"Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed." John 20:29
There are two kinds of people: those who believe after they have heard the promises of God, and those only after they have seen the evidences. Both lead to an increase of faith in God. However, those who belong to the second category will experience only limited growth. But those who believe purely from the word of God will receive greater blessings and unlimited growth. Those who are in the second category base their trust on physical evidences and reports. They often thrive on other people's energy and successes. But those of the first category will surpass their peers and do things that were never done before. Unlike those of the second category, their thoughts are often unconventional and they root themselves not on popular opinion but on first principles. They have an immovable conviction and persevered in their personal beliefs until they see results.
In John 20, Thomas a disciple of Jesus proclaimed that he would not believe that Christ has resurrected unless he sees and feels for himself the imprint of the nails on Jesus' hands and side. Why did Jesus single out Thomas? Didn't the rest saw the resurrected Jesus before they believed? The reason is because Jesus had told them of His resurrection before He went to the cross. Based on Jesus' word, they should have believed and expected His resurrection. Thomas was singled out because the disciples responded to the news carried by the women and sought out the tomb where Jesus laid whereas Thomas did not. Thomas' approach to faith is based on evidences. Hence, there is no faith at all. Some of us are moved more by people's testimonies rather than by the word of promise. Such are easily discouraged when things are not moving fast enough. They are often attracted to new methodologies, and admire high profile personalities.
In order to affirm Thomas and protect His faith, Jesus showed Thomas His hands and side (John 20:27). Thomas grew in faith that day because of what he saw. However, like Thomas, we all need to take risks and made bold decisions based on God's word and not on resources we could see. Jesus said, "Seek first His kingdom's vision and work, and all that we need will be given to us." (Matthew 6:33). As we take God at His word, we move into action saving souls and healing the sick. We set up ministry platforms to reach out to the world and God will provide for us the resources needed. We take the first step by faith, God will then provide the results.
I make it my lifestyle to rejoice at the face of every challenge, for that is proof of my faith in God. I seek to see the vision of prosperity as God would see it in the future, and by faith I persevere and work it out. The bible said in Galatians 6:9, that we ought not to lose heart, but press on in the good work, and in due time we shall succeed.
Posts
