We live in a world that relies on (and even demands) evidence. Physical evidence. Personal experience. A scientist might have a theory about how something works, but until it’s been tested thoroughly and physical proof found, other scientists won’t believe it. It’s sound practice, but it means that even in the rest of life, if we can’t physically sense something for ourselves, we tend to be sceptical. When someone says they believe something without having physical evidence, we find it easy to be cynical and dismiss them. The problem is, we can fall into the habit of automatically disbelieving everything. Sometimes God really does ask us to just have faith in Him and trust what He’s saying, without yet having physical proof. And that can be difficult. Even though Thomas had lived with Jesus for almost three years and heard His promise that He’d rise again from the dead, he still said, ‘Unless I can see his wounds and touch him, I will not believe’ (John 20:25). Did Jesus turn His back on Thomas because of his doubts? No. He never rejects a sincere, doubting heart. Jesus showed up in person and resolved all of Thomas’ doubts. And as we read His word and seek His face, He’ll gently put our doubts to rest too. When we stop living in the ‘sense’ realm and learn to ‘walk by faith,’ our doubts will begin to die (2 Corinthians 5:7).
What Now?
Next time you feel doubt rising up, spend some time reading the Bible and praying…even if it feels like the last thing you want to do.