Then Jesus told him, “because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
John 20:29
Thomas was not with the other disciples when Jesus appeared after His resurrection. After hearing that Jesus had appeared, Thomas told the others that unless he saw the nail marks in the hands of Jesus and put his hand into His side, he would not believe. Thomas needed to see evidence that Jesus had risen from the dead. A week later, the disciples were in the house again, and this time Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus entered the room and looked at Thomas: Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.
(v.27) Thomas responded in utter unbelief! Jesus told them He recognized that Thomas needed to see to believe, but the ones who would be truly blessed were those who have not seen, yet believe.
What are you having trouble believing? Jesus may be asking you to exercise faith in order to see. Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1) It is stepping out to believe God even though there is no concrete evidence. It is having the certainty that God is able to do what He promised. It is the assurance that your faith will allow you to see.
God may be calling you to a higher level of faith. It may appear that He has forgotten or abandoned you, but He has promised to never leave and never fail you. Wait on His Word; step out in faith trusting His Word, and He will bring His promise to pass.
Heavenly Father,
I can relate to Thomas. I need to see things to believe, and I desire to be a person of faith that is certain of the things that I don’t see – assured of Your promises and trusting of Your Word. Help me to grow in faith and to be blessed as You promised through not seeing but believing.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
