Two weeks ago, I spoke to someone who said they wished they had more faith.  They want to believe but have difficulty believing, always questioning everything.  Last week, someone confided they often have doubts about their faith because prayers go unanswered.  It’s difficult to trust and believe in the midst of suffering.  This week, someone said they hope they’ll go to heaven when they die, but don’t know if they will or not.  They’re worried because they know they’re not perfect and, although they try to follow God’s commands, they do not always get it right.  Lord, we believe.  Help our unbelief.

Fortunately, we don’t have to have all the answers.  We don’t have to get it all right.  We can make mistakes and mess things up because it’s not up to us.  You may have heard that Martin Luther once said, “Sin boldly.”  Here’s the rest of that quote: “God does not save those who are only imaginary sinners. Be a sinner, and let your sins be strong (sin boldly), but let your trust in Christ be stronger, and rejoice in Christ who is the victor over sin, death, and the world.”  Luther didn’t mean for people to go out and sin all the more, rather he meant that when we sin, we can rest assured God’s grace is sufficient and that Christ’s death on the cross really means something.  We are forgiven.  We can trust in Christ and know that God’s grace is sufficient.

We, like Thomas, may have moments of doubt.  We may ask to see Christ’s hands and feet and side.  In these moments, Christ comes to us and grants us what we need.  So, go ahead and pray, “Lord, I believe.  Help my unbelief.”  Faith is a gift from God, and God will give you what you need.

Read Mark 9:21-27 and John 20:24-29, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally!

Annie