Having spent the month of October concentrated in the four Gospels, I noticed how Jesus often addressed doubts and lack of faith in those around Him.
Some might say He was harsh with people when He asked them, “Why do you doubt?” or “Why do you have little faith?”
But somehow I see His questions as not so much of a reprimand, but a prompting to look inside themselves and address their doubts.
Jesus already knows when we are troubled and doubting. He knows we have thoughts which can hurt us if we don’t get our focus back on Him. No matter how we may try to hide our doubts from Him, they are never hidden from Him.
One day, after the resurrection, the disciples were walking when Jesus appeared to them. They were frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost. And it is then Jesus asks,
“Why are you frightened? he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt?” (Luke 24:38, NLT)
At first glance, it appears like a reprimand but it is what Jesus does next which reveals His true intent.
“Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me.” (verse 39)
Jesus comes on the scene to silence their thoughts, filled with fears and doubts, with proof of Himself. He had promised that He would resurrect in three days and His desire was to show them that He is faithful to His promises.
Abraham believed … “Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and creates new things out of nothing” (Romans 4:17, NLT). We’re told that he believed “when there was no reason for hope” (verse 18). Abraham never wavered (verse 20) but kept on believing.
We have been given many promises. May we keep on believing even when we have doubts. May we rely on the faithfulness of our God to stand true to His promises.
May we be like Abraham, who was …
“Fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.”
(Romans 4:21)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLrQz0aD_bI&w=560&h=315]
Today I am joining … Intentional Tuesday and Testimony Tuesday and Unite and True Story and #RaRaLinkup and Reflect .
I love your perspective on Jesus’ questioning and agree! He did not question to condemn — He questioned to turn their thoughts inward to examine themselves and recognize the truth and remove the lies of doubt. Thank you for sharing 🙂 Your neighbor at #IntentionalTuesday
I so appreciate how Jesus questions in order to move us closer to Himself. Thank you for sharing here, Sarah.
This is super encouraging and a perfect dose of Biblical truth! Love it!
Grateful you found encouragement here, Jennifer. Thank you for encouraging me 🙂
Address our doubts. That is good advice, Joanne. We don’t have to condemn ourselves for them, but we need to look at them and try to understand them. It’s then that the Lord can help us change them into belief. Thanks for this truth!
It is amazing to me how Jesus invited Thomas in the midst of his doubting to remove his doubts. It was never to make Thomas look foolish. May we be as tender with ourselves, and others, in those times of doubt.
Awww, yes, friend…That we might be FULLY convinced that God is able to do what He promised. Such a great God-word today..one I so needed to hear!
Jen, I think we need this reminder each day. May we approach each day with an expectancy of promises fulfilled. Blessings!
I’m so glad nothing is hidden from the Lord, Joanne. And yes, may we continue to stand on His faithfulness, may we always believe. Good words of encouragement. Visiting today via #testimonyTuesday.
In these uncertain times, the one certainty we have is that our God is faithful. Grateful for your visit, Kristi.
Jesus knows when we are doubting. That really hit home for me. It doesn’t surprise Him that we doubt, but He is with us none the less. Thank you for this encouraging word!
Sam, I find this story with Thomas to be a most tender one. Jesus invited Thomas into His Presence because of his doubt. It took courage on Thomas’ part to voice those doubts. And the reward was the presence of Jesus with him to dispel those doubts. Blessings to you!
I like this idea that Jesus is asking us why we are afraid or have so little faith as a way to understand ourselves and our faith, not as a reprimand.
I have seen this story as such a tender moment between Jesus & Thomas. And I think it is the very same way with each of us. Jesus steps into the midst of our doubt to show us more of Himself in order to dispel the doubts. So very tender He is with us.
When the boy’s father cried to Jesus, “I believe. Help my unbelief” – that gives me such hope, such courage to know that Jesus mentors, coaches, teaches, encourages us into greater belief. Your post is such encouragement!
Thank you so much. Jesus encourages us to come to Him with our doubts and questions because He alone is able to dispel them.
I pray for such faith. 🙂
Me too! Blessings!
To Believe is very powerful! Our faith grows when we doggedly believe Jesus will come through for us.
Thank you friend.
God Bless
Ifeoma, it is amazing to realize our Lord rewards our faith. Very humbling.
Jesus knows our frailties and that at times we are fearful and left wondering why. Sorry I am so late in reading your shared post . I do so much appreciate your entries with us here at Tell me a True Story.
It is amazing how Jesus understands us so well. He loves us enough to dispel the doubts. And Hazel, no apology is ever needed. You do a wonderful job in replying to each comment & linkup. Blessings to you!