Doubt

Last week I was preparing for a sermon based on the scripture where Jesus appears to the disciples after his death. Firstly Jesus appears to a big group of them, all of them, it seems, apart from Thomas. So when they find Thomas and tell him that the guy they have been following for some time, who has just been crucified for all to see, has just appeared to them, I think it’s understandable that Thomas finds it unbelievable. If someone told you something similar, how would you react?

And from this piece of scripture Thomas has come to be known as “Doubting Thomas.” This is not meant in a kind way, we mean this as a dig at Thomas, that he was a pessimist, his faith was weak, he was weak.

And from this we view doubt as maybe a negative emotion, but doubt is neutral. Often doubts come because we start to have genuine concerns and fears. Often we look back at narrowly avoided mishaps and we are grateful for our doubts.

What is important in this scripture it that Thomas has his doubts but is very clear as to what it will take to shake them; “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.”

Then Jesus appears to Thomas and says; “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side.” Jesus knows exactly what Thomas needs in his moment of doubt, he knows exactly where he needs to be met. This is what is magical about this scripture, that Jesus will meet us in our doubts and provide us with what we need to take the next step forward, whatever that may be.

So have your doubts, embrace your doubts, and take them to the Lord!

Let us pray;

Heavenly Parent, remind us that we can always come to you and you will indeed tend to our need. When we start to doubt a situation, a decision, what we are being told, where we are being led; may we pause and remember we do not have to unravel the situation on our own.

Remind us to take our doubts to you and ask for clarity. When we are too close to the situation to see clearly, you can provide the perspectives we need. When doubt stops us in our tracks you can provide the questions we need to ask to determine which step next and where.

Holy Spirit, bring us the gift of discernment so we can use our doubts wisely, to avoid danger, see your workings, navigate costly mistakes, defend ourselves from those times when doubt is simply us needing more courage.

Bring us wisdom so that each time we have doubts we can learn from them ready for the next situation, allow our doubts to be building blocks upon which a strong faith can be wisely crafted.

Amen