How can we cultivate a faith that withstands doubt, inspired by John 20:24? Setting the Scene: Thomas Faces His Doubts “Now Thomas called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.” (John 20:24) Thomas’s absence left him wrestling with uncertainty. Instead of condemning him, Jesus later met Thomas right where he was. From this encounter we can trace a pathway for cultivating a faith that survives—and even grows through—moments of doubt. 1. Own Doubt Honestly, Never Secretly • Scripture never hides the struggles of its heroes (Psalm 73:1-3, 13-16). • God invites transparency: “Pour out your hearts before Him” (Psalm 62:8). • Doubt concealed festers; doubt confessed can be healed (Mark 9:24). 2. Seek a Fresh, Personal Encounter with the Risen Christ • Thomas wanted to “see” (John 20:25). Jesus obliged because faith roots itself in who He is, not in abstract ideas. • Today, encounter Him through His Word (Romans 10:17), His Spirit (John 14:26), and His people (Matthew 18:20). • Make space daily for unhurried Scripture reading and Spirit-led reflection. 3. Anchor Faith in the Historical Reality of the Resurrection • Paul builds the entire gospel on Jesus’ bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-8, 14). • A living Savior answers lingering “what ifs.” Keep revisiting the eyewitness accounts—Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20-21, 1 Corinthians 15. 4. Immerse the Mind in God’s Word • Faith comes “by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). • Create a rhythm: – Read broadly (whole books). – Study deeply (word studies, cross-references). – Memorize strategically (verses that confront recurring doubts, e.g., Hebrews 11:1, Isaiah 26:3). • Let Scripture interpret experience, not vice-versa (Psalm 119:105). 5. Surround Yourself with a Faith-Strengthening Community • Thomas missed the first resurrection appearance because he wasn’t with the others. Isolation enlarges doubt. • The early church was “devoted to the apostles’ teaching… fellowship… breaking of bread… prayer” (Acts 2:42). • Participate in gatherings, small groups, and friendships that speak truth and model steadfast trust (Hebrews 10:24-25). 6. Practice Obedience, Even Before Every Question Is Settled • Jesus told Thomas, “Stop doubting and believe” (John 20:27). Faith grows by doing, not just by pondering (James 2:17-22). • Start with clear commands—love, forgive, serve, testify. Obedient steps invite confirming assurances (John 7:17). 7. Remember and Rehearse God’s Past Faithfulness • Scripture often commands remembrance (Deuteronomy 8:2, Psalm 77:11-12). • Keep a journal of answered prayer and providential moments. • Recount these works aloud with family or friends, reinforcing trust for present uncertainties. 8. Engage Regularly in Worship and the Lord’s Supper • Worship directs attention from swirling doubts to God’s unchanging character (Psalm 73:16-17, 25-26). • The Table proclaims “the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26), a tangible reminder of finished redemption and future hope. 9. Fix Eyes on the Promised Reward • Jesus told Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). • Trials of faith “result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7). • Anticipating that commendation strengthens perseverance (Hebrews 12:2-3). Living It Out Choose one area above to act on today—perhaps reading John 20 aloud, joining a mid-week study, or writing down three evidences of God’s faithfulness. By consistently layering these practices, you’ll cultivate a resilient, Scripture-anchored faith that stands firm when doubts knock at the door. |
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