Blessed by Believing

SCRIPTURE
John 20:29-31 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.


OBSERVATION
As I re-read this Scripture, I was reminded of my own personal search for answers about God. I wanted evidence - tangible proof that the Bible was irrefutably true. Eventually, God brought me to a place where I was to walk away or to step out in faith. Obviously, I chose faith.

So, as Jesus is proving Himself to Thomas, he tells the disciples that those who believe without seeing will be blessed. That's us! That's me! That is all current and future believers.

The last sentence of this passage made me realize what a huge responsibility the disciples must have felt . . . to tell others of what they had actually seen. And from those few who saw firsthand sprang forth a church of millions and millions!


APPLICATION
Now that the hard part is over (believing without seeing), it is now this disciple's responsibility to tell others so that they, too, can have life in His name.

I need to remember how I used to doubt, just as Thomas did, and apply those memories to how I am to approach telling others about Jesus. Our responsibility is no less than what was placed upon the original disciples. Of course, we can't do it without the Holy Spirit. But, with the Holy Spirit, we can continue to add to His church and more and more will have life in His name!

PRAYER
Father, thank You for offering me life in Your son's name. Forgive me for ever doubting yet knowing that I and many others would. You are compassionate and all-knowing even in dealing with stubborn individuals and "doubting Thomases'. Assist me, Holy Spirit, in reaching others who doubt the existence of an "unseen" God. May I be as bold, wise and convincing as John was.