"No Doubt," John 20: 19-31, Pastor Richard Strode
It is easy to praise the Lord when our blessings are evident, and prayers are answered. However, there will be times of challenge, difficulty, when things are not going well, and we wonder if the Lord still cares and hears our prayers. We are all subject to doubt: feeling uncertain or unconvinced that things will work out for the best. In the Old Testament Adam and Eve doubted God's command regarding the Tree of Life and rebelled. Moses questioned God's calling upon him to liberate the Israelite. In the New Testament both Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist and Mary, the mother of Jesus doubted they could produce new life. We are Resurrection people whose faith relies on the witness, testimony of others and Scripture that Jesus rose from the dead and is preparing a place for us with Him when He returns. Some are like Thomas who doubt but can be convinced to continue their faith journey only after they have sufficient information. The Lord welcomes our doubts with responses which removes our uncertainties. What matters most is that we go forward and live out our calling to make disciples for the Lord. Our belief is that we may never have all the answers, but we live life trusting that the Lord will answer our prayers.