Day 27 - Lent 2026

Lenten Devotion

Elder Lissa Nelson-Neal

Scripture:

John 20:24-27 - NIV

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Question:  When does your THOMAS show up?

The disciple Thomas is often called the “Doubting Thomas”.  We should not judge him because truth be told his story reflects ours.  When do you doubt God’s living presence in your life?  Do we lean on our own understanding? Do you lack the faith in God’s unfailing hand? Jesus reaches out to us individually and extends his hands. His hands touch our individual & unique situations. Jesus knows your heart and he speaks to your doubts and said, “put it into my side.”  So, do you focus on the holes in your life? Do you see holes in your finances, qualifications, professional connections, health, fears, parenting skills, marriage and job status?  Reach out and put your hands in Jesus side. Notice, Jesus enters the room through the locked doors of the world. Have faith, Jesus will take you through the locked doors. Jesus enters doors that are locked to us and offers peace. The first thing he offers is peace. Have faith, let him unlock the doors for you. Reach out your hands to Jesus. Let him heal your holes and take his peace. Leave your Thomas at the door. 

Prayer:

You are the God of resurrection. You are the God that comes through the locked doors and barriers of the world. You are the God that invites us to put our doubts away and put our hands to your side. You are the God that offers us peace in exchange for our doubts and fears. You are a God of peace and healing.  This Lenten season let us put away our limiting thoughts that hold us back. You have commanded us to “Stop doubting and believe”! Holy Spirit help us turn our fear into faith and leave the Doubting Thomas version of ourselves at the door! Thank you, Father for extending your hands and mercy in our lives!