise when our burdens feel too heavy to lift. Doubt may arise when expectations go unmet or when there seems to be no answer to a challenging situation. Doubt may arise when we feel lonely, rejected or depressed or when we face struggle after struggle, with no end in sight. Doubt may arise when we are walking with the Lord faithfully and then tragedy hits. Doubt may arise when small lingering trials go on and on and we wonder where God is in the midst of it all. Doubt arises because of our humanity and while it may be human – it is not okay to remain in a state of doubt.  The good news is, even in our doubts, the God we are not sure of, is certain to meet us right where we are. 

 

And that brings us to today’s reading. As Jesus prepared his followers to live faithfully after his return to heaven, he addressed the challenge of doubt and unbelief. Thomas was a realist. He knew that resurrections were unique events, and he feared that his fellow followers of Christ might have gotten it wrong. He wanted evidence. He demanded proof. While it’s easy to criticize Thomas for his doubts, the truth is that many of us live with similar hesitations. After all, Jesus is no longer on earth for us to see and touch. We cannot have the same experience as the first disciples who walked with him after his resurrection.

 

What does Jesus say to struggling followers? “Stop doubting and believe.” We may not have the opportunity to feel the wounds of the cross with our own hands. But we have the testimony of lives changed by the Lord’s power. We can seek out the fellowship of other believers in the church and be encouraged by their words. And we can watch for the glory of Christ to appear around us. Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith