John 19-21, Psalm 111
John 20:27-29 (NLT)
“Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!’ ‘My Lord and my God!’ Thomas exclaimed. Then Jesus told him, ‘You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.’”
In John 20:27–29, Jesus appeared to Thomas, who had been absent when He first appeared to the other disciples. Thomas had said he would not believe Jesus had risen until he saw Him and put his finger and hand into the wounds Jesus received at the crucifixion. Jesus knew what Thomas had said and offered him the evidence he had demanded. Thomas believed and acknowledged Jesus, saying, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus said that those who believe in Him without seeing Him are blessed.
I've always loved the story of “doubting Thomas.” He needed physical evidence to believe that Jesus had risen and was alive. Jesus was so gentle and merciful with Thomas in his disbelief. He didn't condemn Thomas. Instead, Christ encouraged Thomas to believe, and Thomas responded by addressing Jesus as “my Lord and my God.” One Bible commentary I read noted that the story of Thomas shows that Father-God will meet us where we are in our faith journey. The same commentary noted that Thomas's story shows how doubt can lead to deeper faith when it is brought before the Lord and answered through revelation.
I used to see myself as “doubting Thomas” in my faith journey. I constantly needed evidence to believe that the Lord was real. But I know I've moved beyond that stage of my faith now. I've acknowledged how Father-God has blessed me throughout my life, and I've witnessed too many things that I believe were supernatural healings and miracles to continue doubting that the Lord is alive and at work. Now I feel the desire to understand what it means to “hunger for the Lord's presence” in my life. I want to wake up every morning hungry to know more of Father-God and to experience more of His presence in my life.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who meets us wherever we are in our journey of faith—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
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