July 20, 2011
Doubting Thomas
Sharon Jaynes
Today’s Truth
Thomas fell to his knees and cried, ‘My Lord and my God!’ (John 20:29 NIV).
Friend To Friend
When Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection, there was one who was absent from the motley crew – Thomas. When he came back to the group, they were abuzz telling of Jesus’ appearance. But Thomas didn’t believe a word they said.
“Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it,” he declared.
“A week later his disciples were in the house again and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus suddenly appeared and stood among them.
“Peace be with you!” he said.
Then Jesus turned to a stunned Thomas and said, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Thomas fell to his knees and cried, "My Lord and my God!"
The world is full of “Thomases.” I was one and perhaps you were one too. And even though I did not run my fingers over Jesus’ nail scarred hands or thrust my hand into his sword pierced side, I recognized Jesus through the scars of the men and women who were not afraid to share their stories of healing and redemption…and I believed.
In Revelations 12:11, John wrote, “They overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” Incredible power is released when we drop the chains of bitterness, fear, and shame to tell our stories. Because Satan knows that our stories are instrumental in his ultimate defeat, he will do anything and everything to convince us to keep the treasures hidden away. Oh dear one, God is calling us to not be ashamed of our scars, for it is by those very scars that others will recognize the Savior, Jesus Christ.
Do you know a “Thomas” who needs to see Jesus’ scars … perhaps in your own life? This week, I encourage you to share your story of redemption with one other person and watch a miracle take place!
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, I am overwhelmed today by the great sacrifice that You made for me on Calvary’s Cross. Thank You for the scars You bore for me. Help me to share my scars to help others see the hope and healing You have brought into my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Why do you think Jesus kept His scars?
What helped Thomas believe that Jesus was alive?
How can showing or telling about the scars or your past help others see Jesus in your life?
Is there someone who needs to hear your story?
If you’ve never shared your story, but would like to today, I’d love to hear it. You can e-mail me at [email protected].
More From The Girlfriends
If you would like to learn more about how God can use your story to help others, then you’ll want to read Your Scars are Beautiful to God: Finding Peace and Purpose in the Hurts of Your Past.Your story might be just what someone needs to hear in order to trust in Jesus as Savior, Healer and Lord.
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Girlfriends in God
Matthews, NC 28106
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