No Doubt About It

Have you ever heard the phrase, ‘Doubting Thomas”? You probably know that it refers to one of Jesus’ disciples, who, after hearing of his Lord’s resurrection, needed to see proof in order to believe. For whatever reason, Thomas wasn’t there when Jesus revealed himself to the others. In John 20:25, we read: “So the other disciples told 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.’”

Doubt can take on many forms. In Thomas's case, it was the “I’ll believe it when I see it” kind of doubt. It’s interesting that Thomas, who had walked with Jesus (literally) and spent time with him– in real life, who heard Jesus speak of his upcoming death and resurrection– needed proof. And just like every other fallible person in the Bible, it’s easy for us to harp on him 2,000 + years later. Kind of like when I used to read stories to my little kids about people of old worshiping idols made of wood and stone. Kids can be mean, you know, and they were full-on mocking the stupidity of these people. “Those people were dumb! Why would anyone worship something made of wood or rocks?” I still remember them, dancing around in their footie pajamas, laughing at these poor, idiotic souls. They simmered down, however, when I told them we still have idols today, they’re just made of plastic and glass. Phones. Computers. That was one of those rare bedtime mic drop moments and I thank God for it.

It’s not clear from the text why Thomas doubted. Like my kids when they were little, I want to cop an attitude and say, “He was dumb! He walked with Jesus! He saw miracles happen! He saw the supernatural happen repeatedly as he walked with God- in the flesh! How could he doubt?” 

Then, the Lord reminds me, in his gentle yet correcting way, of all the miracles he has done for me. Being on the verge of homelessness, more than once, and how he came through in mighty ways. Hurting financially and his supernatural provision that showed up, seemingly out of nowhere, often dropped right into my lap as an answer to a fervent prayer!  I think of the witness this is to others when they see my life- in shambles by natural standards and ask me, “What are you going to do?” What a beautiful opportunity to reflect Jesus. “I’m going to pray. I’m going to trust in my faithful God who loves me so much. Who knows exactly what I need and will build my trust and my faith in him through difficult times like this? I’m going to guard my heart against resentment because that leads to bitterness and eventually unforgiveness. And that drives a wedge between the Lord and me.” 

Here’s the great thing though. God is not offended by doubt or skepticism! Some of the most influential Christians today were once skeptics. God isn’t afraid of our questions or even our demands. This is remarkable when you think of the power he has and how he could destroy us with simply a thought or a breath. No, he welcomes our doubt. He is patient and kind and wants us to know him for who he really is. 

What doubts do you have today? 

Do you doubt God’s very existence? Read the Bible. It’s not a book; it’s a library of books that has it all, from suspense to action, to poetry, history, and, my favorite- the love story of a merciful God chasing after a rebellious people. Forgiving them, providing for them. Just like he’s still doing today! To know him truly is to love him, but, full disclosure- it will challenge you! He is God and we are not. There is mystery in him, but personally, I don’t want a God I could understand, because that’s no God at all! Jeremiah 29:13 says (God speaking to us), “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.” These are not empty words. He wants to know you. And he will meet you there. He’s not afraid of your skepticism or doubt, either. He is more than capable of handling it. Also, pray. No need to be eloquent; you can just talk to God like a friend, or, for that matter, an enemy. Get real with God. If you really want to know him, talk to him and listen for his voice. It’s the best relationship you’ll ever know! 

Do you doubt God’s goodness? Circumstances can move us when we focus on them. Life beats us down. Having one thing after another go wrong can make us question God’s goodness. We may feel defeated and wonder what the point of it all is. Throw in some self-pity and we’ve got a recipe for depression, anxiety, and bench warming. While we are called to run the race marked out for us with perseverance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2), we often fix our eyes on the problems. While we should be walking on water, figuratively speaking, we often look at the wind and the waves, just like Peter did, and where we once had victory in Jesus, we are now sinking. Drowning in fear. In doubt. 

Do you doubt God’s faithfulness? You know he’s faithful, but when the going gets tough, do you put limitations on him? The word “remember” shows up in the Bible 231 times. Sometimes it speaks of the Israelites needing to remember. God performed miracle after miracle. Big ones. Like parting the Red Sea so they could escape Pharoah. And God didn’t just part the sea so they could trudge through mud or shallow water; they walked through on dry ground! Yet, even having seen this miracle and many others, after having God literally talk to them, through Moses, through a cloud, they often failed to remember. So do I. What’s interesting though, is that there are also many accounts in the Bible where it says God remembered someone. He remembered their prayers. He remembers you, too. Even when it doesn’t feel like it, you can use a website like Biblegateway or Bible Hub and do your own word search. It’s a great place to start an adventure in God’s word. 

Jesus loved Thomas despite his doubt. He didn’t rebuke him, shame him in front of the other disciples, and kick him out of the group. He appeased him. God doesn’t give us what we deserve, even when we doubt him. 

Lord, thank you for who you are. You are a never-changing God. The stock market changes. The President changes. The menu at our favorite restaurant changes. But you never change! You are the same God of those we read about in the Bible and you are still working miracles today. Help us to trust you and not doubt, but when we do, thank you that you welcome our questions and our skepticism. If we are willing and have an open heart, you will show us your true character and challenge our beliefs about who you are. You are the great I Am and we do not define you, Lord; you define us! Thank you for loving us with such pure and perfect love. Help us to love others like you love us, Jesus. That means sacrifice. Patience. Endurance. Grace. Thank you, for those of us who are followers of you, we have everything we need. We are complete in Christ! And for those who are still seeking the Lord, we pray that you will draw them to you, that they may know the reason for the hope we have- Jesus and experience his life-changing, resurrecting power in their own lives. In your holy name, we pray, amen.