No More Doubts
NO MORE DOUBTS
Read John 20:24-30.
I wish this feeling would never end, Juliana thought as she sat under the stars with her youth group friends. As she and her Christian friends sang God’s praises, she felt closer to Him than ever before. But she’d been to retreats before, and she knew that on Monday morning she wouldn’t feel the same. If I don’t feel close to God on Monday, maybe He isn’t real at all. Juliana tried to forget these ideas, but she couldn’t.
When Juliana arrived home the next day, Mom was busy with dinner preparations. “My cousin, Pauline, is coming for dinner,” Mom explained.
“I didn’t know you had a cousin,” said Juliana as she began to help.
Pauline entertained the family all during dinner with funny stories about Mom’s childhood. “I’m glad I got to know you,” Juliana told her. “And just think, a few hours ago I didn’t know you existed.”
“Shame on your mom for not mentioning me,” Pauline said with a wink. “But I’ve been here all along.”
The words stuck with Juliana. Cousin Pauline’s existence wasn’t dependent on Juliana knowing about her or feeling her presence. It was the same with God. Juliana had doubted God was real because she didn’t always feel His presence.
“Tell us about the retreat,” suggested Mom.
“It was great,” Juliana said. “Really great.”
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever felt God to be especially close, only to be doubtful of His presence when you no longer felt that way? It’s nice to feel God’s presence, but it’s important to know He is there whether you have the feeling or not.
TO MEMORIZE:
Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”
John 20:29
TRUST GOD’S WORD, NOT YOUR FEELINGS.
From the book
