Doubters and Dreamers

“Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were…I will not believe it” John 20:25 NIV.

Thomas knew what he wanted and it defied logic. There was nothing on the horizon that indicated he would receive his heart’s desire. His heart had been broken and he wasn’t going to set himself up for disappointment and pain again. He dared to dream…he chose doubt over faith…demands instead of desires. He was certain of what he didn’t see…his precious friend and teacher walking with him along the shores laughing, joking and serving.

‘Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see’ Hebrews 11:1-2. We know what we want…we have stated our desire…we have determined our dream. However, there are obstacles that stand in our path, creating doubt and uncertainty. We do not see the way it can possibly happen. We want to look forward in faith but our eyes rest on the fact that ‘there are no nail marks’, and no logical way it can occur. Her heart aches from losing a loved one and she convinces herself she will never heal and be happy again. A woman cannot get pregnant and determines that her value is gone and her dream is dead. An exhausted man sees no way out of the entrapments of his job. The list goes on and on…

None of us can judge poor Thomas as we have all been doubters in our dreams. We have all been fearful to claim the desire of our heart in spite of what Jesus taught. The Bible teaches that many times dreams and desires are realized due to our faith. Blessings will come when we choose to believe instead of demanding proof and calculating ways. Thankfully, God is patient with our doubt. While He doesn’t hold it against us He may withhold blessings from us until our faith takes a stand and completely believes. ‘…blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’ John 20:29.

Thomas wanted his friend back even if only temporarily…he got him for eternity. I wanted my daughter to live…she leads women into sobriety testifying to God’s grace. My sister was given 2-4 months…we were blessed with 11 months. My dad was diagnosed in the final stage…God gave us 4 years. Whatever your dream is God will give you more. Don’t dare to dream but believe in what you are asking Him to deliver. It will be more than you could ever comprehend. ‘Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory…’ Eph. 4:20.

Blessed are those…