March 22, 2017
The Power of Your Story
Sharon Jaynes
Today’s Truth
“Thomas fell to his knees and cried, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28 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 all abuzz talking about Jesus’ surprise appearance. But Thomas didn’t believe a word of it.
“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 Revelation 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, thank You that there was no hint of condemnation from the other disciples when Timothy doubted. I pray that I will never condemn a friend who is struggling with her own faith. Give me the courage to show my scars to someone who needs to see what You’ve done in my life. I want to be one of those people whom Jesus mentioned when he said to Timothy, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29 NIV).
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Have you ever had times of doubting God? If so, what changed your heart?
Is there a friend who is struggling with her faith in God? If so, how can you help her see God at work?
Is there a scar in your own life that, if revealed, would help someone believe?
I would love to hear your story! You can email me directly at [email protected]. I may not be able to respond to every email, but I promise to read your story and pray for you!
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