Growing in faith

"A week later his [Jesus'] 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.' Thomas said to him, 'My Lord and my God!'" (John 20:26-28 NIV)

In God's household, as in love and marriage, one thing leads to another and to another. Before you know it, you are on a journey you hadn't seen coming, and your destination keeps getting focused and re-focused.

Who among the disciples knew that saying Yes to Jesus of Nazareth would take them on a journey around the countryside, into the homes of strangers, onto hillsides surrounded by thousands, from settled careers in Galilee to confrontation in Jerusalem, and now to a hiding place where fear stifled their dreams?

As Thomas asked Jesus shortly before the Passion, "We don't know where you are going. How can we know the way?"

The NIV Life Application Study Bible points out that like the disciple Thomas, we can doubt without having to live a doubting way of life. Doubt encourages rethinking. This rethinking can sharpen the mind. But doubt was never meant to be a permanent condition.

When you experience doubt, take encouragement from Thomas. He didn't stay in his doubt, but allowed Jesus to bring him to belief. Take encouragement also from the fact that many other followers of Christ have struggled with doubts. God's answers to them may help to alleviate your doubts, too. Don't settle into doubts, but move on from them to decision and belief. Sometimes it's helpful to share your doubts with another believer. This may help you to find answers. It is difficult for silent doubts to find answers.

Heavenly Father, Help us to grow in faith and to daily renew our trust in You and Your Son. Amen.

Charlotte Austin McCary's Chapel United Methodist Church