The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our Christian faith but for some of us, it's a sticking point where doubt clouds our vision. The Bible tells a story about doubting Thomas, one of Jesus closest followers before his death and crucifixion. This guy was part of the inner circle. He spent intimate time with Jesus and his chosen twelve. He saw Jesus heal the sick, walk on water, cure diseases and raise a man from the dead, yet he wasn't on board 100%. The night Jesus died Thomas ran away and hid. He ended up not being around when the Resurrected Savior appeared to the disciples. When they told Thomas about this supernatural event he scoffed at them like they were delusional.
"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 )
A week passed until the disciples were in the house again, and this time Thomas was
with them. Though the doors were locked , Jesus came and stood among
them and said, "Peace be with you." 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." Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God."Jesus didn't
condemn him, or shame him. Instead he challenged Thomas to stop doubting and believe.
Have you ever been there, where part of you believes but the other part is screaming Prove It. I have.
Like Thomas, I was supposed to know Jesus. I was raised Catholic. I went to church. I knew the Bible. I professed to believe...just not 100%. One day, many years ago, I came to a tipping point in my life. I was broke, raising two children and my marriage was a disaster. My relationship with my husband hit rock bottom and we were headed for divorce. In desperation I cried out to Jesus. I literally prayed "God, if you are real,,,do something with this mess of my life." I ended the prayer and walked away disillusioned, confused, my heart full of doubt, and a mind overflowing with questions. The crazy thing was, Jesus showed up. Shortly after praying that prayer, even though I did not believe God heard me or cared, I started to read the Bible. Little by little my mindset and attitude changed. First, toward the reality of a God who sent his son to die for my sins, and secondly toward my relationship with my husband. He saw the change in me and began his own reading program drawing him closer to Jesus. Needless to say, its been 56 years and we are still together, navigating the ups and downs of marriage with the Resurrected Jesus. In effect, I did what Thomas was told to do...stop doubting and start believing. When Jesus was finished proving himself to Thomas he said,"Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and believed." (John 20: 29)
