Dear Explorer,
Read John 20:24-29
Where and when did this next appearance of Jesus take place?
While we often call this the story of "doubting Thomas", I want you to take a second look.
As I've worked and counseled with followers of Jesus for many years now – encouraging them to grow and become all that God intends - I assure you I would rather work with someone who has questions and doubts and is honest and open about them -- than to try to counsel with someone who keeps his questions and doubts buried deep inside and denies their existence.
Look at what happened to Thomas. First, he stated his questions and doubts and then stated what he would need to set those aside. Did Jesus criticize him for those needs?
No! Jesus seemed to welcome the opportunity to meet Thomas' needs. Why?
Because as his needs were met, Thomas soared from doubt to absolute faith and trust in Jesus as His God.
When we hide our questions, the result is that Satan enlarges them until they choke us. We try to hide the fact that we have questions about God's love, His forgiveness, His goodness, His righteousness, etc. But those areas keep coming up over and over and mess up our lives. If we don't deal with our questions and settle them -- either by bringing them to Jesus and asking for His help -- or taking them to a trusted pastor, or counselor, or fellow follower, we end up with the doubts and questions suffocating our faith and growth.
I remember struggling with my daughter's diagnosis of CVID, an immune deficiency that would change her entire life. I buried my hurts and doubts and questions and tried to smile my way through it. But one Sunday morning, several months later, I was preparing to worship on a typical Sunday morning. A guest singer began to sing about God's goodness and righteousness, and I knew that I had some major business to take care of. I got up and slipped out of the church. I drove home where I could have total privacy. Once there, I threw myself on the floor and screamed out at God, "I don't think You are good! I don't think You are righteous! I think You are mean and harsh, and I don't understand why You are hurting my daughter!!!!" I sobbed and screamed and emptied out all my doubts and questions and fears.
And you know what? God wasn't mad at me. I felt closer to Him than I had in months. I felt His presence and His love, and I knew that He was good, and He did care, and that He loved her more than I did. I was able to get up and move on with assurance of His presence and love. Had I not gotten that settled, I think the journey would have been much, much harder!
God is big enough to handle our deepest questions. And when we are ready to trust Him with them, He doesn't always answer the questions, but He does reassure us that He is trustworthy and capable of ruling our little world.
I remember another time when I was struggling, and I brought my questions to Him about whether He really existed. I told Him I felt silly bringing such questions to Him, but I had no one else to ask. I came to Him in trust and He trusted me with His answer. He laughed and asked me to explain why I came to Him instead of going to someone else. I fell to my knees and exclaimed, "My Lord and My God!"
James 1:5 NASB says, "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (Underline mine).
As you encounter life, you will experience doubts and questions. That's okay. Do what Thomas did and bring them to Jesus. He understands and will help you sort it all out. He doesn't always answer our questions – but He answers our need.
Look carefully at John 20:29. Who does Jesus say will be blessed?
That's me and you! Someday we'll see Jesus, our Messiah, face to face but today our faith is based on what we've read or seen in fellow followers and what they have experienced. That's why I'm sharing my experience with you. I hope it will encourage you to invite Jesus into your core. Or if you've already done that – I hope that I can encourage you to be obedient and grow!
In His service, dale
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