The journey from doubt to devotion is a powerful transformation, beautifully illustrated by the story of Thomas in the Gospels. Often labeled as “Doubting Thomas,” his story is one of moving from skepticism to a profound declaration of faith. At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we strive to “Be the change as Jesus has changed us” through “Just 3” — Study, Share, Serve. Let’s delve into Thomas’s story and discover how we can move from doubt to a deeper faith.
Study: The Transformation of Thomas
Thomas’s journey from doubt to devotion is a testament to the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ. In John 20:24-29, we read about Thomas’s initial skepticism when he hears of Jesus’s resurrection. He famously declares that unless he sees the nail marks in Jesus’s hands and puts his finger where the nails were, he will not believe.
However, when Jesus appears to Thomas and invites him to touch His wounds, Thomas’s doubt is transformed into a profound confession of faith. He declares, “My Lord and my God!” This statement is the highest confession of Jesus’s identity in the Gospels, acknowledging Him as both Lord and God.
Studying Thomas’s story reminds us that doubt is not the enemy of faith but can be a pathway to deeper belief. By engaging with scripture and seeking understanding, we can navigate our own doubts and emerge with a stronger faith.
Share: Encouraging Others in Their Faith Journey
Sharing our faith journeys, especially moments of doubt and transformation, can be incredibly encouraging to others. 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us that God’s power is made perfect in weakness. When we share our struggles and how God has met us in our doubts, we offer hope to those who may be experiencing similar challenges.
At Lakeview Christian Church, we have a community of believers who have walked the path from doubt to devotion. By sharing these stories, we create an environment where questions are welcomed, and faith is nurtured. We encourage one another to seek God, even in moments of uncertainty, trusting that He will meet us where we are.
Serve: Devotion in Action
Serving others is a tangible expression of our devotion to God. Galatians 5:13-14 calls us to serve one another humbly in love. When we serve, we demonstrate our commitment to living out our faith and following Jesus’s example.
Lakeview Christian Church offers various service initiatives that allow us to put our devotion into action. Whether it’s participating in community outreach programs, supporting local charities, or volunteering within the church, these opportunities enable us to live out our faith in practical ways. By serving others, we reflect the love and grace that God has shown us.
Conclusion:
The journey from doubt to devotion is a powerful testament to the transformative power of encountering Jesus. By studying scripture, sharing our faith journeys, and serving others, we can move from skepticism to a deeper faith. This aligns with the mission of Lakeview Christian Church to “Be the change as Jesus has changed us” through “Just 3” — Study, Share, Serve. Let us embrace the journey from doubt to devotion and live out our faith with confidence and love.
