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And when he comes, he will convict the world…concerning sin, because they do not believe in me.
John 16:8–9
D.L. MOODY
Some men seem to think it is a great misfortune that they do not have faith. They seem to look upon it as a kind of infirmity, and they think they ought to be sympathized with and pitied. Bear in mind, it is not a misfortune, it is the most damning sin of the world.
The greatest enemy God and man have got is unbelief. Christ found it on both sides of the cross. It was the very thing that put Him to death. The Jews did not believe Him. They did not believe God had sent Him. They took Him to Calvary and murdered Him. And the first thing we find after He rose from the grave was unbelief again. Thomas, one of His own disciples, did not believe He had risen. He said, “Thomas, feel these wounds;” and Thomas believed, and said, “My Lord and my God” (see John 20:24–29).
ERWIN LUTZER
There are two kinds of doubters: one is a hardened unbeliever; the other is an honest doubter, open to faith but, for intellectual or emotional reasons, cannot accept the gospel. Thomas was of the second sort. Yet, Jesus graciously met his request. Notice Christ’s response, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).
I read about a ship that sent an S.O.S. for drinking water, not realizing they were in the fresh waters of the St. Lawrence River. They could have simply lowered buckets to quench their thirst.
If you are an honest doubter, I encourage you to admit your doubts without shame or self-condemnation. Acknowledge that you can’t believe, then come to God and tell Him about your doubts—He is not put off by honest doubts (see Psalm 77). Put down your bucket in faith and God will meet you.
PRAYER
Father, thank you for showing me, by your Spirit, my need for a Savior.
I believe; help my unbelief (Mark 9:24).REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Where in my life am I “sending an S.O.S.” for what God has already freely provided, and how can I “put down my bucket” in faith today?What is one specific step I can take this week to actively seek God’s help with my doubts?