God Meets Us Where We're At

One of my favorite stories that allows me to persevere is the one about Thomas after the resurrection. He's heard from others that Jesus is alive but he's not sure. He asks for proof. Christ in his compassion gives Thomas exactly what he asks for--the chance to touch the resurrected body (John 20.24-29).

Other doubters included John the Baptist, when he had been languishing in prison (Luke 7). "Are you really the one? I had thought so when I baptized you but some things have happened to me that make me not so sure," John seemed to be saying. Jesus sent back a message to John's prison cell that would reassure him, we think, enough to persevere even in the face of his eventual death. After the message was sent, Jesus seemed to tell the crowds, "Don't think that because John wanted reassurance that he's weak. No, there is no one with faith like this and he was doing exactly what God wills. He is the greatest in the kingdom. What you saw in him when he preached in the wilderness is still there; he's still the same man of God."

Gideon too was reassured multiple times as he doubted that he really got God's word. "Okay, you told me I was going to save the nation when it was being attacked by marauders, but now there are armies lining up against us. Am I still the leader you wanted?....Sure, I got that sign. Can we try it again just to make sure I'm not reading this wrong?"

In Second Corinthians, Paul has been reassuring the church there. His ministry has gone through rough patches, but Paul says they're still strong (2 Cor. 6.3-12). "We have spoken honestly with you, and our hearts are open to you. There is no lack of love on our part, but you have withheld your love from us. I am asking you to respond as if you were my own children. Open your hearts to us!" (vv. 11-12 NLT). In response, as a sign of faith, Paul asks for one thing:

Don't team up with unbelievers! (vv. 14-16)

And God will be in our midst. Unbelief cannot reside with belief. Questions and doubts will bring God closer. "I will live among them," Paul quotes from Leviticus 26.12, "and walk among them." This should bring reassurance. We need to avoid being tainted by the scoffers and unbelievers. That will just drag us down till the doubts make us drift away.

If you find this is happening, that your faith-strength is waning because your ministering among those who don't believe, ask God to give you reassurance. What is it you need? A message like John and miracles that prove scripture? Do you need to sense His presence? Do you need a definitive sign that you are indeed on the right path? "Ask and you shall receive. Knock and the door will be opened." (Luke 11.9 abridged)