Thomas isn’t there with the rest of the disciples when Jesus comes by the first time after the resurrection. Thomas can’t believe Jesus is alive until he sees it with his own eyes. The faith of my youth was uncomplicated and perfectly trusting. I didn’t doubt God’s presence and power any more than I doubted that the sun would rise each morning or that I would have enough to eat. I didn’t worry about having enough of everything I needed—including belief.
But as I got older, things grew more complicated. The righteous didn’t always prosper; the wicked weren’t always punished. But one thing is certain—God is not threatened by Thomas’ doubts, or my friend’s, or mine. Jesus was not intimidated by Thomas’ unbelief, but spoke directly to it.
Give yourself permission to dance with doubt. When doubt curls its pensive fingers around yours, showing you where you are most vulnerable, let it lead you to see: Jesus will not despise your humanity, but reveal truth and beauty to you, though you continue to tremble.
This message is an excerpt of “Clouded with doubt” by Cara Strickland in the April 2019 issue of Gather magazine.
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