TITLE: STOP DOUBTING AND BELIEVE

TITLE: STOP DOUBTING AND BELIEVE

SCRIPTURE:

“Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “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.” 26A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”  John 20:24-29 NIV

OBSERVATION:

       We all have moments of doubt and unbelief.  Thomas one of the twelve who was with Jesus, seen the miraculous, hear words of Jesus and still doubt and live in unbelief.  Thomas heard Jesus spoke about his death and ressurrection and yet still be doubting. 

       Jesus came and Thomas wasn’t with the disciples, so the disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”  But Thomas said to them, “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.

       Thomas wanted to have physical verification and evidence before he believes.  Words and testimony of other disciples weren’t enough for him.  Thomas not only wanted to see with his own eyes, but also put his hands in the wounds of Jesus. 

       It was a week later that Thomas gets to experience the evidence and personally seen Jesus before him.  Jesus said, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side.” 

       Faith comes by hearing, and hearing the word of God.  The big take away for me, is to know that we must believe Jesus word before we see evidence of his word.  Jesus words are sufficient for us to have faith even if we do not see any manifestation of what he said will happen.

       Jesus word is himself.  It is not just mere words.  He is the Word.  Evidence of our faith always follows when we believe in the WORD.  The word does not follow evidence.  It is the other way around for a believer. 

       Like Thomas many people want to see, and touch and experience physical manifestations before they could even believe.  The Word must always supersede manifestation. 

       Jesus said to Thomas, STOP DOUBTING AND BELIEVE!  Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 

       Jesus reiterated the importance of taking him at his word and not waiting for physical manifestations to occur.  Faith comes by hearing and hearing the words of Jesus.  Signs and wonders are nothing without believing the words of Jesus. 

       So many people only follow after signs and wonders and do not obey the words of Jesus.  Jesus said to Thomas, HAPPY are those who have not seen and yet have believed.

APPLICATION:

       I want to continue to trust Jesus even when I don’t see any physical evidence.  I know I have a tendency to to look for physical evidence and neglect the word of God.  I want to be a believer that honors the word of God over the results and outcomes of what I want to see.  I want to stop doubting and start believing Jesus’ words even if there are no physical manifestations. 

PRAYER:

       Heavenly Father, I pray that you will continue to help my unbelief.  Help me to believe your word over physical evidence.  Help me to place my trust in you daily.  I am grateful for the many blessings that I have received because I have believed in your Word.  I pray that you continue to strengthen me to hear your word daily.  Amen!