Thomas replied to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are the people who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:28-29
New English Translation
You don’t have to see to believe. You didn’t have to be at my birth to believe I was truly born, the evidence is in the fact that I’m alive and breathing. You didn’t have to see Shakespeare write his works to know that he was a literary genius, the evidence was in the lasting praise for his work. You don’t have to see Jesus’ miracles to believe in Him either.
Part of having faith is being willing to say even if I don’t see the miracle I seek, I still believe.
A lot of times, people can put requirements on God that were never meant to be. They demand a sign, a miracle. They say that if only this one things happens, then they will believe. Yet, faith doesn’t require sight. Faith requires trust.
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
New English Translation
See, when we truly trust God, we believe that, even if we can’t see how it could happen or can’t see it happening the way we want, He’s going to do what is best. It’s like when you have someone cut your hair for many years. Eventually, you’ve gone to them enough that you trust them and believe if you give them the okay to cut your hair however they see fit they’ll do what is best for you. If we can put that much trust in someone cutting our hair, how come we find it so hard to put that kind of trust in God?
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth by their unrighteousness, because what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, because they are understood through what has been made. So people are without excuse. Romans 1:18-20
New English Translation
While we’re waiting around for an “ah-ha” moment to prove God is real or that He loves us or whatever we’re trying to prove, we’re missing out on the evidence of His existence and goodness all around us. What Paul was saying in Romans is that by looking at God’s very creation we can learn more about God and see Him revealed to us. Just like a human artist puts part of himself in his work, God puts a piece of Himself for all to see in His work. We just have to take the time to notice it.
Sadly, we often get so distracted by what we want to see that we miss out on what is right in front of us. There are some blessings that everyone gets to see and enjoy, such as God’s nature. But, each person gets their own little blessings revealing something about God that they need to learn. Your blessings can be your family. Maybe your church. It could be your talents. You could find blessing in a loving pet. Possibly it’s a warm home to live in. Really, the options are limitless.
So, we believe without seeing everything the first disciples saw, though we may experience miracles here and there, we’re not them and are not going to have the same experience. Yet, we’ve not been left with nothing to encourage us and show the goodness of who God is. We just need to change perspective and be willing to recognize it and be satisfied with it. If we’re constantly wanting more, than we’re never grateful for what we have. Yes, seek after God, seek after knowing Him more, but also rejoice in what you have now. Why would He want to give you more if you’re not happy with what He already given you?