Do I believe?

"'…Stop doubting and believe.'" (John 20:27, NIV) I can only imagine how Thomas must have felt when Jesus spoke to him like that! How would you feel if Jesus stood before you and said that to you?

Jesus had died on the cross, and as He had already predicted to His disciples, including Thomas, He had risen again! But Thomas had his doubts and said to the others, "...'Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.'" (John 20:25, NIV)

I was recently house hunting, and I was close to the finish line…but it didn't work out, again. The question constantly on my mind was "Does God really want the best for me?" I heard the negative voices say, "Just compromise…the perfect home doesn't exist." Those voices were getting louder and louder. Fortunately, there were also many voices saying, "Wait and see, Déborah. Even if you can't see it, God has already prepared the perfect home for you."

The question is always "Which voices are you listening to?" Thomas had heard from all his friends that they'd seen Jesus after the resurrection (see John 20:25). Yet Thomas didn't believe...he wanted to see for himself first!

God has whispered in your ear so many times that He has your best interests at heart. "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.'" (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). The question is, do you really want to believe that completely, or will you say, like Thomas did, "First, I want to see the place (or whatever it is you desire)"?

I want to encourage you to give God your trust today—without seeing the fulfillment of your dream yet—and believe that He has the best in mind for you!

Choose faith…choose to believe!

You are a miracle!

Déborah