Friday, June 18, 2004

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”
(John 20.26 NRSV)

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Linda Ferree writes, "As a new believer, I had a fragile faith. I pretended a confidence I often didn't feel because I thought asking questions or admitting doubts indicated unbelief. Later I came to realize that searching the scriptures and talking honestly with other Christians is a way of building and strengthening my faith. I found that others often shared my questions, and we could together seek answers."

Linda knows there's nothing wrong with asking questions and admitting our doubts. She writes, "I rejoice when I hear people voicing their questions, I recognize the depth of thought they are giving to their faith and the growth that will result."

Sometimes our periods of doubts and questions lead us to faith. Thomas struggled with his doubts for a week. Notice that Thomas still met with the other apostles. He was not excluded from the group because he didn't believe them. That says something important about being the church. We do not exclude people just because they are searching. Such searching may be a springboard for an even greater faith. Certainly it was for Thomas.

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Lord Jesus, may I do all I can in my church to help people grow in their faith. Amen.

Ron Newhouse

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