When Thomas Doubted

If you live long enough you will find out that life has a way of creating doubt. It’s true! You walk through some dark valleys and you will know uncertainty. You get hit hard enough in your life situation and you will have questions. Some of God’s greatest people of faith had the strongest doubts. Moses, Elijah, David, and even Peter who said, “Master, don’t you care if we drown?” (Mark 4:38).

This past Sunday we looked at the disciple Thomas who had serious doubts regarding the resurrection of Christ. We commonly call him, “Doubting Thomas,” which may not actually be fair. We forget that earlier Thomas was the apostle known for his audacious, outrageous, and courageous faith. For example, while the other disciples were warning Jesus not to go to Jerusalem lest He be stoned (and them right along with Him), Thomas said, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him” (John 11:16). However, later after the disappointment of Calvary, he slipped into serious doubt.

All of this to say: Doubts will come to the life of even the most devoted Christian. If you have thoughts, you will eventually have doubts. Hey, but that is okay—as long as you face them, confront them, and even question them. We will all have a bout with doubt; even so, we must be willing to work it out. Doubt is not the worst place to visit, but you do not want to stay there.

So we learn from the experience of Thomas. When Thomas doubted—

He remembered the words of Jesus regarding His crucifixion and His promised resurrection. Secondly, he chose to stand with the body of believers. In fact, had he been there in the first place on that first resurrection Sunday, he would have overcome doubts earlier. Thirdly, and most importantly, he experienced the Risen Lord. That is what prompted him to exclaim with joy, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).
 
Thomas’ doubts were proven wrong! The answer to his doubts came to him in the presence of the living Lord. Faith thrives and grows in the presence of the Living Lord. Thomas moved beyond his doubts. History tells us that he became a great missionary evangelist to the Persians, and to the people of India where years later he was martyred for his faith. Nevertheless, he never renounced his faith. No, he worked thru his doubts well-enough that he was willing to die for his faith. That is true faith! If you will work through your doubts, you will emerge with a stronger faith. I promise!

Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron