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Overcoming Doubt

Jesus said to him, Thomas because you have seen Me, you have believed.

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. John 20:29 

 

After spending three years in the intimacy of Jesus - listening to His teachings, observing His life, and ministry, the day of reckoning had fully come. The dark events that took place from the garden of Gethsemane to Calvary shattered the lives of the disciples. There was an absence, a void, in their life which they had never experienced. For some of the disciples, the reality of the resurrection was not fully comprehended. After the resurrection, the disciples gathered. Jesus appeared to them. However, Thomas was not present. Then Jesus came again eight days later. The doors being shut, Jesus stood in the midst, and said: "Peace to you"! Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger into my wounds." 

 

No doubt, at this critical time, some of us are questioning our faith and the power of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. As we reflect quarantined in our homes for several weeks, with the dark events of the nation's economy on life support, massive unemployment, the overwhelming number of individuals with the Coronavirus, and the increasing number of deaths, we have many questions and doubts. When we have doubts, our doubts turn our belief into disbelief. However, when our heart, mind, and spirit are willing to be open and receive what we were taught and learned about Jesus, our doubt will disappear. Jesus said to Thomas, look and see my hands and touch my side. Through this evidence, Thomas became a believer. Thomas believed because he could see and feel. Yet, he lacked the very essence of what the Lord desires of us. Faith is more than physical evidence; it is the spiritual manifestation of our belief. You must be willing to believe and trust God. 

 

How do you overcome doubt? 

 

We overcome doubt through positive affirmation, prayer, and meditation. Whenever negative thoughts enter your life, remember:

 

"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,

whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." 

 

Shake off the habit of doubting, questioning, and discrediting your faith. Transform your way of thinking. Renew your thoughts with what you have learned and received through the Word of God. Do not allow doubt to cut-off your blessings. In every situation, Jesus gives us the evidence through his resurrection that all things are possible. 

 

We have the power to overcome every obstacle and negative circumstance that exists in our lives. However, when we entertain doubt, suspicion, and unbelief, we diminish our faith. We cannot receive the abundance of the Lord's blessings with diminished faith. Remember: "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe"! 

 

Blessings, 

Pastor Ralph