You’re Searching for a Sign: “Peace be with you”

Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29

Jesus appeared before the disciples after he rose from the dead. The disciples went to tell Thomas, one of the 12, but he did not believe until he saw for himself. He wanted to touch Jesus’ wounds to be certain.

John 20:24-29

Jesus and Thomas

[24] Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. [25] So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

[26] Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” [27] Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” [28] Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” [29] Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Are you a child of God like Thomas and you’re desperately searching for a physical sign to believe. Maybe you’re struggling with your belief in Christ? Maybe you’re struggling with the promises he made to you. Well you’re not alone in your feelings. Sometimes this worldly life makes it very tough to hold on to that which is true. The Lord offers us peace. I don’t proclaim to have all the answers, I simply ask you this:

Are you still searching for something you can see and touch that makes sense to you?

Our faith is constantly tested, we must continue to workout our faith daily trusting the word of God even when we cannot see? What is scientifically understood in the eyes of mankind is exceeded by the Lord. Meaning, to begin understanding, the Lord is revealed through studying the scriptures in the Bible. God’s sovereignty is explained (Colossians 1:15-23), with this understanding we also know there are many things left unknown to us because God’s wisdom surpasses that of the human mind. We also learn that his plan for us was already established, we are predestined by the Lord (Ephesians 1:3-6). He loves us infinitely even when we stray away, when we have doubts, concerns, when we struggle to believe like Thomas, he’s nurturing and wants to help us understand.

Never Stop Trying To Learn

He does not quit on us but sometimes out of frustration, we quit on him.

[1] Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. [2] A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. Proverbs 18:1-2

Again, I cannot have all the answers, I too am growing every day. I can however choose to keep growing and learning. I pray you do it with me dear sister. When met with challenges in this world remain true to your thirst to understand, not to be right but to understand. The need to be right will have you on your own crusade arguing with people and trying to force your agenda, instead of focusing on your own development. Don’t quit even when this world frustrates you and causes you to question what is true; search the word of God intimately, completely, surrender your mind to a posture seeking understanding and let what is known to the Lord become known to you. The Lord offers peace and encouragement for your mind. We are told:

Colossians 2:1-5

[1] For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face,

[2] that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, [3] in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. [4] I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. [5] For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

Prayer Heavenly Father thank you for your wisdom, teaching and encouragement. When this world becomes too much to handle and it’s hard to believe in anything true and good, pull me back to your word so that I may study and be reminded of who you are and who you’ve called me to be in you. When I’m faced with difficult situations, ideas or even philosophical questions about your word help me remain grounded, in love, that I am able to exude your light. Help me oh Lord to continue to workout my faith and not lean to my own understanding to help me believe in that which I cannot see. In Christ, ~ Amen