2020 Daily Devotion - Day 134
“Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are.” - Arthur Golden
Difficult times have a way of changing us. They cause us to question things. They force us to examine what is really going on at a deeper level. It seems to me, this was the experience of one of Jesus’ earliest followers by the name of Thomas. He is often called “Doubting Thomas” because of what happened after the crucifixion of Jesus.
We see another aspect of him in John 16:11, when he announces to the other disciples, “Let us go with Him that we might die with Him.” Even though he was a man of courage, the crucifixion of Jesus struck him at the core of his being. Like a strong wind, it tore away everything to where he was left with the basics. I am sure he was filled with questions and even doubt. Even though the other disciples were telling him they saw Jesus alive, he was filled with uncertainty. This is what he said in the moment of despair:
John 20:25 RSV
So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
The wind has torn off everything and left him bare. He wasn’t just going to go along. He wanted proof. And here is what happened next:
John 20:26-28
Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
Often in life, the wind of setbacks brings us to a place of despair, much like Thomas. You might want proof, too. Thomas’ story is some of the proof. He is an eye witness to the resurrection of Jesus, and we would accept an eye witness account in a court of law. Allow the struggles of this season to bring you not only to the place of examination, but also to being grounded in a greater truth – Jesus is “my Lord and my God”. It was the wind which brought Thomas to this better and stronger place, and it can do the same for you.
Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, help us through these difficult days. Because of all we have been through, this might be the period to stop and take a look at ourselves. And when we do, help us to see what is most important. And this is our Lord Jesus Christ who is our “Lord and our God”. In Your holy name. Amen.
Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
Difficult times have a way of changing us. They cause us to question things. They force us to examine what is really going on at a deeper level. It seems to me, this was the experience of one of Jesus’ earliest followers by the name of Thomas. He is often called “Doubting Thomas” because of what happened after the crucifixion of Jesus.
We see another aspect of him in John 16:11, when he announces to the other disciples, “Let us go with Him that we might die with Him.” Even though he was a man of courage, the crucifixion of Jesus struck him at the core of his being. Like a strong wind, it tore away everything to where he was left with the basics. I am sure he was filled with questions and even doubt. Even though the other disciples were telling him they saw Jesus alive, he was filled with uncertainty. This is what he said in the moment of despair:
John 20:25 RSV
So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
The wind has torn off everything and left him bare. He wasn’t just going to go along. He wanted proof. And here is what happened next:
John 20:26-28
Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
Often in life, the wind of setbacks brings us to a place of despair, much like Thomas. You might want proof, too. Thomas’ story is some of the proof. He is an eye witness to the resurrection of Jesus, and we would accept an eye witness account in a court of law. Allow the struggles of this season to bring you not only to the place of examination, but also to being grounded in a greater truth – Jesus is “my Lord and my God”. It was the wind which brought Thomas to this better and stronger place, and it can do the same for you.
Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, help us through these difficult days. Because of all we have been through, this might be the period to stop and take a look at ourselves. And when we do, help us to see what is most important. And this is our Lord Jesus Christ who is our “Lord and our God”. In Your holy name. Amen.
Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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