Doubt, Faith, Weaknesses and Courage. John 20:24-29

John 20
Jesus Appears to Thomas 
24 One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. 25 They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in His hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in His side.” 26 Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” He said. 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at My hands. Put your hand into the wound in My side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” 28 “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. 29 Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen Me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing Me.” 

Thomas gets a new nickname, one that is remembered over 2000 years later. Doubting Thomas. One moment of doubt and it ends up attached to him forever. We don't remember he willingly gave up everything to follow Jesus and became one of His inner circle. We don't remember his bravery when he traveled to Bethany to certain death when Lazarus was sick and died. We don't remember he traveled to India and established Christianity in a land he did not want to go to, but did so at the Lord's prompting. Thomas died in that land, martyred for his faith. But we don't remember that. 

One fact that has always struck we with this passage. Thomas said he would not believe if he did not see and touch, yet when the opportunity presented itself, he believed by sight and no longer need to touch to believe. I believe that is because Thomas always had faith, he just didn't realize how deep it was. 

Do you think you have doubt? Your probably not as doubtful as you think you are. Do you think your faith isn't as strong as it should be? It's probably not as weak as you think. Do you think because of your lack of courage, Jesus can't use you? After He strengthened Thomas, He used him in a mighty way. 

Turn your doubt, your courage, your weaknesses and your faith over to Jesus and see what wonders He will do in your life. Lay it at the foot of the cross, surrender it to Him and He will show you how strong your faith really is. 

Blessings, Cecilia