The Doubts of Thomas
Doubts of Thomas: How to Deal with Unbelief
Doubts are a part of our life. They can arise at various moments, calling into question our faith and confidence. One of the most well-known biblical stories that illustrates this struggle is the story of Thomas from the Gospel of John.
In
John 20:24-29“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 in 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.’
This story speaks a lot about us. Often we need physical proof of faith to believe in God’s word. Like Thomas, we may set conditions that must be met before we can trust. But let’s look at some lessons we can draw from this account.
Embracing Doubts
The first thing we need to understand is that doubts are normal. Thomas shows us that we can have questions and even doubt without losing our faith. Sometimes these doubts can lead us to a deeper understanding of God and His plans. Embracing our doubts can be the first step toward discovering new truths.
Seek the Truth
Thomas sought evidence and authenticity. He did not want to take anyone's word for it. Likewise, we need to seek the truth in God. Whether through prayer, reading the Bible, or fellowship with other believers, we should strive to find affirmation of our faith.
God’s Peace Amid Doubts
When Jesus appeared before Thomas, He greeted him with the words “Peace be with you.” This reminds us that in times of doubt, we can find God’s peace. He will not leave us in uncertainty if we turn to Him with our questions. As the Bible assures us,
Isaiah 26:3“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
A Call to Faith
Finally, it is important to remember that faith does not always mean having proof. Jesus says:
John 20:29This means that our faith should be based on a relationship with God rather than solely on physical evidence. You may not always have answers to your questions, but that doesn’t mean you can’t believe!“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
In conclusion, remember that doubts are a part of the human experience. They can be a challenge, but they can also lead to a deeper understanding of God. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge your doubts, seek the truth, and trust in God’s peace. Your faith can grow stronger as you navigate this journey alongside Christ!
