Do We Need Proof?
LENT 2025 DEVOTIONAL:
This Lent Devotional will continue for three more days after Easter, from Monday to Wednesday, so as to complete the entire Gospel of John.
John 20:19-31 (NIV)
(John Chan, Steward, Local Church Executive Committee)
This passage describes Jesus appearing to His disciples after His resurrection, and offering His disciples peace and giving them the Holy Spirit.
Jesus’ appearance to the disciples is a reminder that Jesus is with us in the midst of the storms in our life, and when we have doubts and fears. Having Jesus’ presence with us, we can have the peace which surpasses all understanding, peace which the world cannot give us, and peace that comes when we most need it.
When I am faced with challenges, doubts and fears, whom do I turn to for advice and what do I do to manage the stresses? I am reminded that I should turn to God first before anyone or anything else in prayers and reading of His word to get the peace, clarity and wisdom needed.
Although we cannot see Jesus’ physical presence, He has given us the Holy Spirit so that we can experience intimacy with Him . Through the Holy Spirit we are empowered to do His work and do not have to rely on our own strength.
Very often I have doubts about my ability to accomplish certain tasks or feel inadequately equipped to handle certain issues. However when I turn to Jesus, laying bare my doubts and inadequacies, and entrusting the situation to Him, I have the confidence to press on knowing the Holy Spirit has empowered me and Jesus’ presence is here with me.
But some of us may still have doubts like Thomas. Thomas said, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side” (NLT). Jesus replied with a punchline, “Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” How Jesus allowed Thomas to doubt, to touch the wounds on his body shows patience, forgiveness and mercy.
Faith before action, or action before faith? This was a yo-yo tension I used to struggle with. I have no doubt Jesus is here. I have no doubt I have the Holy Spirit’s empowerment. I have made the decision to believe. So now my faith is in action, and in action I have faith. How about you?
Reflection Questions:
1. In the midst of your storms, doubts and fears, whom do you turn to and what do you do to get peace, strength and clarity?
2. How have you depended on the Holy Spirit to be more intimate with God? Recall an occasion where you felt inadequate but overcame certain challenges through the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. How can you not be faithless any longer? How can you express trust in God in your life?
