From Doubting To Shouting

Introduction – When Life Leaves You Dazed

Anyone who’s played contact sports knows what a concussion looks like. The player takes a hit, staggers to his feet, eyes glassy, not sure where he is. He’s on the field, but he’s in a fog.

Life can hit like that too. A sudden loss. A phone call in the night. A doctor’s diagnosis. The knock on the door you never wanted to hear. One moment life feels steady, the next you’re reeling. You try to stand, but your world is spinning.

That’s where Thomas was. He wasn’t just doubting—he was dazed. The crucifixion had knocked the wind out of him. He had watched the Lord he loved be arrested, mocked, beaten, and nailed to a cross. He had seen the spear pierce His side. He had watched all his hopes bleed out on Calvary. His faith wasn’t gone, but it was stunned—staggering, gasping, trying to find its footing.

So when the others told him, “We have seen the Lord,” Thomas couldn’t take it in. His mind was still spinning. His heart was still broken. His world was still upside down. He said, “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands, and put my finger in His side, I will not believe.”

But then Jesus showed up. Scars and all. And in that moment, the fog lifted. The dazed disciple found his footing. And Thomas moved from doubting to shouting: “My Lord and my God!”

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1. Doubting in Isolation (John 20:24–25)

Thomas wasn’t with the disciples when Jesus appeared the first time. We don’t know why. Maybe grief drove him into solitude. Maybe fear made him hide. Maybe despair convinced him there was no reason to gather.

But here’s what we do know: he missed the blessing because he missed the meeting. The others saw Jesus and rejoiced. Thomas had only their word, and he wasn’t ready to believe it.

That’s how doubt often begins. When we pull away from God’s people, we risk pulling away from God’s presence. Fellowship is like oxygen for faith. Cut it off, and the flame begins to flicker. Isn’t it true? The seasons when we’re most faithful in worship, prayer, and community are often the seasons when our faith feels strongest. And the seasons when we pull back are often the seasons when our doubts grow the loudest.

Thomas wasn’t with them, and his absence left space for doubt to grow.

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2. Doubting Despite Evidence (Romans 10:17; Luke 24:44–46)

But it wasn’t just absence. Thomas resisted the evidence he already had.

Think about it—he had the Scriptures, the witness of fellow disciples, the empty tomb, and the repeated promises of Jesus. Yet he still demanded more. Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” But Thomas wasn’t listening. He wanted sight instead of hearing. Proof in his hands rather than trust in God’s promises.

And we recognize ourselves in that, don’t we? God gives us His Word. He gives us testimonies of changed lives all around us. He gives us promises that are “yes and amen” in Christ. But still we say, “Lord, just one more sign. One more miracle. One more confirmation. Then I’ll believe.”

There are libraries full of arguments for Christ, but one radiant testimony shines brighter than them all. Thomas had both—the evidence of Scripture and the testimony of his friends—and still he resisted.

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3. Confronted by the Scars (John 20:26–27)

Eight days later, the disciples were gathered again. This time, Thomas was there. The doors were locked, but Jesus appeared among them and said, “Peace be with you.”

And then—He turned straight to Thomas. As if He came back just for him. “Put your finger here. See My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Notice the grace of Jesus. He didn’t shame Thomas. He didn’t scold him for his unbelief. He met him where he was, but He didn’t leave him there. That’s the way He works with us, too. He meets us in our weakness, but He doesn’t let us stay stuck in it.

And here’s something remarkable: Thomas never did touch Him. The text never says he reached out. What broke Thomas wasn’t the touch—it was the sight. The scars were enough.

The scars of Jesus remain the eternal reminder of His love. The only man-made thing in heaven will be the scars on His body. Dowzi, the tribal chief, once showed his scars to prove his loyalty. Jesus shows His scars to prove His love. “In the name of My wounds, I plead the right to be your Lord.”

So when you feel abandoned—look at His scars. When you feel unloved—look at His scars. When you feel unworthy—look at His scars. They are the proof that you matter to Him.