“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.’” – John 20:27
Understanding Doubt
We all experience doubt at one point or another. Doubting Thomas is often portrayed as the one who struggled to believe without proof. His story reminds us that questioning our faith or the events around us is a natural part of being human. Thomas wanted to see Jesus’ wounds to validate the resurrection. His doubts are relatable, as we sometimes find ourselves looking for signs or concrete proof in our daily lives. This invites us to explore our own beliefs and uncertainties, allowing God to meet us in our doubt without condemnation. Through Thomas’ experience, we learn that expressing our doubts can lead to stronger faith as we seek the truth of God’s promises.
John 20:24
“Now Thomas, also known as Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.” – John 20:24
Mark 9:24
“Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’” – Mark 9:24
James 1:6
“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” – James 1:6
Matthew 14:31
“Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’” – Matthew 14:31
Matthew 21:21
“Jesus replied, ‘Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, “Go, throw yourself into the sea,” and it will be done.’” – Matthew 21:21
Faith Amid Doubt
While doubt can challenge our beliefs, it can also be a catalyst for growth in our faith. Just like Thomas, we may feel lost or uncertain, yearning for clarity. Importantly, it is in these moments of doubt that we must lean into our faith. We need to remember God’s goodness and the promises made in His Word. We can take comfort in the idea that our faith is not solely dependent on our understanding. Instead, faith flourishes, often becoming more profound when tested by challenges, doubts, or unanswered questions.
John 20:25
“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.’” – John 20:25
Romans 10:17
“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” – Romans 10:17
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1
2 Corinthians 5:7
“For we live by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7
1 Peter 1:8
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” – 1 Peter 1:8
The Assurance of Christ
In our struggles with doubt, we find comfort in the assurance that Christ understands our human struggles. Just as He reached out to Thomas, reminding him of His truth, He extends the same invitation to us. This teaches us that we are not alone in our doubts and that Jesus meets us exactly where we are. He desires for us to seek Him for understanding instead of isolating ourselves in uncertainty. This relationship we share with Him brings us closer, reminding us of the importance of having honest conversations with God about our fears and uncertainties.
John 20:27
“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.’” – John 20:27
Matthew 28:20
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
John 14:1
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” – John 14:1
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Moving Beyond Doubt
When we get stuck in doubt, it can feel overwhelming. Yet, we have the choice to move beyond our uncertainties and believe in God’s promises. Like Thomas, we must act on our faith, even amidst our doubts. Our growth as Christians happens when we wrestle with our questions, allowing God’s Word and Spirit to guide us. We can look to the history of those who have walked this journey before us to spur us on. Stepping beyond doubt comes with the deep understanding that faith is a continuous process and every step counts.
John 20:28
“Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’” – John 20:28
Romans 4:20-21
“Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” – Romans 4:20-21
Philippians 1:6
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6
Hebrews 11:6
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6
John 8:32
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32
Community Support in Doubt
As we navigate through life’s uncertainties, we can find strength in community. Sharing our doubts and struggles with fellow believers can encourage us greatly. Thomas’ story shows us the value of being part of a community that supports one another through times of doubt. When we share our struggles, it allows others to lift us in prayer and encouragement. We can learn from each other’s journey, building a foundation of faith together. It is essential for us to lean on our brothers and sisters in Christ, fostering an environment where everyone can share honestly and grow in their faith collectively.
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
Turning Doubt into Testimony
Our moments of doubt don’t have to be the end of our faith story. Instead, they can serve as powerful testimonies of God’s grace and reliability. As we allow God to work in our doubts, He transforms our experiences into stories that can uplift others facing similar struggles. We can reflect on our doubts and how God has brought us through them, which can inspire others on their faith journeys. Through sharing these testimonies, we witness the beauty of how God takes our weaknesses and turns them into strength, building our faith along the way.
Psalm 66:16
“Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.” – Psalm 66:16
Revelation 12:11
“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink back from death.” – Revelation 12:11
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
1 Chronicles 16:24
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.” – 1 Chronicles 16:24
Psalms 40:3
“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.” – Psalms 40:3
Final Thoughts
When we look at the story of Doubting Thomas, we realize that none of us are alone in our moments of uncertainty. Our doubts can lead us closer to Jesus if we allow them to. We should encourage each other through these valleys and understand that questioning can be part of our walk of faith.
As we share our struggles, we may inspire others to seek the truth and turn their doubts into testimonies of faith. Let’s remember to lean on one another and be open and honest about what we face. Jesus understands and meets us where we are.
Let’s keep exploring and growing together in our faith. I invite you to read more about Jesus’ appearance after the resurrection here, and please check out verses about the journey of faith here.