A Prayer To Know What To Do With Honest Doubts

Yesterday we reflected on a couple of folks who encountered Jesus as they sought to figure out their dashed hopes and confusion after seeing Jesus die and then heard rumors that He was alive again.  They were so caught in their own thoughts and emotions that they didn’t recognize Jesus when He walked right beside them.

Today we see ourselves in another of Jesus’ companions who was dramatically impacted by the events of those day.  Many others of Jesus followers were huddled together in a locked room wondering what to do next.  In their grief and sorrow, they were sure that the troubles that awaited them outside the room were more than they could endure. They didn’t know how to go forward because Jesus was dead, and they had no hope -- or so they thought.  While they sat in that room, an incredible thing happened.  Jesus appeared to them. 

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”  After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. (John 20:19-20) 

Jesus gave them convincing proof that He was truly alive.  He wasn’t just a ghost or a delusion, but a person they could feel and touch.  He was alive!  Wonder, joy and peace filled their hearts. 

However, one of Jesus’ followers named Thomas wasn’t with the others when Jesus first made an appearance to them.  When Thomas was told that they had seen Jesus, he doubted that it was true. He was afraid to hope again.   Too many surprises.  Too much information.  Thomas just couldn’t deal with any more. I think there are lots of folks who feel that way today.

Like Thomas, some of us have known the discouragement of hopes dashed and opportunities lost.  In our broken fearful lives, we doubt the presence of a loving caring God with us to help.  And yet ….

A week later Jesus came again when his followers were all together, including Thomas. He directly interacted with Thomas.  Jesus did not judge Thomas for having doubts but invited Him to, actually touch the nail scars on his hands and feet and the wound on his side.  Get up close to the facts and see for himself.  “Stop doubting and believe.”  Jesus also told Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29

Easter is a time to really ask ourselves what do we believe about Jesus Christ?  Are we willing to come close and see the facts for what they are not just what the rumors are or what we’ve thought was going on?  Maybe, like Thomas, we will come to realize that something incredible takes place when we ask Jesus to show us who He truly is? 

God, we admit that there are many stories and rumors circulating about who You are and what You did, particularly around whether You rose again from the dead.  Historical records clearly indicate that You did but it’s the record in our hearts that needs facts written with faith.

We come to You today, just as we are, with our thoughts and emotions.  Help us to know and understand truth.  That’s all that really counts.  We’re not interested in opinions and theories.  We want to know and respond to what is fact.  You say You are the way, the truth, and the life.  History confirms You died and rose again and the accounts of those around You tell of incredible things You said and did.  Bottom line though, who are You for us today?  How can we, in some way, like Thomas, reach out and touch You and come to know for ourselves that You are real and that You are God who has come to give us hope and life? 

Help us to seek truth, be willing to receive and respond to truth, and allow You to filter out hurt and myth and prejudice that in any way has distorted our thoughts and emotions about who You truly are.  If you are truly there, and we’re not just living on fantasies, touch our hearts and mind for a moment, so we can recognize You for who You actually are. 

We need help going forward because the way is not all that clear.  Show us the way.  Maybe even help us to find some companions on the way who can help us sort things out.  Amen