Walking the LineSample

I recently found myself going through a period of uncertainty about my future as a performer, my status as a personality, the believability of my Christian witness, and the knowledge of God’s will in my life. I felt a force bigger than myself saying, “Lay back. Take it easy. Study hard. Read your Bible. Think, write, and keep your mouth shut for a while.” —Johnny Cash

Be merciful to those who doubt. —Jude 1:22 NIV

Doubt gets a bad rap. It’s not usually mentioned as a quality people admire in others. Calling someone a doubter is rarely intended as a compliment. And that’s a shame because, as Johnny Cash discovered, doubt often results in a stronger faith. We see that in the biblical encounter that landed “doubting Thomas” his nickname.

The first time Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection, His disciple Thomas was absent. Later, when the other disciples told him about the encounter, Thomas replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in His hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in His side” (John 20:25 NLT). The Gospel of John offers few clues as to Thomas’s tone. Was it defiant? Did he dig his heels in and refuse to be pushed past the limits of his logic and reason? Was it condescending? Did he see himself as the lone voice of reason in a group suffering from mass hysteria? Was it anguish? Did he desperately want to believe their story but couldn’t bring himself to do it for fear of disappointment?

Doubt presents itself in many ways and for many reasons. The response he received was more important than the tone of Thomas’s doubt. Eight days later, Jesus appeared to His disciples again. This time, Thomas was there. Jesus didn’t angrily confront Thomas or berate him for his weak faith. He didn’t kick him out of the room or tear up his disciple membership card. Instead, Jesus said to Thomas, “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 NLT). Thomas had no way of knowing it then, but he would play a large role in spreading Jesus’ message far beyond Jerusalem. According to church tradition, Thomas became a missionary to India, where he was eventually put to death by Hindu priests. Jesus’ gracious response to his early doubt made Thomas's later ministry possible. That day in the closed room, with the other disciples looking on, Jesus said, in essence, “Thomas, I have big plans for you. But your doubts will get in the way and keep you from reaching your potential. So do whatever you need to do to overcome those doubts. You asked for proof, and here it is. But now that you know the truth, never let it go.” Those words dovetail nicely with the words Johnny Cash received.

When doubt rears its head, there’s no need to panic or beat yourself up with guilt. Instead, take your questions and concerns to the Source of truth. Read His Word. Spend time in conversation with Him. Ask Him to help you work through your doubts and strengthen your faith. In other words, do what you must to be ready to accomplish the big plans Jesus has for you.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being understanding when I struggle with doubt. Thank You for the resources You’ve made available to help me strengthen my faith. Help me work through my doubt and emerge stronger to help others who struggle. In Jesus’ name. Amen.