(The following is the May 3 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read John 20 and pay close attention to verses 24-29.)
How much faith does it take to believe in something we see or touch? None, assuming our senses work properly and our brain processes them correctly. For example, it doesn’t take faith to believe the chair we sit in exists. It’s tangible. We see it, touch it, and use it. No faith is necessary except that it will hold our weight when we sit in it.
Thomas was not with the other apostles when Jesus appeared to them behind locked doors following the resurrection. When told of Jesus’ appearance, he said he would not believe unless he saw and touched Jesus’ wounds. When Jesus invited him to touch his hands and side a week later, Thomas got that chance. The Bible doesn’t say if Thomas touched Jesus. Still, he cried out, “My Lord and my God!” (v. 28). Jesus replied, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe” (v. 29).
Many people reject Christianity and all religions because it requires belief in things unseen. Faith is a huge hurdle for a person wanting to live only according to observable facts. Faith is a significant leap for one who avoids anything they deem illogical or unprovable. Such people share Thomas’ desire to see and touch before believing, but seeing and touching would no longer require faith.
Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to live when Jesus walked the earth, to watch him and hear him speak? God has provided a way for anyone to experience Christ through the truth and power of his Word. This encounter can happen anywhere, anytime. Faith makes it possible. “Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen” (Heb. 11:1). “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). Jesus told Thomas to stop being faithless and believe (v. 27). That applies to us as well.
Next Step:
Read Hebrews 11 aloud. Praise God for the heroes of the faith who preceded us. Thank him for the faithful Christians who were instrumental in your life. Pray that your faith may increase.
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