In our Case for Christ series at Alive Church, I’ve been talking about the fundamental truths of Christianity: the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Historical documentation and scholarly research all deliver solid evidence that Jesus is who He says He is. But sometimes even the evidence is not enough for us to truly believe.

In part two of our series, Investigating the Case for Christ, I looked at one of the hardest truths of Christianity: doubt.

Christianity is based on the belief that Jesus, who came to Earth as fully God, yet fully man, lived, died and rose again to deliver us from sin. Technically, all we really need to do to be a Christian is to believe in Jesus. But the truth is that doubt has been felt by followers of Christ since the beginning of Christianity, and it’s documented in the Bible.

You might have heard the phrase “doubting Thomas” before. Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples, earned this title because of his words of doubt, forever preserved in the Bible:

“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 of his side.” –John 20:25b

This verse brings forth the fact that all of us wrestle with doubt from time to time. Thomas, who was physically close to Jesus while He was on Earth, wrestled with it. Even John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus, wrestled with it, as shown in Matthew 11:2-3.

Having doubts about who Jesus is and what He can do is natural for all of us. Like Thomas, we all have an “unless”. Thomas wouldn’t believe in God “unless” he physically saw and felt His wounds.

What’s your “unless”?

As I’ve struggled with doubt, the book of Psalms has helped me remember to bring my doubt to God. This week, I encourage you to read the Psalms, where David lays out his doubts, fears, and anger, helping us identify with our own.

Know that I’m praying for you as you recognize your “unless” this week.

In Christ,

Jeff