BENEFIT OF DOUBT
- Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Readings:
Ephesians 2:19-22
Psalm 117:1-2
John 20:24-29
What did Thomas see that made Him doubt Jesus’ resurrection? Thomas represents everyone who has ever asked the question: Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? So, if you have ever been betrayed, you’ve suffered the loss of a loved one, you have been cheated on by your spouse, heartbroken by a promising relationship, let off of your job, passed on for promotion, delayed for a religious profession or ordination, if you have been let down unjustly, you can relate to Thomas’ predicament. Pain has a rude way of waking you up to reality. Repeated trauma forces you to develop a tough and impenetrable shell of protection. But the problem with impenetrability is that nothing comes out, just as nothing gets in. So, all the anger, the fear, the doubt, the insecurities, anxiety and depression are bottled up, and every attempt at healing and progress is stalled indefinitely. A person who was once cheerful and lively soon becomes a stone-cold villain. This is not what we were meant to be.
Villainy is not a virtue. It is the easy way out of an adventure which will naturally come with cuts, bumps and bruises. I am not saying that you should go about your life with a death wish. I am saying that God wants to go through every day with you. Some days will be joyful and sweet. Others will be difficult, painful and bitter. But as Job said: “Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” (Job 2:10). A full life is not just seen in how we accept the pretty, flowery accolades. It is mostly seen in how we weather the storms of adversity and pain. Do not play it safe with life. When it knocks you down, get back up, dust yourself up, learn your lesson and move forward. Do not beat yourself up if you are not immediately able to heal from a painful episode. Some experiences will cut deeper than others, but healing will come one way or another. Jesus begins his post-resurrection message to his apostles with the words: “Peace be with you” (John 20:27). In a world where peace is often fragile and short-lived, Jesus speaks peace. In a time when people will treat you selfishly and abuse your kindness, Jesus speaks peace. In the midst of deep pain, grief and pressure to conform to a morally bankrupt world, Jesus declares peace over your life and situation.
Fix your gaze on Jesus and on what He wishes to accomplish through you. Nothing is impossible to the one who has faith (Mark 9:23). Nothing is impossible for God to do with you and through you if you let go of doubt. Like Saint Thomas says, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). You are truly blessed if you can raise your head from the depths of your pain and say, “My Lord and my God”. It is well with you through Christ our Lord. Amen.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
My Lord and my God. My life is in Your hands. I submit all my pain and grief, my trauma and doubt at Your feet. Let my pain birth a new joy that knows no bounds. Amen.
Eternal Father, my life is in Your hands. I place all that I care about, all that troubles and stresses me, in Your hands. Do with me as You please through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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