April 21, 2014
When Doubts Arise
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 because of that, 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 those stories hidden.
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 your scars? To hear your story? This week, I encourage you to share your story of redemption with one 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. Please forgive me when I have times of doubting in my life. Help me to be real to my Girlfriends in God and share those times of doubting. Thank You that You did not call us to go through this journey of faith alone, but You have given us friends to walk with side-by-side.
I thank You that there was no hint of condemnation from the other disciples when Thomas doubted, and I pray that I will never condemn a friend who is struggling with her own faith. I want to be one of those people who Jesus mentioned when he said to Thomas, “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?
More from the Girlfriends
Did you know that your scars are beautiful to God? He longs to turn your hurt into hope, your pain into purpose, and your messes into ministry. Don’t waste your sorrows! Allow God to use what you have gone through to be a blessing to others. To learn more, see my book, Your Scars are Beautiful to God: Finding Peace and Purpose in the Hurts of Your Past. It also includes a study guide for those who want to dig deeper into God’s Word. And for you married gals, I’d love for you to hop over and join us at the new Praying Wives Club at www.Facebook.com/ThePrayingWivesClub.
Seeking God?
Click here to find out more about
how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Girlfriends in God
Matthews, NC 28106
[email protected]
www.girlfriendsingod.com
.webp)
