If we’re completely honest, many of us secretly harbor questions of doubt. “Is there really an afterlife?” "Did Jesus really rise from the dead?” “How can I believe in someone I can't see with my own eyes?”

Modern day Christ followers are quick to slap a label on Thomas, one of the 12 disciples of Jesus, adding the first name "Doubting” to his name tag.

Here’s the honest truth; my name tag bears a resemblance to his.

“Hello. My name is Doubting.”

Doubting is real.

All of us tend to be skeptics.

Every single person knows what it’s like to experience moments of doubt and unbelief.

Many of us yearn to see and touch the miracle personally. We are unsatisfied simply hearing about someone else’s experience. Our hearts long to connect with God, but our unbelief stands firmly in the way.

It comes as no surprise to us when we hear Thomas demanding to see evidence.

When the other disciples excitedly told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ he was quick to tell them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand in his side, I will not believe.” John 20:25

Strong words.

Doubting words from one of Jesus’ inner circle of disciples.

But, at least he was honest with his confession.

Thomas required proof like the other disciples had witnessed… to see Him, the resurrected Christ, with his own eyes.

I’ve often wondered…

I wonder why was Thomas not present when Jesus appeared to the other ten disciples the evening of the resurrection. Where was he?

Why wasn’t Thomas hanging out with the other apostles huddled together inside a locked house, fearing repercussions from the Jewish leaders? Why didn’t Jesus wait for all the guys to be together before he made his first surprise visit the evening of His resurrection day? John 20:19-20

It’s interesting that Jesus waited an entire week before miraculously showing up again behind locked doors.  This time however, Thomas was present with the others. John 20:26

I still wonder though, why did Jesus wait 7 days?

Why did he allow Thomas to wait approximately 168 hours before revealing himself physically to the disciple that missed the sweet reunion time on Sunday night?

There are no answers to these questions, but could it be that this account is included in the Bible for ‘Doubting Susies’  like myself?

Because, if we’re honest, even long-time followers of Christ struggle through seasons of doubt and unbelief.

Jesus knows our need

Thomas needed a special touch from the Teacher.

Jesus, the Teacher, knew his need.

In the same way, Jesus knows my weakness; my longing to reach out and touch his nail scarred hands.

Jesus understands that there are times when I am like the father of the sick child who cried out, “Lord, I do believe! Help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24

When times of doubt and confusion flood my mind, I find it helpful to reflect on my past experiences with God. I’m reminded of His enduring, faithful, unconditional love, and the countless times he has proven Himself to be God.

I wonder if Thomas performed this same mental activity as he walked through the days of the week following the Lord’s resurrection. I’m curious if he mentally reviewed the key events of the previous three years spent walking in the company of Jesus.

Remembering moments with the Master

Monday…

On Monday, did Thomas relive the moment he witnessed Jesus display his authority over nature,  remembering his own fear as the boat tossed wildly in the sea? Did he recall how  the strong voice of Jesus instantly calmed the storm?  The disciples in the boat were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” Matthew 8:23-27

Tuesday…

On Tuesday, is it possible that his mind drifted back to the day he witnessed Jesus feeding 5000 hungry people in a remote place? The crowds had gathered to be near Jesus. All day long he taught them and healed the sick. Later that afternoon Jesus looked to heaven, gave thanks, and broke the bread. Thomas and his disciple brothers distributed the food.  One little boy’s lunch, in the hands of Jesus, fed everyone! Afterwards, he and his co-workers gathered 12 baskets full of leftovers. How beautiful to look back and remember the happy sounds of  families sitting on the grass, laughing together, sharing fish and barley bread at the impromptu picnic!  Mark 6:35-44

Wednesday…

On Wednesday, did Thomas remember the Master’s words when Jesus himself declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35

I’m inclined to believe that as the week progressed, memories of times spent with Jesus, played and replayed, over and over in his mind.

One Week Later

And now, one week had passed since the crucifixion and he was gathered inside a house with the other disciples behind locked doors.

Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”

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.”

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 believed.” John 20:26-29

Some time later, before Jesus ascended to heaven, Thomas was one of seven disciples who spent a night fishing by the Sea of Tiberius. They caught nothing that night. Just as the day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore and called out to them. “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”

“No,” they answered.

He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

I am personally overjoyed that Thomas was there that morning, the third time that Jesus appeared to his disciples after rising from the dead. The disciple we label as Doubting Thomas experienced the joy of hauling in an amazing catch of fish (153 large ones) and received the gift of eating breakfast on the beach with Jesus, prepared and served by the Master himself! John 21:1-14

Earnestly Pursue God

The Bible tells us that Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:30-31

In times of doubt, let us be reminded of God’s faithfulness and love in the past. Even in the silent waiting, He is still there. Ask Him to help you with your unbelief. He rewards those who earnestly seek  Him. Hebrews 11:6

A Three-Step-Plan for Doubters like me

Jesus is alive and He offers hope to skeptics. If you find yourself in a season of doubt,  I urge you to do these three things.

1. Ask God to reveal Himself to you. Go ahead. Say it out loud. Confess that you struggle with unbelief.

2. While you wait, remember the past. Ask God to help you identify times in your life that you experienced His goodness, His kindness, and His love.

3. Start reading about His love for you in the Word of God, the Bible. The little book toward the end of the Bible, 1 John, is a good place to start. It’s a letter the apostle John wrote to the church about his eyewitness account of Jesus.

God is earnestly pursuing you.

His Son Jesus Christ, is the sacrifice that atones for our sins.  He died on the cross in our place and rose from the dead.

Jesus, the Savior of the world, is waiting for you with outstretched arms of love. His message to Thomas is a message to all of us who doubt.

“Peace be with you. Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don't be faithless any longer. Believe!” ( John 20:27)

And in response I too declare, “My Lord and my God!”