Jesus said, "So, you believe because you've seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing."
These words were spoken by the resurrected Christ to the disciples, in particular Thomas who would not believe unless he saw Jesus with his own eyes. Seven days earlier, Jesus had appeared to the other disciples gathered together behind locked doors as they were afraid of attack by the Jews, and Thomas was not there.
When told by others that they had seen the Master, Thomas said: .. "Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won't believe it."
26 Eight days later, his disciples were again in the same room. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, "Peace to you." John 20 vs. 19 - 29: [The Message]
I am writing this devotional in order to encourage you. God has many ways of reaching out to His people in times of need, questioning and desperation. He is using me today because I answered His call, "Here I am – send me!"
God is calling you and me to believe, even without seeing any sign of Jesus' coming or of any answer to our prayers. Let's strengthen ourselves by the fact that the reason why we have not yet seen manifestation of our prayers and petitions is because God has "better blessings" in store for us. When Lazarus was resurrected from the dead in John chapter 11, Jesus deliberately delayed going to heal him, while he was still alive. He wanted people to know that they could see God's glory if only they kept on believing.
By this I am not suggesting you and I must wait until we die and then see God resurrect us. That would be testing God and in line with what the Devil wants. Rather it is about God's timing. He often delays not only for His greater glory to be seen but, also to ensure when we get the miracle, there will not be any doubt or question as to Who did it.
Often when we receive answers to our prayers, there is a tendency for us to say, I did this and that….. While it's true we have a part to play in answered prayers, we should never make the mistake of diminishing or taking or giving God's glory to people, medicine or luck, when we receive the breakthrough we need! There is nothing called luck, but only what God has given us - His blessing and unmerited favour.
While Thomas was saying to others …"I won't believe it", guess what? Jesus was hearing the conversation. So don't be deceived by the Devil, that what we say does not matter in the unseen realms. Also know that God has no distance and barriers. He is everywhere, in public and private places and so when you pray behind those closed doors He is hearing. Only believe - a better answer is on the way.
Farai Mutsambiwa
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