I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. Genesis 17:1 

Jesus 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.” John 20:27

Belief and doubt. I remember a book study group once; we were reading Rick Warren’s “The Purpose Driven Life” and people were asked about the doubts they had about their faith. I clearly remember one woman saying that she had never doubted! As I was the next person I felt like I could express enough doubts for both of us. Times when God seemed far away, or even uncaring.

Our verses today have two different characters: Abraham as his covenant with God is renewed, and Thomas, who is often called “doubting Thomas.” Thomas wasn’t there when Jesus first appeared to His disciples after the resurrection. He probably felt left out and certainly doubted what the other disciples told him. He doubted that Jesus had returned from death. All it took was for Jesus to meet him, tell him to touch the wounds, and Thomas believed, He proclaimed Jesus as “My Lord and My God.” Abraham too had close contact with God – who came to him, and told him to walk with God and “be blameless.”

When we feel far from God, He is not far from us. He reaches out to us whether we are confidently believing, or experiencing doubt. He sent the Holy Spirit to help us as we go through life. As we celebrate Easter and God’s presence with us, what wonderful news we have to share!

Almighty Lord, thank you for clearing our path through life. When we believe, you are there and when we doubt you are still there. We are forever grateful for your gifts of strength and endurance. Build your Church on our testimonies to your changeless love, the wounds and scars you bear for us, and the foundation of Christ, the cornerstone. Amen.

Chris Gabel

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party