Hidden, Doubtful, Alone, Afraid – Some thoughts on fear, From the Edges.

HIDDEN, DOUBTFUL, ALONE, AFRAID –

Pastor Calvin Cook – April 25, 2025

Devotions After Resurrection – From the Edges

Scripture focus: John 20:26-27 A week later the disciples were together again. This time, Thomas was with them. Jesus came in while the doors were still locked and stood in the middle of the group. He greeted his disciples and said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands! Put your hand into my side. Stop doubting and have faith!” (CEV)

What causes us to retreat? I’m not speaking about taking a vacation, I’m speaking about retreating out of fear, doubt, and being afraid. This was what the disciples were experiencing in the days following the physical absence of Jesus. The disciples had become so used to having a physical, present body that they could see, feel, touch, speak to and receive an answer. They had become comfortable with that and now their comfortableness had become uncomfortable, driving them behind locked doors for what might happen at the hands of the religious.

Can we pause and feel the atmosphere in the room, and atmosphere of fear, anguish, upheaval, uncertainty, even mourning that personal physical relationship that they were missing. This is exactly what drives us to loneliness even when there are multiple people around. It is the feeling that takes over because of not having, or knowing, or desiring that personal one-on-one relationship that the disciples had experienced and now was changing. Now, there would be a comforter sent from the Father and Son to those who were claiming Jesus.  

Jesus knew that anguish, especially that of Thomas. We should not give Thomas all the credit for being the only doubter in the room. We see doubt in all involved, and there is much doubt in our own lives today. Thomas found the evidence that this was truly Jesus by being able to touch the nail scared hands, see the side that the roman soldier’s sword pierced. It was physical evidence that was needed and received by Thomas.

What about us today? Are we allowing doubt, loneliness, and fear to take root, instead of letting the Holy Spirit, sent as our Comforter, break into the places we’ve locked ourselves away? Are we ready to surrender completely, even though we can’t see or touch the physical Jesus? Through total surrender, we can experience the Holy Spirit moving, teaching, touching, and growing us in the wisdom and mercy of Christ. This is the transformation we so desperately need in our lives.

What do we need to pray for today, make this personal is it – the doubt you have what God can truly do in your life? Are you not only praying, and then moving on with your busy life, not being willing to notice what God is doing. Or are you to busy worrying about yourself? Are you allowing fear to guide you or faith? Are you lonely because you have not allowed the complete overtaking of the Holy Spirit?

Jesus is saying to you this morning. “I AM HERE!” Reach out grab hold of Jesus. “Stop doubting and have faith!” and then proclaim as Thomas did “You are my Lord and my God!”(John 20:28)