It’s common to hear people justify their doubts by the fact that Thomas was a doubter. My brother, my sister, each of us has flaws, weaknesses and things that are too ugly that we cannot mention about our character. Now, it is the way theses flaws are used which can cause problems. Now, Thomas is often remembered as ‘doubting Thomas’, but his faith says something else about His doubts!
Yes, Th…omas was a doubter, but his doubts had a purpose: he wanted to know the truth. This is different from what many people do when they doubt. Thomas did not idolise his doubts and he surrendered and believed when given reasons to do so. The fact is, Thomas expressed his doubts fully and had them answered completely. In other words, doubting was how Thomas tried to understand and to find answers, not his way of life.
My friend, we can doubt without having to live a doubting way of life. Doubt encourages reflection and its purpose should be to sharpen our mind to bring about change, and certainly not to question things we do not understand or are unable to explain. As long as the doubt does not become a permanent state, but leads us to ask questions to get answers to push us to make a decision for example, then it is alright. Therefore, when we experience doubt, we should take encouragement from Thomas. He did not stay in his doubt but allowed Jesus to bring him to belief. My friend, don’t ever settle in doubts, but use your doubts to make a decision and strengthen your convictions by seeking the Lord that has all the truth and allow Him to tell you like He told Thomas: “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing” (John 20:27-28). Learn to express your doubts. Don’t silent them. The greatest mistake is not to express them. And know that the devil will make use of your doubts by instilling fear and making things look worse if you don’t want to abandon them to the Lord Jesus. Take also remember always that countless other Christians have struggled with doubts… so find another believer with whom you can share your doubts. Stay blessed in Jesus’ name.