Believe!

“Do not persist in your unbelief, but believe!” John 20:27

Like doubting St. Thomas, I should be called doubting Patsy! Many times I have to deal with my lack of faith, and I resort to the father’s prayer in Mark 9:24, “I believe, help my unbelief!” And I know Jesus will help us because, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” (Mark 9:23)

We can pray that like St. Thomas, Jesus will meet us where we are and show us His face and His wounds so our faith will grow. St. Thomas’ faith became so strong that according to tradition, he preached about Jesus all over up to India, until he was martyred and buried in Mylapore! 

"Throughout his journeying, St. Thomas took with him the firm belief that just as He did for him, Jesus will do whatever is necessary for each person to come to faith." (Word Among Us) 

This weekend I attended a retreat and heard many testimonies about what can happen if we have expectant faith. Even when we have doubts! Bobby Quitain, a lawyer who gave up his practice to become a preacher, told us of one time he was asked to speak to a big group of businessmen. He was quite dismayed because it was raining hard and the rain hitting the galvanized iron roof made it difficult to hear and understand what was going on. Before it was his turn to speak, he sensed God saying to him, “Call the leaders to the back of the stage and together pray for the rain to stop.” Although Bobby was hesitant, he decided to obey. At the back of the stage, they asked God to put a stop to the rain. When Bobby took the microphone, it stopped raining. Then when he ended his talk and said something about an outpouring of blessings, the rain fell in torrents! Bobby felt God’s hand in orchestrating that drama! 

We need not be timid! Even with all our doubts, Jesus is journeying with us!