It’s really weird to consider how wishy-washy we can be.  At times it does not seem to take us long to swing from one opinion to another and possibly back again.  And we sometimes seem to do it with our faith.

Have you ever had things go wrong and suddenly begin to wonder if God really cares for you?

I have.

But I am SO glad that God has given us examples to learn from – especially the disciples who seemed to be as thick-headed as we often are.

Consider Thomas.  When Jesus and the disciples heard that their friend Lazarus died, Jesus went.  However, Lazarus lived just outside of Jerusalem, and the religious Jews desperately wanted to kill Him.  The disciples tried to talk Jesus out of going, but it didn’t work.  So, Thomas stepped up and made a powerful statement before they went to what could be trouble: “Then Thomas (called ‘Twin’) said to his fellow disciples, ‘Let’s go too so that we may die with Him.’” (John 11:16)

Thomas showed great courage, and that trip did not end in disaster.  However, later they would face the time of Jesus’ death, and Thomas was not as courageous.  He ran away like the rest of the disciples.

But Jesus rose from the dead, and the other disciples got to see Him and spend some time with Him.  Thomas was not with them at that time, and he was so discouraged that he could not believe what they told him.  He said that he wouldn’t believe unless He saw the nail prints and the spear wound for himself.

A week later, Thomas did get to see, and we read in John 20:26-29: “A week later His disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them.  Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’  Then He said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and look at My hands.  Reach out your hand and put it into My side.  Don’t be faithless, but believe.’  Thomas responded to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’”

Jesus came back to show Thomas that it was true, and Thomas changed his tune.  Instead of discouragement, Thomas now had determination and joy because of Jesus.

We often think poorly of Thomas for doubting, but he simply was an honest man.  He could not pretend.  And the good news is that Jesus can work with that kind of honesty.

Jesus knows what you face, feel, and think.  And if you are willing to trust Him, He times His answer to your prayers perfectly.

If you are honest with Him, He can work with it.  He honors honest seekers.  He loves increasing our faith and deepening our wisdom.  He longs to give us a vision for what He can and will do in our lives.

Even though I’ve had my wishy-washy moments, I am SO glad that God can work with it.  You can be too.

Be honest in your prayers to Him.  Ask for His strength, peace, and answer.  Keep holding on even when you don’t see where the finish line is.  Trust, and He will move.

Check out Todd Mullins book on this for more ideas…