The Reality of Doubt
- Rita Larson
- Apr 10, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 11, 2023
We all have struggles in our lives. Storms come; that is part of life. Unfortunately, sometimes the storms of life come with so much force that it is hard to see past them, and we have no clue what is waiting on the other side. It is easy to get caught up in the waves and feel like there is no way out and we will drown. Reality is, at some point, we all experience doubt of some kind at times.
Reflecting on scripture and “Doubting Thomas,” I think about how he must have felt when Jesus was crucified. But, then, I think about how ALL of the apostles must have felt. When the women ran to the other apostles (Thomas was not there), telling them that tomb that Jesus was placed in was empty, Luke 14:11 says “Their words seemed to them as idle tales and they believed them not.” This implies that It wasn’t only Thomas that had doubts. It just happened that Thomas verbalized what all the other disciples were thinking.
In John 20, Jesus appears to the disciples, but Thomas is not among them. When the knowledge of Jesus’ appearance spread, Thomas was skeptical and told the other disciples that he had to see evidence before he could believe. What did Jesus do? He met Thomas exactly where he was at! Jesus knew that Thomas wanted proof, so a week later, He appeared in the room with the disciples, showing Thomas His pierced hands and side. Even though Thomas didn’t believe, Jesus extended him grace and provided it. He told Thomas, “Reach here your finger, and behold my hands; and reach here your hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing” (John 20:27-28 KJV). He had Thomas physically touch His nail pierced hands and side, eliminating any doubt that Thomas had.
Here, Jesus showed tremendous grace to Thomas, who was filled with doubt. Jesus offered him the evidence he sought, and in return, Thomas was filled with faith. Jesus said, “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20:29 KJV). Jesus reminded Thomas (and us) that faith does not require evidence, only trust. Even the smallest amount of faith is enough for God to work with. Jesus said, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you” (Matthew 17:20 KJV).
Let “Doubting Thomas” remind us that Jesus will meet us wherever we are, even if we struggle with doubt and unbelief. It can be challenging to see beyond what the naked eye can see. Remember that all it takes is faith the size of a mustard seed! No matter where we are on our journey, He promises us salvation and eternal life through Him; all we need to do is believe. His love is so great that He will provide us with the evidence we seek and offer us the grace and mercy we need. After all, you are a favorite child of God, a chosen generation, part of a royal priesthood, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. Be assured that, just as Jesus met Thomas right where he was, providing him with just what he needed at just the right time, He will graciously do the same for us! © Rita Larson 4/10/2023
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