Day 30: From Doubt to Devotion
Shanta Coles (John 20:24–29)
“John 20:24–29 (AMP): 24 But Thomas, one of the twelve [disciples], who was called Didymus (the twin), was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples kept telling him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the marks of the nails, and put my finger into the nail prints, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe.” 25 Eight days later, His disciples were again inside the house, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, though the doors had been barred, and stood among them and said, “Peace to you.” 26 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and put out your hand and place it in My side. Do not be unbelieving, but [stop doubting and] believe.” 27 Thomas answered Him, “My Lord and my God!” 28 Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, do you now believe? Blessed [happy, spiritually secure, and favoured by God] are they who did not see [Me] and yet believed [in Me].”
Lent is a time for reflection as we look to the resurrection at Easter. Part of our reflection includes considering areas where we may have doubts and being honest and brave enough to bring those before the Lord. God invites us to come boldly to Him, just as we are, doubts and all, to receive what we need in our time of need — strength, hope, love, and faith.
I love Thomas and what this passage from John shows us about his humanity and honesty. I can relate so closely to Thomas’ position of “unless I see for myself” before he was able to believe. I came to faith at 18, and a key part of my decision to follow Jesus was His directly addressing a key area of doubt I had at that time. I had been studying biology (which rocks) and had been struggling with how science and faith could co-exist. One Friday, I was invited to a healing service by a friend. At the end of the service, those who needed healing were invited to come forward. That night, I didn’t just receive physical healing; I also accepted Jesus into my heart. Jesus is the King of the Universe who is able to address doubts by blending science and faith into life-changing miracles, like healing, driven by passionate love.
I love Thomas because he is one of us. He asks for proof: I need to see it for myself. He wasn’t there when the risen Jesus appeared to the other disciples, and no amount of proof or persuasion from his closest friends could convince him otherwise. For Thomas, his doubt revealed a deeper need — the cry of a heart that longed to believe.
However, that is not where the story ends (collective sighs of relief), as eight days later, Jesus came again, and this time Thomas was present. Jesus’ response to Thomas’ doubt is affirming and an invitation to growth. Jesus draws near, offers His wounded hands and pierced side, and says, “Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas’ doubt is met with grace, not judgment, and in that moment, all Thomas could say in response was, “My Lord and my God!” His doubt gave way to a deep confession of faith that has become famous in the Bible. Perhaps a name change followed afterwards as well, from “Doubting Thomas” to “Believing Thomas.”
This Lent (and at any time), we can bring all of who we are — doubts, questions, grief, tired faith — into the presence of the resurrected Christ. He doesn’t judge our doubt or questions. The journey from doubt to devotion is one of faith, hope, and growth. This Easter, let’s bring all that we are to our risen Lord — doubts and all!
Reflection
Where in your life are you waiting for certainty before you choose to believe or trust God? Take a moment to bring your doubts honestly before Him, and consider how He might be inviting you to move from needing proof into deeper faith and devotion.