Acts 1:3 "After His suffering, He showed Himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God."

Have you ever doubted -- doubted whether you would be able to pay the bills, find that new job, or even that Jesus really lived and died for you?

Thomas is probably the best-known doubter. He doubted that Jesus had really risen. Thomas said, "Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put...my hand into His side, I will not believe" (John 20:25).

Knowing Thomas' doubt, Jesus appeared to Thomas and showed him His hands, feet, and side. Jesus asked Thomas to touch Him and see that His crucified body was indeed alive again. He told him to stop doubting and believe.

Jesus didn't abandon or forsake doubting Thomas; He convinced him. Jesus does the same for us. He comes to us through His Word, and through His body and blood in the Lord's supper, to remove our doubts and convince us that He is indeed alive and with us. Jesus turns our doubts into confident faith so that, like Thomas, we exclaim, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28).

PRAYER: Dearest Jesus, when we are full of doubt, show Yourself to us through Your word and Sacraments, and assure us of Your loving presence. Amen.

(Taken from "Words of Promise," copyright 1996, Concordia Publishing House (out of print). For information on other devotional materials, call 1-800-325-3040.)

Today's Bible Readings: Ecclesiastes 1-3    Acts 9:1-22

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