John 20:27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
I know doubt finds its way into most believers’ lives at some point. I know Blaise Pascal showed the value of doubt when he wrote, “If we begin with certainties, we shall end in doubts; but if we begin with doubts, we shall end in certainties.” I’m also aware of how the present culture is elevating doubt to signal a particular kind of status.
Rather than viewing doubt as part of the journey to discover truth, doubt is being refashioned as the perpetual way to approach life. Doubters are heralded as the thinkers, the courageous, the liberated. Skepticism has become the latest virtue for moderns. And those with strong conviction are deemed either suspicious or naïve.
Although doubt can be helpful in discerning the truth, when it morphs into a permanent state of being, it robs us of the blessed assurance found in true faith. Jesus never condemned those who doubted. But he challenges us to not linger long in its shadow.
When Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection, Thomas wasn’t present. And he refused to believe when they told him they had seen the resurrected Lord. In fact, he said he wouldn’t believe it was Jesus unless he actually touched his nail-scarred hands and pierced side (John 20:24-25). Then, a week later, Jesus appeared to them all again and graciously provided the evidence Thomas sought. Yet with it a strong admonition: “Stop doubting and believe.”
Jesus gave Thomas all the evidence he needed to believe he had risen from the dead. Decision time had come. To let doubt stay would have been to deny the very truth Thomas said he was looking for. Jesus would have none of it.
Jesus loved Thomas and he loves us too much to indulge our doubts. If we are truly seeking the truth, he will provide all the evidence we need to find it. But if we insist on more and more assurance, he lets us experience the consequences of our chosen disbelief. Friend, I pray you resist the cultural tide of unbelief. Ongoing doubt is not humility, but pride. God wants you to end with certainties. He has given you all the evidence you need to believe. So stop doubting!