Day 20

Scripture

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” – John 20:29 (The words of Jesus)

Devotional

This chapter includes 3 stories of Jesus’ followers discovering that he has risen from the dead. All 3 stories are very different, but uniquely powerful.

In the first story, we have Peter and John hearing from Mary Magdalene that the tomb is empty. In a foot race to the tomb that John clearly states he won, they discover that Jesus’ body is no longer there. John 20:8 says, “Finally, the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed.” This is important. They did not know Jesus’ full plan, or I should say understood it, because Jesus spoke clearly what the Father’s plan was. Yet, they believed fully without even seeing Jesus with their own eyes.

In the second story, we have Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb crying because she does not know where Jesus’ body has gone. Jesus came and began to speak with her, but she did not recognize him until he spoke her name…“Mary”. That is when she knew and believed that Jesus was who he said he was and did what he said he was going to do. She had seen the Lord.

In the last story, we hear the disciple Thomas say, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Jesus gave him that exact opportunity by meeting with Thomas, allowing him to see and feel what he needed to in order to believe.

The point is that Jesus meets us exactly where we are and helps us in the exact way we need. Maybe we are able to believe in what God is doing without seeing it with our own eyes. Maybe we are so focused on something else that we need Jesus to come to us and speak our name to get our attention. And maybe, because of our doubts, we need to see and feel evidence of him in order to believe.

The one thing I want to remind you of today is that God will meet you where you are and give you what you need. Yet Jesus also says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (20:29) Let us remember that even when we don’t see it or feel it, he is working. He never stops working. He is a way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, and a light in the darkness. That is who our God is. So let’s continue to believe and be blessed.

Prayer

“Jesus, thank you for meeting me where I am. Help me in those times where I am struggling to understand how you are working, where you are working, and when you are moving. Remind me of your faithfulness, and give me the courage to know without a doubt that you will come through. Amen.”