What happens if I doubt God?

When the resurrected Jesus first appeared, Thomas was absent. Upon hearing the incredible news, his response was one of stark disbelief: "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). Thomas's doubt wasn't a rejection, but a struggle. The Bible doesn't shy away from it. This tells us something important: God isn't threatened by our questions. Acknowledging our doubts can be the first step toward a stronger faith. When Honest Skepticism Meets the Living God A week later, Jesus appeared again, this time with Thomas present. He directly addressed Thomas's doubts: "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." (John 20:27). This encounter highlights a profound truth: an honest seeking, even a skeptical one, can lead to a personal encounter with the living God. It also makes us think about where we place our trust. We often rely on things that ultimately fail: our own wisdom, wealth, governments, other people, fleeting pleasures, or even the stability of the natural world. Jesus, through his resurrected presence, met Thomas exactly where he was. He proved dependable, removing the very obstacles to Thomas's belief. This led to Thomas's powerful declaration: "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28). Doubt: An Invitation to Relationship Jesus's response to Thomas's belief holds a final insight: "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29). While a physical encounter can be powerful, Jesus points to the blessedness of faith that trusts without tangible proof. However, Thomas's journey is still significant. His doubt wasn't condemned but became an invitation to a personal encounter that solidified his faith. Ultimately, faith rests on a reliable testimony – the witness of those who have encountered the living God. Thomas, once a doubter, became one of those witnesses. Where are you on your journey of belief? Are there doubts you're wrestling with? Take heart from Thomas's story. Bring your honest questions to the forefront. You might find that your doubt isn't an ending, but a doorway to declaring for yourself, "My Lord and my God!"