Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Why do I doubt God?”

Maybe you’ve had moments where your faith felt strong, and then something happened that didn’t make sense. A prayer went unanswered, a  situation fell apart, or maybe life didn’t match what you thought it would. If so, I’d say you’re pretty normal.

One of Jesus’ closest followers, Thomas, is often labeled “Doubting Thomas.” But his story is more honest and more relatable than that. In John 20, we find Thomas in a difficult moment. Jesus had died, and everything Thomas believed about the future seemed to collapse. When the other disciples told him they had seen Jesus alive, Thomas responded:

“I need to see it for myself.”

Some may say that sounds like rebellion, but more so Thomas sounds like someone trying to make sense of what just happened. Sometimes what we call doubt may actually be something deeper.  Maybe it’s grief. 

Grief over what we thought life would look like. Grief over what we lost. Grief over expectations that didn’t come true. And when those things collide with what we believe about God, questions naturally follow. Thomas wasn’t the only one struggling. The other disciples were hiding behind locked doors in fear. Doubt was already in the room.

But here’s what makes this story so powerful, Jesus didn’t avoid Thomas. Eight days later, Jesus came back and met him right where he was. He didn’t shame him and He didn't push him away. He simply invited Thomas to see, to come closer, and to believe. Thomas’ response was immediate: “My Lord and my God.”

Thomas’ story reminds us that doubt doesn’t disqualify you. It can actually be the place where faith begins to grow. 

And Jesus still meets people the same way today. Not after everything is figured out and not after every question is answered. But right in the middle of the questions.