Doubt Dismissed

John 20:24-28 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 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 it.” 26 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!”  27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
 
JUST as Peter is still labeled for his denial of Jesus, Thomas is first remembered for his doubt. He needed to touch and see Jesus!
   Can you blame him? Let’s remember the other disciples had expressed the same unbelief: Luke 24:9 When (the women) came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others…11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. What do you think? Should we call them the Doubting Disciples? That was exactly their attitude until they saw, heard and touched Jesus.
   Are any of us different? How many years have you confessed Jesus to be your Lord and Savior? Did you doubt before you believed? How did you come to believe? Apparently the Holy Spirit made Jesus alive and real to you in some way. Perhaps you touched Jesus when a spouse faithfully lived Jesus’ commands. Maybe you heard and touched Jesus through a powerful movement of the Holy Spirit to declare you as God’s child. Or did you see and touch Jesus when he healed you of a terrible addiction or hopeless disease? Might Jesus have stepped through the door of your heart to deliver his wisdom to guide you into a decision that changed your or your family’s life?
   Yes, we all doubt. But then the Lord comes purposefully to us as he did to each disciple. His presence transforms doubt into faith. You confess, “My Lord and my God!” because the Spirit has given you eyes to see Jesus is your risen Savior.
   Surely there are many things to cause doubt of God’s supreme and tender care on us. When Jesus again said, “Peace be with you!” he called each disciple to know his complete peace in all circumstances. Great turmoil was in each man’s mind. Jesus came to ease their minds with his presence.
          He’s still doing so. How many times have you been the one who helped another find peace in Jesus? How often have others helped ease your doubts? Each faith challenge is an opportunity to help us, “Stop doubting and believe.” when you are prepared to see the Lord standing next to you.