Stop Doubting

After Jesus was crucified He was raised from death and appeared to His disciples several times. John 20:26–27 records one of those times: “A week later his disciples were in the house again, and 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.’” (NIV)

“Stop doubting and believe.”

While Jesus was still working as an ordinary human being, persuading and explaining the things of God, He said this, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

In other words Biblical faith is not just an easy-peasy endeavor. It takes time and effort and commitment. Hebrews 12:1 compares the work to athletes in training: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” (NLT)

Don’t look for quick and easy answers. The love of God is broader and deeper and higher than anything a person can conjure up in their minds. The apostle Paul advised the Phillipian Believers: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6–7 (NLT)

Finally, the apostle John recorded that Jesus said, “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” — John 6:37 (NIV).

11/21/2022