On the road of faith, we all encounter “Thomas times”—bumps full of doubt. Some of us jump right over them, while others may stumble, falling into a pit of confusion. And the result … we become a Doubting Thomas.
I’ve been Thomas and I bet you have too, or you know someone who is right now. There is no shame if you struggle with doubt. God invites your questions and wants to turn your confusion into clarity just like He did for Thomas.
Imagine what it was like for Thomas when Jesus, His Master, and Friend, was crucified? The shock, the sorrow—but maybe he wasn’t simply a doubter; maybe he was a seeker… an honest seeker?
Good Friday? It didn’t feel so good to Thomas. Do you know how he felt? You lose something precious to you—a dream, a relationship, your health, your sense of purpose or security. Your hopes are shattered, and life suddenly isn’t what you expected.
On Saturday, Thomas was stunned, shocked, and grief-stricken—Jesus had died.
It wasn’t supposed to turn out this way. Perhaps you know how he felt because you find yourself in the aftershock of disappointment or tragedy. You are stuck in a hard place and overwhelmed by sadness and confusion. What you hoped for didn’t happen, or what you prayed would not happen did. You aren’t sure what to do, but you know for certain that your life will never be the same.
Read this: If you can’t find the words to pray
On Sunday, Thomas heard from his friends that Jesus was alive.
Alive? He rose from the dead? Shouldn’t Thomas have an exclamation point at the end of that sentence, instead of a question mark? This meant hope is alive! But what should have filled him with hope instead left him feeling uncertain and unhappy. What was wrong with him?
Maybe you see yourself in this part of Thomas’s story. Your friends have a happiness you don’t. You envy their hopes and the way their lives look so peaceful compared to yours.
It seems so easy for some people to trust God, but for you, it’s hard. You seek the security and hope they have, yet you can’t shake your doubts or settle the grinding confusion in your heart. In his despair and disillusionment, Thomas could have turned his back on everything. But he stayed connected with his friends and showed up for supper with the disciples a week later.
Jesus appeared among his followers. He entered through a locked door and greeted them with the words, “Peace be with you!” (John 20:26). Then Jesus held out his scarred hands, opened his outer garment, and said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe” (John 20:27).
Only the beautiful words of Jesus can bring the peace we long for when our hearts are broken. In awe, Thomas drops to his knees and exclaims, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).
Jesus knew Thomas had questions and doubts. Jesus didn’t scold Thomas or shame him. He simply offered Thomas a chance to seek Him and then see him as the risen Christ in a very personal way—he let Thomas feel his scars. We all have “Thomas” times of hopelessness, doubt, and confusion. Just like Jesus offered grace to Thomas, He offers grace to you too.
If you are a “doubting Thomas” or you know someone who is, I think some renaming is in order. I think the name should be “honest Thomas.” To admit you struggle or doubt—we all may struggle or doubt—from time to time is just being honest.
Jesus revealed himself to Thomas, even though Thomas was doubtful. And that’s what Jesus does for all of us in our “Thomas Times”—he reveals who He is.
If you’re in a season of doubt, reach out to Jesus.
“You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13 NASB).
Now read this: Why Christians still struggle with sin
This post originally appeared on JenniferRothschild.com and was republished with permission.
Jennifer Rothschild has written 14 books, including the bestseller Lessons I Learned in the Dark and Me, Myself, and Lies. She’s been featured on Good Morning America and Dr. Phil and is the founder of Fresh Grounded Faith events. Jennifer became blind at age 15 and now helps others live beyond limits.
