Doubting Thomas

Doubting. It is something that unites us all, but something we are ashamed to talk about. For a long time I thought doubting was a sign of a lack of faith. A sign of weakness. And to some extent it is. Thankfully though, when I realize my weakness and inability to understand, I am reminded of my strong Maker who sees, hears, and knows all things.

After discussing the life of Thomas in Sunday school it has given me reason to hope. A man whose legacy is that of a doubter is really closer to a picture of me then I would like to admit. Maybe you are like me and by sharing what I have learned, hopefully it can help you too.

First of all, I want to make clear what I am not saying. I believe there is a big difference between doubting and unbelief. Doubting being a question, an attempt to understand, and unbelief being a conscious decision of the will to reject truth. Reading John 14:5-14 taught me so much on this issue and how doubting can actually be beneficial. Here’s what God’s Word says,

Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him."

John 14:5-6

First thing I learned: In the passage before this, Jesus is talking about going to His Father in heaven. I believe Thomas’s question is an honest question. He doesn’t understand what Jesus is saying and wants to understand. He is humble enough to admit his lack of knowledge but committed enough to want to understand. The Bible tells us we must work out our faith (Philippians 2:12-13). What better way to understand God and learn more about Him then by asking questions? If you’re like me, you’re scared to ask questions because you’re afraid the answer might not be what you want to hear—you’re afraid it might cause you to see Christianity isn’t the truth or you’re afraid of being disappointed. So, you just ignore these questions and try not the think about them.

These leads to the second thing I learned: the answer to the question is worth the asking. In this passage, Jesus answers Thomas with one of the biggest and most informative theological truths throughout the Bible. He explains to Thomas, and to us readers, exactly how to come to salvation. It amazed me to realize how generous Jesus was with a doubter. When Thomas sought Him, Jesus not only answered him but provided him with great insight. This encouraged me so much. To think that when I do have questions about the Christian life or God only by thinking through these questions can I know more about my great God. Learning more about Him will never ever be disappointing. It can only lead me to a closer relationship with Him. A relationship where I know Him better, appreciate Him for what He has done, and can ultimately worship Him better.

I am so thankful God is gracious with the doubter. I want to encourage you that genuine questions that seek for God’s wisdom can only lead you to a closer relationship with Him. It is difficult and terrifying to confront these doubts but the rewards are worth it. In the verses following this passage, Philip also questions God. We all have questions. Never forget, you aren’t the only "doubter."