TRANSFORM:DAY 31

GOD IS ABLE TO MAKE ALL GRACE ABOUND TO YOU, SO THAT IN ALL THINGS AT ALL TIMES HAVING ALL THAT YOU NEED, YOU WILL ABOUND IN EVERY GOOD WORK.

SCRIPTURE READING - DAY 31


John 20:24-29

Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of
the Twelve, was not with the disciples
when Jesus came. So the other disciples
told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail
marks in his hands and put my finger
where the nails were, and put my hand
into his side, I will not believe it.”

A week later his disciples were in the
house again, and Thomas was with
them. Though the doors were locked,
Jesus came and stood among them and
said, “Peace be with you!”

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.” Thomas said to him, “My
Lord and my God!”

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have
seen me, you have believed; blessed are
those who have not seen and yet have
believed.” (NIV)


MEDITATION BY Dave Zovak


Thomas’ world was in chaos when he first heard his friends' wild claims. Everyone was reeling from Jesus’ midnight arrest, lightning trial, and brutal crucifixion. The once-bold and miracle-wielding disciples had been so shattered that they gathered in secret following Jesus’ death.

So when Thomas was told of Jesus’ resurrection, it’s not surprising he had trouble believing. Undoubtedly, a part of him wished to believe; however, he would need more than second-hand accounts to get him there.

As I reflect on this text, I can’t help but ponder why Jesus waited seven days to re-appear. Why the delay? Was Jesus busy?

I suspect Jesus knew his disciples, especially Thomas, needed time for their faith to grow. Even though they had come to love and trust him, appearing to them was something different. The disciples needed time to be transformed into people of resurrection faith.

When Jesus did appear a second time, he greeted Thomas with an invitation to examine and touch his crucifixion wounds. Thomas responded, not in defensiveness or lingering doubt, but with the bold proclamation of “Lord and God.”

Something had begun inside Thomas when he first heard the claims of his friends, even though his doubts limited his faith. Yet, God worked in him over the week, preparing him for more. His doubts hadn’t disqualified him from discipleship. In fact, they became the very means by which God would take Thomas into a deeper faith.

This is how God often works with me. Frequently, when God wants to lead me into new spiritual territory, I find myself in an unsettling time of spiritual confusion or insecurity. Due to my intellectual smugness and spiritual laziness, God wisely tills the soil of my soul by leading me into experiences that require faith and maturity beyond what I currently possess.

Confusion and doubts often precede a faith transformation. It was true for Thomas and it has been true for me. I used to dread feeling “out of my depth” in my faith, but I am learning to welcome it as I have experienced God’s transforming graces.




REFLECTION


Think of a time when you found it hard to believe in God’s power, goodness, or presence. How were your doubts and fears transformed into faith?


What current doubts might God be inviting you to acknowledge and bring to him?


Some historians have been kinder to Thomas and called him “Thomas the Believer” based on his bold faith declaration. What nickname would you like to be called?