Doubt, Faith and Resurrection: A Journey to Belief

Doubt, Faith, and the Resurrection: A Journey to Belief

In a world filled with skepticism and uncertainty, it's natural to grapple with doubts about our faith. But what if doubt isn't the end of our spiritual journey, but rather the beginning of a deeper, more authentic relationship with God?

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian faith. It's the hinge upon which everything else turns. Without it, as the Apostle Paul wrote, "our preaching is useless, and so is your faith" (1 Corinthians 15:14). But how can we be sure it really happened? And what does it mean for us today?

Let's start by addressing the elephant in the room: doubt. We often view doubt as the antithesis of faith, but perhaps it's time to reframe our perspective. Doubt isn't necessarily a sign of weak faith; instead, it can be the catalyst for a stronger, more resilient belief.

Consider Thomas, often labeled as "Doubting Thomas." He refused to believe in the resurrection unless he could see and touch Jesus' wounds. But was Thomas really so different from us? If we had witnessed Jesus' brutal crucifixion firsthand, wouldn't we also struggle to believe in His resurrection based solely on secondhand accounts?

The truth is, Thomas wasn't settling for a secondhand faith. He wanted a personal encounter with the risen Christ. And Jesus, in His infinite compassion, gave Thomas exactly what he needed. "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe" (John 20:27).

This encounter transformed Thomas. He went from doubter to devoted follower, eventually traveling farther than any other disciple to spread the Gospel. He even died as a martyr, refusing to deny the Lord he once doubted. Thomas' journey reminds us that doubt, when wrestled with honestly, can lead to a deeper, more unshakeable faith.

But what about us, living two thousand years after these events? How can we believe without seeing? The good news is that we're not asked to believe without evidence. In fact, the resurrection of Jesus is one of the most well-documented events in ancient history.

Consider these facts:

1. The Empty Tomb: Despite being guarded by Roman soldiers, Jesus' tomb was found empty on the third day. The stone, weighing about a ton, was rolled away - not for Jesus' benefit, but so we could see that He had risen.

2. Post-Resurrection Appearances: Jesus appeared to numerous people after His resurrection, including groups of up to 500 at once. These appearances transformed lives, turning doubters into believers and cowards into martyrs.

3. The Rapid Spread of Christianity: Within a few decades, the message of the risen Christ had spread throughout the Roman Empire, despite intense persecution. People were willing to die for this belief - would they do so for a known hoax?

4. Non-Christian Historical Records: Even non-Christian sources from the time acknowledge the existence of Jesus and the rapid growth of the early Church.

The preponderance of evidence points to one conclusion: Jesus Christ truly rose from the dead. As C.S. Lewis famously said, He is either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord. The resurrection leaves no room for middle ground.

But the resurrection isn't just a historical fact to be believed; it's a transformative reality to be lived. It means that death has been defeated. It means that our sins can be forgiven. It means that we serve a living God who desires a personal relationship with each of us.

This is where faith comes in. Faith isn't blind belief; it's trust based on evidence. As we examine the facts, wrestle with our doubts, and open ourselves to encounters with the living God, our faith can grow stronger than our uncertainties.

The invitation is clear: "Taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8). Don't just learn about God; meet Him for yourself. Stop doubting and believe - not out of obligation or fear, but because the evidence points to a loving God who died and rose again for you.

Here's a challenge for those wrestling with doubt:

1. Examine the evidence: Don't be afraid to ask tough questions. God can handle your doubts.

2. Seek personal encounters: Prayer, worship, and studying Scripture can all be ways to experience God's presence.

3. Live as if it's true: What would your life look like if you truly believed in the resurrection? Try living like you believe it on every day that ends with the letter "Y".

4. Connect with others: Find a community of believers where you can openly discuss your doubts and grow in faith together.

Remember, faith that has never been tested may not be genuine faith at all. It's through wrestling with our doubts that we can develop a faith that's unshakeable - a faith loud enough to drown out the whispers of unbelief.

As we reflect on the resurrection, let's not miss its profound implications. It means that no matter what you've done, forgiveness is possible. It means that your prayers are heard by a living God. It means that miracles can still happen today. And ultimately, it means that death is not the end.

In the words of the Psalmist, "The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine on us... You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever" (Psalm 118:27-29).

This Easter, and every day, may we echo the words of Thomas: "My Lord and my God!" May our faith grow louder than our doubts. And may we live in the transformative power of the resurrection, sharing this incredible news with a world in desperate need of hope.

He is risen indeed!