God is always calling us into relationship with Him.

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁰ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. —John 20:19-20

How do you respond when God calls you?

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” ²² And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³ If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” —John 20:21-23

Doubts are a part of life.

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. ²⁵ 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.” —John 20:24-25

Responding to God’s call when we have doubts…

• Honestly take your doubts to God. (v. 25)
• Reach out to friends. (v. 26)
• Use doubt to move you closer to God. (v. 27-28)

Never doubt in the darkness what God has shown you in the light.

God can strengthen your faith through your doubt.

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!” ²⁷ 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.” ²⁸ Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” —John 20:26-28

God reveals Himself through our doubts.

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” —John 20:28-29

Discipleship Guide

Let’s Connect

Are you the type of person who picks up “unknown callers” or do you send them to voicemail?

Let’s Talk About It

When Jesus called people to follow Him, He was leading them somewhere. He is always calling to us and waits for those who follow him to respond even when you have doubts. Doubt is a normal part of the human condition. Thomas doubted but God still used him mightily. When you doubt God’s faithfulness and goodness, take it to God, reach out to friends, and allow your doubt to move you closer to God.

John 20:19-29; Luke 24:11; Mark 16:11-13; Isaiah 49:15, 16

• Which part of the message made an impact, caught your attention or challenged you?

• Read John 20:24-27. How can you identify with Thomas? If you were in Thomas’ position, how might you have responded?

• Share about a time when you doubted your faith or had questions for God. How did you navigate that season?

• Read John 20:28-29. What does it look like to bring your doubts to God? How might doubt be a catalyst for deepening your faith?

• Where are you struggling to believe God, Jesus, His goodness, His faithfulness? How might responding to doubts using the points outlined by Pastor Gregg strengthen your faith in seasons of confusion and doubt?

Take a Step

• As you begin processing any doubts you might have, it’s important to have the support of someone you trust. Identify someone you trust and reach out to them this week.
• SOAP reading: Download the Grace Honolulu app to view this week’s SOAP reading. It’s in the “Bible” section at the bottom banner of the app.

Here’s My Prayer

Father, You are bigger than our doubts or questions. I believe that You draw near to me, even if I have doubts. Please show me how I can move forward with my doubts and questions and show me more of You along the way. In Jesus’ name, amen.