1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.” ~ John 14:1-7
Thomas is remembered by his one moment of doubt and disbelief. I don’t believe that it was random or even out of character that Thomas doubted the resurrection of Christ. See, Thomas, like the other disciples, didn’t grasp all that Jesus told them. It was to Thomas that Jesus explained that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. It was due to Thomas’ lack of understanding of how they would know where Jesus was going and how to follow Him there.
Faith isn’t blind. It doesn’t dwell or grow in ignorance. It has to be planted in good soil, nurtured and watered so that it might grow strong and unshakable. See, if Thomas understood what Jesus said, he wouldn’t have doubted when the others saw the resurrected Christ. So many of us struggle with doubt because we lack the understanding. Paul said, how can they believe if they have never heard? If also said, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of Christ. It’s by our relationship and revelation of Christ and His Word that our faith grows.
James left us with an encouraging statement on understanding. He explained that God doesn’t desire us to remain in ignorance, so if we lack any understanding, we should ask God, and He will give us the wisdom and understanding. This is key to growing your faith. Unless you know and understand what you believe, then you can’t have an unshakeable faith. Instead, you will be double-minded and, therefore, unstable in all of your ways, ready to be blown over at the first sign of trouble or confusion.
So, nurture your faith by reading your Bible, spending time praying, fasting, and worshipping. And when you lack understanding, bring it before God. Don’t allow yourself to become like Thomas and leave a legacy of anything less than God has for you.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Nurture Your Faith.