Brave Enough to Believe: Trade Your Doubts for Brave FaithSample

Day 10—Future Unlimited

John 20:26 records the second time Jesus appeared to the apostles, and this time, back in community, Thomas was there. Jesus appeared behind locked doors, physically and spiritually, to unlock the potential in Thomas.

Jesus didn’t wait for an apology or remind Thomas of his failure. Without hesitation, Jesus gave an invitation: “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side” (John 20:27). Jesus knew exactly what Thomas needed. A crisis of faith had revealed his deepest doubt, but Jesus answered his deepest longing.

First came Jesus’s invitation, asking Thomas to come closer. Then came the imperative: “Stop doubting and believe” (John 20:27). Before Jesus ever issued a command, He initiated restoration. Jesus didn’t withdraw from Thomas and doesn’t withdraw from us. We are not the sum total of our worst moments. We are known, wanted, and loved by the God who created us. No matter what we have done or what has been done to us, when we encounter Jesus, we are invited in.

With full surrender, Thomas exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). The original Greek literally reads, “The Lord of me and the God of me.” Calling Him “Lord,” Thomas used the word Kurios, asking Jesus to be the owner of his life. He traded his doubts for a life of brave faith. God used Thomas in astounding ways. The man who once hesitated to believe now invited others to experience the miraculous and know Christ for themselves. He took the Gospel to India, further than any other apostle, where he was martyred for his faith.

We, too, are invited to get close enough to Jesus so that faith becomes the driving force of our lives. Because more than anything, we need an encounter with Jesus: that’s the secret. As a conduit of grace to a broken world, you will bring light into dark places and hope into hurting hearts. Let Jesus be the owner of your life. Go where He calls you to go and be brave enough to believe.

Question:

How has the life of Thomas impacted you and drawn you closer to Jesus?

Personal Prayer:

God, thank You that I am known, loved, and wanted by You. Take my life and use me for Your glory.

Brave Enough to Believe: 10 Days to Trade Your Doubts for Brave Faith, is based on the book Brave Enough to Believe: How the Life of Doubting Thomas Answers Our Hard Questions by Angela Donadio and her father Hubert Morris. For more information, to purchase the book, and to receive the free download "7 Days to Overcome Doubt," please see angeladonadio.com