Jesus Loved us Despite our Doubts

“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.’” John 20:27 NIV

If you’re like most runners, you’ve probably wondered whether your hips are too tight or too weak, especially if your gait is off or you’re experiencing any pain in the hip flexor area. Thankfully, Runner’s World posted an article recently that addressed this issue, explaining that strong and healthy hip flexors bring the leg forward easily and powerfully while you run, so if those muscles are tight or weak, you won’t run as efficiently. Instead, you may feel pain in your hips during or after your workout, and tight or weak hip flexors can start a chain reaction of poor mechanics throughout your body that end up manifesting themselves as injuries. Fortunately, there’s a quick test to determine if your hips are weak or tight. Called the Thomas Test, this simple and effective test diagnoses weak or tight hips. Because there are five muscles in the hip flexor group—the psoas major, iliacus, rectus femoris, sartorius, and pectineus—the results of the Thomas Test can help determine which specific muscle needs to be strengthened or stretched to support the hip joints in your quest to run pain-free. That’s great news for those runners who might have ‘doubted’ that the diagnosis and treatment for hip issues could be so easy. 

Speaking of doubt, as we get ready to celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ, it’s a great time to be thankful for the kindness and compassion that Jesus had for those who disbelieved Him—kindness and compassion He showed to the apostle Thomas (aka Doubting Thomas) when He “doubted” the testimonies of those who had seen Jesus and said “We have seen the Lord!” Rather than taking them at their word and believing that Jesus had come back as He said He would, Thomas said “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.” The Bible tells us that “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!” 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.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!’” Is that a beautiful story of Jesus’ love or what? He could have chided Thomas for his lack of faith but chose, instead, to give him the reassurance he longed for. 

Isn’t that just like our God though? From the beginning of the biblical narrative in Genesis, God planned for the redemption of fallen mankind through a promised Savior—redemption that was free to all who would turn from their wrongdoing, doubt or denial and place their trust in Him. Why? Because God so loved the world…

So, let us begin this Good Friday by thanking God for giving us his one and only Son my friend. And then, in light of that priceless gift, let us spread the Good News of the Gospel so that all would come to know Jesus as their Savior and gain the eternal life that Jesus promises all those who accept the free gift of salvation.  

Heavenly Father, thank You for making a way when there seemed to be no way and for loving us when we didn’t love You back. Thank You also Lord for extending compassion on us when we doubted You as Thomas did, denied You as Peter did, and deserted You as the other apostles did. As we honor the death and burial of Jesus and then celebrate His glorious resurrection, help us to be so overwhelmed with awe and gratitude that we can’t help but tell others about the amazing love and compassion of the Father and invite them to experience it for themselves. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!