Ok so I know it's been forever since I've really written on here, but I just fell out of the routine of blogging. Nonetheless, I'm going to try to get back on board and write more often. I definitely HAD to blog today. For some reason, God struck me with Scripture today. It was a tiny part of a verse that I would normally overlook, and I've read this passage numerous times before, and never thought anything of it. So naturally, being that God opened my eyes to it today, I had to share it with you! Here it is:
John 20:24-29 NLT
"One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, 'We have seen the Lord!' But he replied, 'I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side,' Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked, but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. 'Peace be with you,' he said. Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don't be faithless any longer. Believe!' 'My Lord and my God!' Thomas exclaimed. Then Jesus told him, 'You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.'"
First off, wow. It never ceases to astonish me that this man (Thomas) left his entire life to follow Jesus in his ministry, and then doesn't believe when Jesus rises from the grave. I mean, the whole time Jesus is preparing his disciples. He even poses the question to them, who do they think He is? So let's just realistically picture this. You hear about this man who (in that time period) has this radical claim of being the Son of God. You meet him. He IS the Son of God. You leave everything except the clothes on your back to follow this man. And then, when He does what He says He's going to do (be crucified and rise again), you don't believe it! Whatttt!! I mean, I understand it's hard to grasp, but you left everything, why start doubting now? Ok ok.. but that's not the part that God struck me with..
When you're feeling down, lost, or don't even know God but you're looking for him, the Bible tells us that we can have direct contact with him. HE will reveal himself to you if you ask. "Come near to God and he will come near to you." James 4:8
How awesome that after EVERYTHING Jesus Christ endured for you, for me, for Thomas -- He still revealed himself to Thomas. Thomas didn't believe, but God still took the time to make direct contact with Thomas -- giving him exactly what he needed. He didn't say Oh well.. I told you.. I died for you.. became unrecognizable for you.. and now this is how you repay me? forget you. --- nope. I LOVE that God has compassion for us. Here's the part that struck me though. "Eight days later the disciples were together again," -- EIGHT DAYS LATER.. Jesus was going to meet Thomas' need, no doubt about it. But Jesus didn't go to him that night, the next day or even the next day. God has perfect and divine timing even if we can't see how or why things sometimes take longer than we would want. But then again, we also can't see our lives stretched before us. Many times people want to find God, but pray, and without getting an obvious immediate response, give up. I am urging you --- if you are looking for Jesus, even if you aren't lol -- pray with patience! The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing.. aka pray, pray, pray! You might not think that God is drawing near, but he will speak to those repentant hearts that are seeking him. Don't be discouraged if you don't get that immediate - on the spot - God moment --- He may be speaking to you in soft, quiet ways, that you just haven't learned are Him, yet. Also, get together with a strong Christian -- a friend you know, a pastor, a leader in the church, whatever. Even if we're not friends, I'm always down for a conversation.
OK, so basically... Believers, DON'T BE DISCOURAGED! Trust that God's timing is the best timing (easier said than done, but you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength!)
I don't have to worry about timing because God is love.
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