Witnessing Through Weakness

I feel sorry for Thomas.  Think about it for a minute.  He sat at the feet of the Master.  It’s sure that he was used as a tool of God to bring many to salvation.  Yet when we think of him, what is the one attribute that comes to mind?  Doubter. 

I can’t help but wonder how many believers will approach him in the Kingdom and ask, “Aren’t you Doubting Thomas?”  What do you think his response will be?  What would your response be?  If I were to let my carnal nature take over I would probably respond with something like, “Yeah, that’s me.  And you are who?  Rude Betty? “   I might even be tempted to wear a T-shirt with something like “Doubt Happens” or “I overcame doubting. Good luck overcoming ugly." 

After a couple of days of being addressed as Doubting Thomas by well meaning brethren, I’d more than likely make my way to the throne room and, respectfully of course, exclaim to the King, “Do you know all the grief that little story of Yours has brought me?!”  

The reality is, Thomas probably won’t have any of those reactions.  In fact, I’m pretty confident being addressed as Doubting Thomas won’t phase him at all.  

Why do I believe that?

In 2 Corinthians 1:3 - 4 the Apostle Paul writes “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

I’m guessing, since Thomas, like Paul, was working off the same Spirit, he was on the same page with what Paul was saying here. Tribulations, trials, bad experiences, all those things, little and big, that happen to us in the course of our walk not only serve to make us better people but can be used by God to comfort, build and encourage others who struggle with their own weakness.

What most likely will be Thomas’ reaction to so many knowing him by one his greatest moments of weakness?  I can think of one word: Thankful.  

Thankful that his story was used to demonstrate the love and patience of our Lord toward us when we fall short.

Thankful that his failing might have been the tool responsible for strengthening and encouraging others who struggle with doubt or disbelief. 

Pondering this I can’t help but ask, how do I view my struggle with past or present weaknesses and failings?  Am I thankful for them?  Or do I, like so many who don’t know Christ, consider admitting weakness as something to avoid at all costs? Do I look back with regret at the times I’ve stumbled, mentally sweeping them under the carpet as if they never happened?  

Or, like Thomas, like Paul, do I view my past failures as tools in the Father’s hands to do His work in the lives of others? Do I see my failures, my weakness as an opportunity to glorify God?

2 Corinthians 12:7 - 10 “And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.  Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.  And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Possibly one of the greatest witnesses we give to others is when they see us struggle. We can pour out our heart about God’s love, His purpose, His mercy and redemption to others till the cows come home but it’s when others see our faith in the midst of trial, in the midst of our failings, that our testimony is heard the loudest. It’s when you and I are at the end of our strength that God’s strength is so apparent in us. 

I hope I have the opportunity to meet Thomas in the Kingdom.  When I greet him, I’ll do my best not to thoughtlessly tack on the “Doubting” title. It might be challenging as it rolls so easily of the tongue.  But if I inadvertently do I’ll be sure to follow up with a word of appreciation for the impact his life, his story, had on those who followed.  And, maybe just to bring a grin to his face, I might even give him one of those t-shirts.