October 5: Weekly Reading- Jesus Appears to Doubting Thomas; The Doubtful & Insight Post by Kim Feld

  -   October 6, 2025

Jesus Meets Us in Our Doubts: In His encounter with Thomas, Jesus does not condemn his doubt but instead meets him where he is. Jesus invites us to bring our doubts and questions to Him, and He will provide the assurance we need.

Monday Verse

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5 (NLT)

Monday Questions

Where in my life do I have doubts or questions that I need to bring before Jesus? How can I trust Him to meet me there?

Monday Insight Post
by Kim Feld

I’ve found over the years that when I am feeling disconnected, I’m more prone to doubts. That’s not just in my spiritual life – it’s across the board. When I feel disconnected from friends, it’s easier for me to have doubts about our relationship. It seems to track that when I’m feeling a disconnect from Jesus, I am more likely to feel doubts creep in. 

In our reading, Thomas was not present when Jesus first appeared to the other disciples. We don’t have any details on why he wasn’t there, but it was hard for him to wrap his mind around something that he didn’t see for himself. Have you ever experienced that? I have. When I have missed out on the experiences that others have had, it can be hard for me to fully believe. 

I have found that discouragement plays a role in doubt. When I’m struggling with discouragement, it can be easier for me to doubt the things that I ordinarily fully believe to be true. I wonder if Thomas was feeling discouraged. I can only imagine how the disciples must have felt after Jesus’ death. What they thought was going to happen had changed drastically. Seeing Jesus fully alive changed everything, and once Thomas saw, he believed.

Being part of a community is crucial in helping us deal with discouragement, disconnection, and ultimately doubt. Having a safe place to bring what you are wrestling with can be a huge help. Small groups, volunteering on a team, and regular Sunday morning attendance are ways to connect with others. Sharing our stories with others can help us be connected in a meaningful way. Hearing about what God is doing in someone’s life can strengthen our faith and help alleviate doubt. 

There is purpose in meeting together, and we miss out when we don’t take advantage of it. Take a look at this verse from Hebrews:

²⁵And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:25 (NLT)

During our meeting, we can offer each other encouragement. I don’t know about you, but I sure need that. Who in your life could use a dose of encouragement today?

Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach 

New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org