“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.”
Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV
God wants our faith. Faith gives us access to God. Faith allows us to draw in close to God. Faith allows God to draw close to us. Faith unleashes the Power of God in our lives.
“Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’
But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the marks in his hands and put my fingers 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 fingers 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!’
Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'”
John 20:24-29 NIV
Growing up, I remember being told we shouldn’t question God. Here, though, we see Thomas, who is one of the twelve disciples, that means he actually spent years in the presence of Jesus. He’s expressing doubt that Jesus is resurrected. Then we see Jesus show up and address his doubt. Doubt is normal. God cares about our doubts, our fears, pain, perspective, and/or any barrier that gets in the way of our faith. We can give every one of the them back to God.
“By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what is visible.”
Hebrews 11:3 NIV
God took nothing and made everything. God can handle our doubt.
It’s good news to know that Jesus gives unconditional love and cares for us.
Yes it is!
God thank you for understanding our honest prayers! Amen!