Walking by Faith
In a world where many refuse to believe anything that they cannot see or touch, and demand it must be something that can be “proven” by science, having faith can be one of the greatest challenges in the life of a Christian. What does 2 Corinthians 5:7 really mean when Paul writes that we are to “Walk by faith, not by sight”? The answer to this question is more than I could ever detail in this blog, but one thing I would like to highlight is this, God sees those who wrestle with their disbelief and human reasoning, and choose to seek Him and His Word for truth. This choice, to push beyond doubt, pleases Him beyond measure.
We are taught in Hebrews 11:6 “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” The following verses of Hebrews 11 go on to recognize the “greats” of our Christian history, celebrating not their accomplishments, but their faith. It is the calling card of true Jesus followers, that we believe what few others dare to dream is possible: that healing miracles still happen, that unity among different faiths, races and cultures is possible, and that a faithful God has their best interest in mind, despite times of difficulty and suffering.
Soon after Jesus’ resurrection, He supernaturally appeared in the midst of the disciples, but Thomas was not present. When the others told Thomas that they had seen Jesus he said, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” (John 20:24b) Thomas had walked with Jesus as one of the Twelve. He knew the prophecies about Jesus being the Messiah, and he had seen Jesus perform many miracles (even performed a few himself), but in this moment his faith failed him. He did not believe the testimony of his friends and fellow disciples. He wanted proof. He wanted to see and touch Jesus for himself, and not just any kind of proof, he wanted to touch the very places Jesus had been tortured and crucified, only then would it validate it was indeed Jesus and not an imposter.
And what was the Lord’s response to Thomas’ disbelief? He appeared again to the group, this time Thomas was present and invited him to touch His hands and feet and even put his hand into His side, where the Roman soldier had pierced Him. What a kind and merciful act this was of Jesus! He did not scold Thomas or cast him of the group for his lack of faith, or for his demands in needing evidence, that he could see and touch. Rather, Jesus said, “Do not continue in disbelief, but be a believer.” -John 20:27b
One of my favorite verses in the Bible comes next. After Thomas receives his proof and his faith is restored, Jesus says to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” -John 20:29
Are you grasping the reality and weight of this verse? We are MORE blessed (in some ways) than the disciples, because we, as modern-day Christians, believe, having not seen or touched Jesus in the natural. To those who walk by faith, who seek God earnestly in their times of doubt or disbelief, He will reveal Himself in ways that go beyond what “worldly sight” can perceive. Choose to believe. Declare that which you do not yet seen. Ask to be touched by the One you desperately want to believe is who He says He is. Take one more, brave step forward on the invisible, heavenly path of faith today. For it pleases the Father greatly.
