Devotional

We often feel guilty about our doubts and questions about faith. But what if doubt isn't the enemy we've made it out to be? Consider Thomas, one of Jesus's closest followers. When faced with the incredible news of Jesus's resurrection, he responded with honest skepticism. Rather than hiding his uncertainties or pretending to believe, Thomas voiced his doubts openly. This authenticity, far from pushing him away from faith, actually set the stage for a profound encounter with the risen Christ. When we're struggling with questions about our faith, we don't need to hide them or feel ashamed. God is big enough to handle our doubts and patient enough to meet us in our uncertainty.

Bible Verse

"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

Reflection Question

What questions about your faith have you been afraid to voice? How might bringing these questions honestly before God change your relationship with Him?

Quote

 I like to refer to him as Honest Thomas because he is honest. Because when you say doubt, it puts it in a negative light that, oh, Thomas just didn't. He doubted. But that doubt was positive for Thomas.

Prayer

Lord, thank you that you're not threatened by my questions. Help me to bring my doubts to you with honesty and trust, knowing that you welcome my authentic seeking. Amen.

Devotional

Jesus's response to Thomas reveals something beautiful about God's character. Instead of rebuking Thomas for his doubt, Jesus met him exactly where he was. He invited Thomas to touch His wounds and see for himself. This wasn't just tolerance of doubt - it was a compassionate engagement with it. God doesn't demand blind faith from us. He understands our need for assurance and isn't offended by our questions. When life throws unexpected challenges our way and our faith feels shaky, we can remember that Jesus responds to our honest seeking with patience and understanding.

Bible Verse

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." - John 10:11

Reflection Question

When has God met you in your moments of doubt? How did His response change your understanding of His character?

Quote 

He's not afraid of your anger. He's not afraid of your questions and doubts. In fact, in my experience, he wants to hear them because in our expressing honestly the things that we question about our experience and our relationship with him, that deepens that relationship.

Prayer

Father, thank you for your patience with me. Help me trust that you meet me where I am, even in my moments of uncertainty. Amen.

Devotional

Thomas's journey from skepticism to faith culminated in one of the most powerful declarations about Jesus in Scripture: "My Lord and my God!" His doubt didn't lead to disbelief - it led to deeper conviction. Sometimes our greatest moments of faith come after periods of honest questioning. When we wrestle with our doubts and bring them before God, we create space for Him to reveal Himself in ways that transform our understanding. The key isn't to avoid doubt, but to bring it to Jesus with an open heart.

Bible Verse

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning." - John 1:1-2

Reflection Question

How have your past struggles with doubt eventually led to stronger faith? What did you learn through that process?

Quote

 For a man raised in monotheism like Thomas, there's only one God. He realizes that Jesus is God on earth.

Prayer

Jesus, thank you that you can turn our questions into conviction. Help us to trust the journey of faith, even when it includes seasons of uncertainty. Amen.

Devotional

Life doesn't always unfold as we expect. Loss, suffering, and disappointment can challenge our faith in profound ways. In these moments, we might feel pressure to maintain a facade of unwavering belief, but God invites us to something more authentic. Just as Thomas brought his raw doubts to Jesus, we can bring our real struggles to God. True faith isn't about having all the answers - it's about trusting God enough to bring Him our questions.

Bible Verse

"Jesus wept." - John 11:35

Reflection Question

What circumstances in your life have challenged your faith? How might being honest about these challenges actually strengthen your relationship with God?

Quote

We can't just pretend that everything is fine.

Prayer

God, help me to trust you with my real struggles and doubts. Thank you that I don't have to pretend with you. Guide me toward deeper faith through honest seeking. Amen.

Devotional

The story of Thomas reveals a profound truth: our God is not distant and unreachable, but One who draws near to us in our uncertainty. Jesus didn't just appear to Thomas - He invited him to touch His wounds, to verify His presence, to move from doubt to belief. This same Jesus continues to meet us today. He doesn't demand perfect faith but welcomes our honest seeking. When we bring our questions and doubts to Him, we often discover that these moments become pathways to deeper intimacy with God.

Bible Verse

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." - John 13:34

Reflection Question

How has God shown His presence in your life, even in times when you struggled to feel it? What helps you remember His faithfulness in moments of doubt?

Quote 

The Lord is in charge, has the authority, but also the responsibility of care and comfort and protection. And that is what God does for us. He cares for us. He comforts us. Even in the times when we don't really see it or feel it, he is there with us, walking with us, carrying us through those times.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for being a God who draws near. Help me to trust in your presence and care, even when I can't see or feel it clearly. Amen.