BELIEVING THAT’S AS GOOD AS SEEING

READING: JOHN 20:24-29

Verse 29: “Jesus said to him, ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”

The Book of Genesis devotes several chapters to the life of Joseph. He had dreams and expectations of being the greatest in his family. Early in his life contrary to that, he was rejected by his brothers and sold away into slavery. However, Genesis 39:2 informs us that the Lord was with him and granted him stature in his environment. Then after a few years, circumstances reversed that stature and Joseph was imprisoned. Even there in prison, according to verse 21, the Lord was with him and he had favor. Next, Genesis 41:16 describes how God was again with Joseph to give him the interpretation of one the king’s dreams. Then at last, the king’s gratitude established Joseph in the position where he was fulfilled as the greatest in his family. During his 13 years of trials and  challenges, Joseph could not see evidence that his vision was being fulfilled, yet he believed in God.  Just as today’s verse says, he did not see but he believed. Joseph practiced that form of faith through his years of hardship. We too have victory when we, in our difficulties, accept what he practiced in his. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What is one belief you have but do not yet see?

2. What causes people to stop believing when they don’t see?