The blessing of hope!

Reflecting on John 20:24-29

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)

Thomas gets a bad rap because he doubts that Jesus was alive.
He will forever be known as ‘doubting Thomas’.
And those who raise doubts will also be called ‘doubting Thomases’.
And yet in fairness, those who are quick to believe will becalled gullible.
I do not think Jesus is being hard on Thomas for doubting.

Jesus is inviting him to discover the blessing of His resurrection.
Thomas is blessed to see and touch the risen Jesus.
But those who cannot see and touch Him are not less blessed.
Those who believe since that time, without seeing and touching, are also blessed.
That is, we have the wonder and joy of faith, hope and love growing in us.

I have questions and doubts, and yet I still believe.
I am not being gullible; rather I am being hopeful.
In a world locked in death, my heart clings to life and love and hope.
People without hope do not feel blessed; people with hope do… I do!
I choose to live by faith, hope and love, and not drown in despair and death.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I see so much misery and death in our world it is hard to have hope. But I see and touch You by faith, and hope and love grow within me. Use me to help others find faith, hope and love in the midst of their misery and death!