faith and doubt

Good afternoon sisters and brothers,
We sometimes think of "Doubting" Thomas unfavorably. Jesus does offer a gentle rebuke, but also gives Thomas what he needs. I'm sure many of us wish we could have seen what Thomas saw. Sometimes it's very hard to believe the stories of the Bible. Faith and doubt aren't opposites. Our doubts can actually lead us deeper in faith, if we keep seeking the truth. At the same time, sometimes our doubts do get in the way of our faith, if they stop us from moving forward until we know everything. We're always going to have questions and doubts, but as long as we're open, God can speak through doubts and questions too.


God bless,
Sam
John 20:26-31

26A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” 28Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”

29Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” 30Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. 31But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.