Seeing is Not Believing
Title: Faith Beyond Sight: Why Seeing Isn't Always Believing
Introduction
Have you ever felt like your faith depended on seeing God move visibly in your life? In a world where "seeing is believing" reigns, it’s easy to hinge our trust in God on tangible evidence. But what if true faith isn’t built on sight alone? Let’s explore the story of Thomas, often called "Doubting Thomas," to uncover what it means to believe without seeing.
The Illusion of "Seeing is Believing"
Remember the viral debate over the dress in 2015? Some saw it as black and blue, others swore it was white and gold. It sparked heated arguments, proving how our perceptions can vary—even when we all look at the same thing.
This phenomenon mirrors how we approach faith. Like Thomas, we can fall into the trap of thinking that unless we see clear evidence, we can’t believe. But is this mindset limiting our relationship with God?
Thomas: The Skeptic in Us All
In John 20, Thomas refused to believe in Jesus' resurrection unless he saw the nail marks and touched His wounds. Despite witnessing countless miracles during Jesus' ministry, Thomas needed physical proof to rekindle his faith.
How often do we act the same? We tell ourselves, If God would just fix my finances, heal my loved one, or answer this prayer, then I’ll believe. But basing our faith on visible signs makes it fragile—what happens when the proof we crave doesn’t come?
Jesus Meets Us in Our Doubts
When Jesus appeared to Thomas a week later, His first words were, “Peace be with you.” He didn’t chastise Thomas for his doubt but met him with grace, offering the evidence Thomas sought. Yet, Jesus called Thomas to a higher faith: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”
This moment reminds us that Jesus understands our struggles with faith. He meets us in our doubts, but He also invites us to trust Him beyond what we can see.
Faith Comes from Hearing, Not Seeing
If faith isn’t about seeing, where does it come from? Romans 10:17 tells us: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
Spending time in Scripture strengthens our belief in God, even in seasons when He feels absent. Reading the Bible:
Grounds us in God’s promises during good times.
Sustains us in moments of doubt and unmet expectations.
Faith grows when we hear God’s Word, reflect on His truth, and trust in His goodness—even when circumstances suggest otherwise.
A Call to Higher Faith
Jesus challenges us to move beyond “seeing is believing.” Instead, He invites us to embrace faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).
What if we chose to trust God more today? To stop waiting for visible signs and instead let the Word of God shape our belief?
Conclusion: Believe and Be Blessed
Like Thomas, we all face moments of doubt. But Jesus reminds us that those who believe without seeing are blessed. Faith isn’t about having all the answers or witnessing every miracle—it’s about trusting in the character and promises of God.
This week, take a step to grow your faith. Dive into Scripture, reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice, and remember that God is always working, even when it’s not visible.