Doorways into a Deeper Faith
The Pillars of the Earth: Doorways into a Deeper Faith
When it comes to believing the Bible and especially the claims of Jesus, have you ever struggled with doubt? Perhaps the most well-known doubter in all the Bible is the Apostle Thomas, otherwise known as “doubting” Thomas. In John 20:24-25, when the other disciples told Thomas they had seen the risen Christ, Thomas refuses to believe unless he physically touches the wounds in His hands and the wound in His side. I don’t think Thomas was pretending. I think he really wanted to believe; he just needed to see for himself because he was a rationalist; he needed personal conviction rather than simply believing what others told him.
Thomas’ honesty led him into a deeper faith. In John 20:28, when he finally saw the resurrected Jesus and physically touched the wounds in His hands and the wound in His side, he made one of the most powerful professions of faith found in the gospels. He said, “My Lord and my God!” Thomas will always be known as the first to call Jesus “God.”
Thomas’ journey is a powerful witness to the transforming grace of God and a reminder that Jesus never gives up on us. Jesus never scolded Thomas for doubting; He showed him His wounds. Jesus met Thomas right where he was and then lifted him up to where He wanted him to be: a pillar in the early church. If Jesus could do that for Thomas, imagine what He can do in YOU!
Beloved, Thomas teaches us that doubt never disqualifies us; instead, by the grace of God, it can become a doorway into a deeper faith. If you have ever doubted believing the Bible and especially the claims of Jesus, then, like Thomas, courageously seek the truth, then respond with conviction by embracing Jesus as your Lord and your God! Only Jesus can change your skepticism into surrender and your reluctance into a radical, unwavering faith! Praise the Lord!
This is Laine Wilder for Carry the Light Ministries, bringing you Insights From an Elder.
by Laine Wilder
Author of “Insights From an Elder” for
Carry the Light Ministries
