I used to be afraid of doubts, afraid that they meant that my faith wasn’t secure enough, that maybe it hadn’t quite stuck. But then I think about how Jesus came just to see Thomas, to place himself in plain view, to make sure Thomas had what he needed to believe. Maybe the doubts that crept into my mind weren’t something to fear. Maybe they were a gift, a way to get to Jesus.
It felt audacious at first, but I began to use my doubts as a cue. Make me aware of your presence today. I would pray. Show me how you are at work in the world.
When I doubt, I join a host of saints, including Thomas, who have doubted before me, and who doubt even now. Along with them, I am asking for signs of that presence. My doubts are invitations for God to respond, to make the Spirit’s presence known if I will only pay attention.
This message is excerpted from “Thomas and me” by Cara Strickland in the October 2017 Gather magazine. Today is the Second Sunday of Easter.
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