Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

John 2:29

Another thing in life that can break us is doubt—especially when we doubt God Himself. Perhaps the one person most closely associated with the word “doubt” would be the disciple Thomas. Many call him Doubting Thomas because of his encounter with Jesus and the other disciples following the resurrection. There are two distinct, yet similar encounters that the Scriptures record. Let’s take a look. 

The first situation took place when Jesus appeared to the disciples without Thomas. The door is closed and they are assembled and Jesus is suddenly in their midst. He says, “Peace be with you,” and then shows them His hands and His side. He also tells them that He is sending them out into the world as the Father sent Him. Jesus departs and they relate the story to Thomas after this incredible event. His response is what we remember. He tells them that he will not believe unless he sees the nail prints in His hands, put his finger in the nail holes and his hand on Jesus’ side where He was pierced with a spear on the cross.

Eight days later, the same scenario down to the last detail occurs and Jesus appears again, this time with Thomas in the room. Jesus immediately invites Thomas to look and see His hands and to reach out and touch His hands and His side. He says to Thomas, “Do not be unbelieving, but believe.” John’s gospel records Thomas’ response. He did not reach out and touch Jesus, instead he immediately fell down at His feet and said, “My Lord and My God!” Thomas immediately believes.

Thomas had a moment of doubt, but he came back from that place of weakness to become strong. His doubts were allayed in one glorious moment of illumination – and so can yours.” It has been said, “doubt your doubts and believe your beliefs.” Thomas took his doubts about Jesus to Jesus and he was made stronger at his broken place. His doubt about Jesus was turned into a deeper faith in Jesus. Thomas didn’t stay a doubter. Instead, he took to heart the answer to his doubt and became a strong follower of Christ. What about you?

Doubt can destroy faith, trust, belief, and confidence when it is left unchecked and unresolved.

We doubt because our eyes can’t see the miracle. Even if your eyes aren’t seeing absolutely nothing happening, keep on believing in the promises of God! “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. “There are situations in our lives when we can’t see anything in front of us, we get confused and lost. It’s at these times that we must learn to believe. It doesn’t matter what our eyes see, what matters is what God said. Thomas placed several conditions to believe in Jesus. Who are we to set conditions to God? We need to grow up. We choose to believe or not, regardless of the circumstances. Thomas only saw Jesus one week after the resurrection, he missed time of rejoicing, restoration and joy. Do not waste time! If God has promised, do your part: wait and believe.