Journey to the Cross

Pause

Transform my fear, that I might proclaim courage.

Transform my doubt, that I might proclaim hope.

Transform my uncertainty, that I might proclaim faith.

Transform my sin, that I might proclaim forgiveness.

Listen

Thomas, the one called Didymus, one of the Twelve, wasn’t with the disciples when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We’ve seen the Lord!”

But he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my finger in the wounds left by the nails, and put my hand into his side, I won’t believe.”

After eight days his disciples were again in a house and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus entered and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand into my side. No more disbelief. Believe!”

Thomas responded to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!”

John 20:24-28

Think

Have you ever known someone like Thomas? I know that I have. I have even been Thomas more often than I would like to admit. Now, I am not going to say that all doubt is negative. Asking questions and discerning truth are important elements of a life of faith. Doubt is unavoidable.

But, it is often easy to let ourselves be overwhelmed by doubt. And doubt is contagious. When we are pulled in by another person’s doubts, no matter how strong our convictions, a seed is planted. Uncertainty can overwhelm and hold us back. This is not what God wants for us.

God wants us to believe without having to have all the answers. That requires you to put your trust in God. Doubt was present in the room with the disciples. Doubt is present in the rooms of our hearts. Yet, the disciples had faith and they did not let Thomas’ doubt take hold. When we have faith in God’s grace we too are able to stand firm in the presence of doubt.

Samantha Haycock

Pray

God of certainty, sometimes I want to reach out and touch you, to know that you are there. My own doubt of myself, others, or even you, keep me from belief. Help me to have faith like the disciples. Fill me with the certainty of your love and grace. Amen.

Go

Proclaim God’s truth in all you do.

Go with courage.

Go with hope.

Go with faith.

Forgive and be forgiven.

All in Jesus’ name.