Believe

We've all heard of Doubting Thomas, right?

He stated that he would not believe that Jesus had risen from the dead unless he placed his finger in His nail scared hands. Jesus gave him the chance to do that very thing.... just so Thomas would stop doubting and start believing.

But there is more to Thomas than the story of him doubting. There's another story about him that isn't mentioned nearly as much. Maybe it's because we, as humans, are more prone to recount failures than victories. We're prone to do it to ourselves, and we're prone to do it to others... if we're not careful.

In John 11, Lazarus was sick. Actually, he even died. Jesus wanted to go to him but the disciples tried to discourage Him from doing so on the account the Jewish leaders of that area were desperately trying to kill Jesus. Jesus wanted to go anyway. Danger or no danger.

And here is the shining moment: "Thomas, nicked named the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, 'Let's go, too - and die with Jesus'." (John 11:16)

Thomas, who had shown such weakness in his doubting, had at one time displayed so much faith that he was willing to die for Jesus. Wow! What faith. What commitment. What sacrifice. And all he is known for is doubting?

Why?

I think it is because we hate to stumble. We hate it in oursleves and we hate it in others. The problem is we all stumble. We're all a bit like Thomas:

We withstand things we never thought we could.... just to crumble over things that don't really matter.
We say the just right thing, at the just right time... and then catch ourselves saying things we never should.
We believe so strongly... then catch ourselves doubting everything.

Jesus provided for Thomas' unbelief. He visited the very issue that was making Thomas stumble. He appeared in the midst of Thomas' unbelief, put out his nail scared hands and reminded him to believe.

Jesus isn't just the Author of our faith. He is the Perfecter of our faith, as well. He invites us to believe Him and then He teaches us how to keep believing... because He doesn't want us to be known as "doubters". He wants us to be known as "believers".

So, let's remember our true potential.... and let's keep believing.