Demanding Proof

“Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “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.” And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:24–29, NKJV)

Thomas walked with Jesus for over three years and Jesus was extremely patient with his doubting. Then after Jesus rose from the dead and the other disciples saw Jesus with their own eyes and told him that Jesus was alive, Thomas made the ultimate demand for proof. “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.”

I have heard many "ministers" make excuses for Thomas' doubt and demand to touch Jesus before he would believe. They say something like "Oh well, you know that we are all human and God understands when we have a hard time believing". Still, they are nothing but excuses. And yes, Jesus did accommodate his request but just because He allowed him to touch him doesn't mean that Jesus approved of his doubt and unbelief. In fact, Jesus made a contrast when He said, "blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe". We don't need to see with our eyes to believe.

Doubt and unbelief in any form and for any reason are still enemies of faith. We should not make excuses for doubt and unbelief at any time.

Have you ever been guilty of saying "I'll believe it when I see it."? Have you ever stopped to think, "How much have we been programmed to doubt by the unbelieving world around us?"

When it comes to God and the things of God we should never allow ourselves to "demand proof". By doubting God and His word we shut the door to faith operating in our life. Being faithless and weak is not a virtue and is not to be commended.

We are believers not doubters. Believing should be natural for us because our Father created us to believe. He believes and we should believe also...and always be quick to believe God!

Say this:
I believe because I am a believer. God made me to believe Him. I resist all doubt and unbelief. I choose to believe God and what He says with my whole heart.

Pray this:
Lord, Forgive me for the times that I have doubted in the past. I receive Your forgiveness and walk free from all unbelief. I receive Your word and I believe all of it from the beginning to the end. Thank you for helping me build my faith stronger and stronger! In Jesus Name!