John 20:19-31

40 Days of John

Day 38: John 20:19-31

"Then Jesus told him, 'Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'"

"-John 20:29

Jesus goes to the disciples and shows them the marks on His hands and in His side.  He brings them peace, breathes on them, and gives them the Holy Spirit, officially sending them into the world to do His works.

And then, there's Thomas who missed the whole encounter with Jesus.  We see him struggle to fully believe what has happened because He didn't see Jesus himself.  He wasn't there. 

A week full of doubt and longing goes by for Thomas.  And then, Jesus comes to Thomas.  Did you notice that Jesus knows exactly how Thomas is feeling without actually being in the room with him?  He gives Thomas exactly what He needs, though not right away.

And Jesus reminds us that "blessed" are those of us who have not seen Him and believe.

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for knowing me, for hearing me, and for loving me.  Thank You for all the ways You answer my prayers in Your perfect and purposeful time.

Forgive me for all the ways I am impatient as I pray.  Help me to rest and trust in You, believing even when I don't see and understand.

I pray for all those that read this post, that Your Holy Spirit would fill them with Your awesome promises, sustaining and encouraging them in the ways they need You most...like You did for Thomas.

I pray for our families, our neighbors near and far, our friends, and the strangers You purposefully put in our lives.  May You bless them, Lord, with Your sure presence that began in a manger.

You are the light of the world, our Rock and our Redeemer.

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

Grace and peace,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.