Do We Doubt Like Thomas or Sink Like Peter? Holding on to Faith in Every Season of Life

 Do We Doubt Like Thomas or Sink Like Peter? Holding on to Faith in Every Season of Life

              In life, we all face seasons that test our faith. There are times when things feel uncertain, and it’s hard to understand what God is doing. We may feel like nothing is changing or moving forward, and doubts begin to rise in our hearts. But even in those quiet or difficult moments, Jesus reminds us not to lose heart. He said,

 “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

 When we find ourselves waiting or wondering, Jesus calls us to trust in God’s timing and care. He teaches us to seek His kingdom first and not to be anxious about what’s ahead, knowing that our Heavenly Father knows what we need.

 “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33

 Faith grows not only in the big victories but also in the quiet trust during the waiting. Jesus invites us to believe that even when we don’t see it, He is working for our good.

Doubting Like Thomas

Thomas, one of Jesus' twelve disciples, is famously remembered for his doubt. After Jesus’ resurrection, when the other disciples said, "We have seen the Lord," Thomas replied:

 “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails... I will not believe.” – John 20:25

Many of us live in this "Thomas phase" during hard times. When prayers go unanswered or situations worsen, we doubt God's presence, love, and power. Like Thomas, we demand signs, clarity, or physical evidence to believe God is still in control.

 But Jesus, in His grace, appeared to Thomas and said:

 “Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” – John 20:27

 Jesus didn't condemn Thomas but invited him to experience truth firsthand. In our seasons of doubt, He invites us to trust even when we cannot see.

 “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” – John 20:29

Sinking Like Peter

Another striking example is Peter walking on water. When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the sea, Peter boldly said:

“Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

So He said, “Come.” – Matthew 14:28-29

Peter stepped out of the boat — full of faith. But when he saw the wind and waves, he was afraid and began to sink.

“Lord, save me!” he cried.

Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught him. – Matthew 14:30-31

How often are we like Peter? We start with faith — believing for healing, provision, or breakthrough — but as storms intensify, fear replaces faith, and we begin to sink emotionally and spiritually.

The lesson is clear: keep your eyes on Jesus, not on the storm.

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

The Apostle Paul constantly emphasized faith amidst trials. Whether he was imprisoned, shipwrecked, beaten, or facing death, Paul stood firm, writing:

“I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” – Philippians 4:11

Paul teaches us that faith is not a feeling or based on circumstances. It is a decision to trust God no matter what.

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17

Faith isn’t the absence of fear — it’s choosing to believe God is greater than the fear.

How Do We Respond in Our Daily Life?

Sometimes life feels like it’s not moving at all. We might be waiting, unsure, or even struggling inside and we wonder if God sees or hears us. The truth is, no matter what we’re facing, we are invited to bring it all to Jesus. Through prayer and petition, we can pour out our hearts to Him, and trust that He is working even when we can’t see it. Nothing we go through is hidden from God. He knows our thoughts, our needs, and the desires of our hearts.

 Everyone faces challenges in life ,but each person’s struggle looks different. For some, it may be internal battles no one sees. For others, it could be pressures, disappointments, or daily hardships that weigh them down. No matter what it is, the truth remains the same: we all walk through situations that test our faith. But in every one of those moments, Jesus invites us to trust Him. He knows our pain, He understands our burdens, and He promises to walk with us through it all.

Even our trials have purpose. Peter reminds us that these tests are refining our faith:

“These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold.” – 1 Peter 1:7

Paul encourages us to hold on to faith in every season. He wrote,

 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7

 He reminds us again that even when we don’t understand our situation, God is still at work:

 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28

 Faith is not just believing when things go right — it’s trusting God when we don’t understand what’s happening.

 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7

 Even in the silence, even in the waiting, God is near. He is shaping us, growing us, and preparing the best for us. He sees beyond what we can see and calls us to trust that His plans are always good. Faith is choosing to say, “Lord, I trust You,” even when we don’t have the answers.

 When we continue in faith — not by our strength, but by leaning on His promises — we will see His hand in our lives. God honors faith, and He never fails those who trust in Him.

From Doubt to Faith – A Daily Choice

Faith is not a one-time decision; it is a daily walk. Even the strongest believers have moments of doubt or sinking. What matters is not whether we stumble, but whether we reach out to Jesus like Peter and confess like Thomas:

“My Lord and my God!” – John 20:28

 As we grow, let’s remember:

•            Like Thomas, it’s okay to question — but don’t stay there. Seek Jesus.
•            Like Peter, it’s okay to fear — but keep your eyes on Him.
•            Like Paul, it’s okay to suffer — but trust that God’s grace is enough.

Faith That Overcomes

Let this be our prayer in every trial:

 “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” – Mark 9:24

 Faith doesn’t always make sense, but it always pleases God:

 “Without faith it is impossible to please Him...” – Hebrews 11:6

 So whether we feel like doubting Thomas or sinking Peter, let us return to the arms of a faithful Savior who never lets go.

             Choose faith today. Walk with Jesus. Even in the storm, He is near