Do not be unbelieving, but believing. (John 20:27, NASB)
Jesus’ words to Thomas resonated with me this morning. They echo Jesus’ earlier words to the disciples the night before his crucifixion.
Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. (John 14:1)
In a world filled with trouble, we have hope. We have hope because of the resurrection.
Peter talks about that hope we have.
Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.
You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5)
As I said a few days ago, the world is not our home. We have something far greater awaiting us.
For that reason, Peter said,
You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:6-7)
That’s the hope we cling to.
But we need choose to believe.
To a large degree, after the resurrection, it was easy for Thomas to believe. After all, he saw the risen Lord with his own eyes and was able to touch Jesus’ hands and his side.
But Jesus told him,
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe. (John 20:29)
Peter would later remember these words and say this to people like us who had never seen Jesus with their own eyes.
Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:8-9)
Are you troubled by all that is going on in the world? Are you struggling with personal trials?
Remember the resurrection. Remember the hope we have in Jesus. Trust the Father. Trust Jesus.
Do not be unbelieving, but believing.
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 