From Questions to Confession

Devotional: From Questions to Confession
 
Scripture Focus
 
John 20:27–28 (NASB)
“Do not continue in disbelief, but be a believer.”
Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”

Sermon Reflection
 
There is a difference between refusing to believe and struggling to believe. That is where this message presses on us.
So often, when we think about Thomas, we label him as “doubting Thomas.” But when we look closely, we see something deeper. Thomas was not rejecting Jesus. He was trying to reconcile what he had experienced with what he was now hearing. He saw Jesus die. He felt the weight of that loss. And now he is told, “He’s alive.” That is not easy to process.
And if we are honest, many of us live in that same tension. We know what God has said, but life has shown us something different. We have seen pain, disappointment, and confusion. And somewhere in that space, questions rise. But here is what we learn from Thomas: Questions are not the absence of faith. They reveal where our faith is weak. And the beauty of the gospel is this: Jesus does not avoid us in that place. He meets us there.
When Jesus shows up, He does not shame Thomas. He does not rebuke him harshly. He speaks directly to his struggle. He steps into his questions. And in that moment, Jesus does not just give Thomas answers, He gives him Himself. And when Thomas sees Him, everything changes. He moves from questioning…to confession. From uncertainty…to surrender. “My Lord… and my God.” That is the goal of faith. Not just understanding, but worship.

How I Should Respond
 
I need to be honest about where I am. If I am struggling, I do not need to hide it or pretend. I can bring my questions to the Lord. He is not intimidated by them. But I also need to examine my heart. Am I seeking clarity, or am I resisting what God has already revealed? There is a difference. I must continue to follow Him, even when I do not fully understand. Faith is not having every answer, it is trusting the One who does.
And when Jesus reveals Himself through His Word, through His presence, through His work in my life, I must respond. Not just with more questions…But with surrender. He is not just “a Lord.” He must become my Lord. He is not just “God.” He must become my God.
 

Weekly Prayer
 
Lord,
You see where I struggle. You know the questions I carry and the places where my faith feels weak. Thank You that You do not turn away from me in those moments, but You meet me with grace and truth.
Help me to trust You, even when I do not fully understand. Strengthen my faith where it is weak. Remind me of who You are and what You have already revealed. And when You show Yourself to me, give me a heart that responds with surrender. Let my life declare, not just with words but with obedience, “My Lord and my God.”
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Application for the Week (5-Day Plan)
 
Day 1: Identify the Tension
Take time to reflect. Where in your life are you struggling to reconcile what you know about God with what you are experiencing? Write it down and bring it before Him in prayer.
Day 2: Stay Present, Don’t Withdraw
Thomas stayed connected to the disciples even in his struggle. Make a commitment to stay engaged in the Word, in prayer, and in community this week.
Day 3: Be Honest with God
Pray like the father in Mark 9:24, “I believe; help my unbelief.” Bring your real thoughts and emotions to God without filtering them.
Day 4: Look for Jesus in the Middle of It
Pay attention to how God is revealing Himself. Through Scripture, through a conversation, through a moment of conviction or clarity. Don’t miss His presence.
Day 5: Make It Personal
Take time to declare who Jesus is in your life. Say it out loud if you can, “You are my Lord and my God.” Then ask, what in my life needs to come under His lordship?

Final Thought
 
Jesus did not reject Thomas for his struggle. He met him in it. And the same Jesus is still willing to step into your questions, your uncertainty, and your pain. Not to shame you, but to reveal Himself to you. The question is not whether He will show up. The question is, when He does…Will you respond?