Overcoming Doubt and Fear

John 20:24-29

24 But one of the Twelve, Thomas (called "Twin"), was not with them when Jesus came.

25 So the other disciples kept telling him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "If I don't see the mark of the nails in His hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe!"

26 After eight days His disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, "Peace to you!"

27 Then He said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and observe My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Don't be an unbeliever, but a believer."

28 Thomas responded to Him, "My Lord and my God!"

29 Jesus said, "Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Those who believe without seeing are blessed."

Doubt and Fear are tools the enemy uses to turn you Good Fight of Faith into a disappointing Flight of Faith (Run Forrest Run!) For Forrest, running was a way to put the past behind him. It was a way to ease the pain of losing Jenny. It was a way to run from his past and his life, and it was a way for him to find himself. I’m a lot like Forrest Gump because I decided to start running one day.

Missed Opportunities - We miss our opportunities of love, happiness, career and success because we refuse to learn the lessons that come our way. When a new opportunity comes, we would rather stay safe instead of taking a risk. For years our minds have been running in "auto pilot mode" that alters what you see and prevents you from seeing great opportunities that exist around you.

Verse 24 Thomas’ Missed Opportunity What was his excuse for missing church (doubt and fear)

Verse 25 Unless I see it I won’t believe it. Doubt is the penalty of when we don’t take other believers at their word. Example: not paying attention in church, not remembering what God had said. How many times have you gone through something, only to say “ah, yeah I remember now!”

Verse 26 8 days (New Beginnings) Don’t miss the next opportunity to see for yourself. God is giving us an opportunity to get it right. Don’t let this next one pass you by.

Verse 27 God will show up, to move you beyond doubt and fear, because that was what Thomas wanted and needed. Wants and Needs (“Touch Me” If this is what you want/need in order to believe)

Verse 28 we find How to move beyond doubt and fear, the same way you deal with all other sin, Tell Jesus about it then let it go. Thomas said, “My Lord and My God!” Acknowledge who Jesus is!

Verse 29 Thomas became a believer because he needed Jesus to physically show up. The real blessing comes by just believing. Can you believe by not needing to show up? Him Can you start believing by hearing this Word (Gospel) Can you start believing by what seeing what He has done for others? Can you start believing by remembering what He has already done for you?

Love u more than u know, Steph