After a year of dating, my father proposed to my mother. She said yes, but off and on throughout the engagement, she encountered doubt as to whether this was God’s will or not. A fear settled into her heart wondering if dad was truly the right one for her. But God in his glorious grace offered to her just what she needed for assurance: a writing in the sky that would transform her heart forever, “InaBelle, this is the way, walk in it.” My mom doubted, but my dad never wavered for a moment and waited on the Lord to confirm his promise to her.

Word spread quickly that Mary Magdalene and the other disciples had seen the Risen Lord. For fear of their lives and the Jewish leaders, they waited in the upper room listening intensely for every step and knock at the door. This was the familiar place they knew in their hearts to go and wait on the Lord’s promises. Jesus was suddenly with them and just like any ordinary day, he gave them a blessed greeting, “Peace be with you,” in other words, may God bless you my beloved with every good thing. Jesus commissioned the disciples to go forth and build the Church.

But one of the disciples named Thomas refused to believe the others when he heard the news that Jesus had Risen from the dead. He was alone in his grief and sorrow over Jesus’ death and missed seeing him the first time in the upper room. Jesus knew his heart and a week later, he appeared to Thomas to reassure him of his doubt.

Jesus offers clarity as a true follower in John 20:27-29 (NRSV), Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” Thomas’ love and devotion for his Lord spilled out and he believed.

Sometimes, many of us are much more like Thomas than the other disciples. We are skeptics and follow an ordered plan and will not budge. We are waiting for something to fall from the sky to believe. In other words, we need to see to believe. We look with our sight and not our faith, but the days are coming where we will see with the full assurance of faith. Just like Thomas, the way to see by faith is through the Holy Spirit’s breath. As we take that initial step, the Holy Spirit opens our heart to see beyond the realm of vision through blind trust in our risen Lord. Just like Thomas, we miss out on a great deal, when we separate ourselves from Christian fellowship. Precious friends, we need one another to help us believe even when we do not see. Open the eyes of your heart and believe in our risen Lord.

Reflection:

1) Do you believe even when you do not see?

2) How can you open your heart to fully trust Jesus on your journey in him?

Dear Father,

Praise be to God for the resurrection of Christ. We are so grateful for your grace! Oh, Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with your fresh anointing and quicken us to believe even when we do not see! You are worthy to be praised!

Blessings,

Dr. Caroline