Thomas Had To Physically See to Believe
How About You?
Are you familiar with the story of the Apostle Thomas? He was one of the twelve who walked with Jesus during His earthly ministry. When Jesus appeared after His resurrection to the Apostles, Thomas was not present. When his comrades told him of their Lord’s visitation, Thomas was skeptical and said he would not believe unless he could see Jesus himself.
Jesus later returned to His followers when Thomas was present. Jesus showed His wounds to Thomas and let him touch them. For Thomas, seeing was believing! However, Jesus took the opportunity to tell him not to walk in unbelief. Further, He said that those who would believe without seeing would be blessed!
Jesus Will Show Up!
Jesus showed up for Thomas even though he did not believe without visible proof. Have you ever been uncertain about seeing Jesus move in your situation? Especially if you have been in a long battle, it can be a daunting task to release doubt. You can really only take on the magnitude of such a challenge with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Choose To Walk In Faith Not Doubt
There are so many promises for healing and restoration in the Bible. Jesus healed all who came to Him. Yet, He did not show the fullness of His power in Nazareth because they did not believe. There it is …the potential effect of unbelief. You are not disqualified because you doubt, but you are called to believe without doubt. If you currently doubt a move of God in your life, release that doubt right now in Jesus’ name. Remember, blessed are those who believe.
Search your heart right now (for it is always a heart issue). Determine where you may be harboring unbelief. Decide, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to release that doubt from your spirit today. Stay focused on God’s promises not on what you may see around you with your natural eyes. Ask for eyes to see what the Spirit of the Lord would have you see rather than what the world would show you. As a Christ follower you are to walk by faith and not by sight. Doubt and faith do not mix. You cannot remain in doubt and walk by faith. It is impossible.
“In The Midst”
Jesus came the second time “the doors being shut, and stood in the midst.” Often it may seem in the natural that every door to victory has been shut. Yet, Jesus is in the midst of each and every situation. Never forget that! And, when two or more are gathered in His name, He is in the midst. So, if you have long been praying, agreeing and believing for a mighty move of God, know that Jesus is in the midst of your personal situation. Remember, blessed are those who believe! He always moves in His perfect time and in His perfect will. Believe without doubt!
It Is A New Day!
This week, really search your heart and ask the Holy Spirit to bring to light any area of unbelief. Release it fully to God and believe without doubt that He is who He says He is and that He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Walk in the fullness of faith. Walk away from the shadow of doubt for doubt casts a dark, hopeless net over your life. Jesus came that you would have life and life more abundant. Walk that out!
It Is Never Too Late!
If you have not yet made the decision to accept Jesus into your heart, do it now. Do not wait another minute. Speak to Him from your heart (for it is always a heart issue). Tell Him you have fallen short in your life. Sincerely apologize for your sins. Ask Him to cleanse you and come into your heart and be Lord over your life. From this moment forward let His Spirit guide you along the narrow road that leads to everlasting life.
Quotes to Ponder This Week
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His Righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” ~Jesus, Matthew 6:33
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” ~Jesus, Matthew 7:7
“And He did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.” ~Jesus-Matthew 13:58
“Take heed that no one deceives you.” ~ Jesus, Matthew 24:4
“For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will come to pass, he will have whatever he says.” ~Mark 11:23
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” ~Jesus, John 10:10
“But Thomas, called Didymus, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” but 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…Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” ~Jesus, John 20:24-27, 29
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” ~Romans 12:2
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” ~2Corinthians 5:17
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” ~Hebrews 11:6
“Behold, I make all things new.” ~ Revelation 21:5
Please Join Me in Prayer
Father God, We thank You for sending Your Son Jesus Christ to set us free. Thank You for the newness of this year. As we stand on the threshold let us take hold of Your Commission to each of us ‘for such a time as this. Though we do not yet see the manifestation of Your promises to us, grace us to believe without doubt. Strengthen our faith and equip us to diligently seek first the kingdom of God.
Let us look forward with anticipation for Your plan for each life this year. Keep us ever present to hear Your voice as You lead and direct our steps. Lead us by Your light to Your perfect will in each of our lives. Great is Your faithfulness, oh God! We thank You that You keep Your hand on America. Forgive our sin and heal our land that we will remain One Nation Under God. We pray this in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen and Amen.
A Prayer Request
Please join us in prayer, covering the issues listed in this link: https://drmicheleburke.org/esthers-warriors-ministry/
May God richly bless the United States of America, bring to light every single crooked place and keep her safe. May we arise united once again as One Nation Under God in this auspicious season in our country’s history. We continue to pray for truth to prevail concerning Benghazi and all issues as we saturate this country in prayer and stand for all that is right in America and for all of us who call ourselves American. These are treacherous times and now more than ever we must maintain our walk. Fail not in this hour. #Pray for America.