Poor Thomas. Be honest: has there been a time when you’ve read through the gospels, came upon the name of Thomas, and not been inclined to add the tagline “Doubting” before his name? 

Yes, poor Thomas, indeed. Wasn’t he the guy who, just a few chapters before his season of doubt, declared with boldness: “Let us also go, that we may die with [Jesus].” (John 11:16)? 

Perhaps the reason I feel for Thomas is because I can relate. I’ve experienced my own seasons of doubting, of wondering what God was up to when life wasn’t coming together like I’d planned. 

Recently, while reading through this well-known story of Thomas’ season of doubt, I was struck by the words “a week later.”  

The disciples, rejoicing that they’d seen the risen Lord, seek out their friend Thomas, assuring him that God has come through on His promises.

But Thomas must wait to personally see the fulfillment. He is called to trust without seeing.

Not for a few hours or days. For a WHOLE WEEK! Have you been there? I know I have. 

Days of watching and waiting as my husband suffered with uncontrollable seizures, not knowing if healing would ever come. Months of discouragement, waiting for God to reveal His presence and purpose in coworker tension. 

Seasons of wondering if our investment in ministry was making any real impact for eternity. 

And in the waiting, Thomas’ heart seems to cry: “It’s too much! I must SEE! I need to touch the Risen Lord to believe He’s here and that He who He says He is.” 

I cry out, too, in my weeks of waiting. In my seasons of unknowns, in the “not yet” and in the “yet unseen”. 

What sustains me and gives longevity in ministry is not my own faithfulness. It’s not my own devotion or determination. It’s the faithfulness of my loving Savior, ever-present, yet revealing Himself in His own timing and way. His invitation to a doubting, waiting Thomas extends to me, too. 

“Experience My faithfulness. Find peace in my presence. Trust Me, even when you don’t see.”