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“Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.” – Mother Teresa September, 2025 There were times when we lost sight of our guide. Once, our guide told us we could find our own way back to our hotel, but it proved to be challenging. As we were leaving England, our guide got us to the train station but couldn’t come with us. He assured us there would be another guide waiting in France, and there was. Each of these situations required faith: in our guides, in the tour company, and in our own resources. Each time, we followed in faith that we could trust the people who were in control. The Bible is filled with examples of persons of faith who followed God even when they sometimes didn’t know what lay ahead. Abraham followed when God told him to leave his home (Gen. 12:1-5). Joshua followed God’s command to destroy the city of Jericho (Josh. 6). David followed God all his life, although he stumbled at times (1 King. 15:5). Mary heard an angel tell her what her destiny was to be (Luke 1:26-38) and her inspiring response was, “‘I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said.’” (vs. 38 Common English Bible). Jesus called Peter and his brother, Andrew, to “‘. . . fish for people.’” (Matt. 4:19b CEB). And “Right away, they left their nets and followed him.” (vs. 20 CEB). But one of my favorite examples is Thomas. I’m aware that Thomas is better known for his doubts than his faith (John 20:24-29). But on an earlier occasion, Thomas made a bold statement of faith. Jesus had received word that his friend, Lazarus, was gravely ill (John 11:1-3). Jesus told the disciples, “‘Lazarus has died . . . Let’s go to him.’” (John 11:14b, 15b CEB). The disciples knew Jesus’ life would be in danger if he returned to that region (vs. 8). In response, Thomas said to the other disciples, “‘Let us go too so that we may die with Jesus.’” (John 11:16b CEB). Thomas fully expected to die himself, but he was willing to follow Jesus anyway. I don’t know if I could do the same. Thomas’ statement may have been of the same stuff as Peter’s “‘I’ll give up my life for you.’” (John 13:37b CEB). But it might not have been. We know what happened to Peter. When it mattered, he denied three times that he even knew Jesus, much less that he was a disciple (John 18:15-18, 25-27). Thomas didn’t face a similar test yet. When Jesus and the disciples arrived at Bethany, the only one who was dead was Lazarus (John 11:17-18). And when Peter denied knowing Jesus, Thomas and most of the other disciples were nowhere to be found, so we can’t say how Thomas might have responded. We do know Thomas faced his own test, and unfortunately, he failed (John 20:24-25). Thomas had seen Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead just like the other disciples (John 11:38-45). But perhaps believing Jesus himself could rise from the dead was too much. Fortunately, God doesn’t require perfect faith, just faith (Mark 9:14-27, Matt. 17:20). The author of Hebrews wrote, “Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don’t see.” (Heb. 11:1 CEB). Sometimes we have more hope than others. What’s important is that we act on our faith (Jas. 2:17). Every day, we have opportunities to show our faith. It might be by praying before we make decisions or by displaying kindness. The Holy Spirit is our trustworthy guide, and it will not lead us astray (John 16:13). “Jesus replied, ‘Do you believe because you see me? Happy are those who don’t see and yet believe.’” (John 20:29 CEB.) Copyright © 2025 by David
Phelps
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