Weekend Music links on iTunes: God is with Us by Michael Olson; All Because of Jesus by Fee; Strong Tower by Kutless; Come Thou Fount arranged by Canvas.

Read: Gen. 3:10; James 1:5-8

Think: While “fake it ‘til you make it” may be sound advice in some circumstances where you need to portray confidence until you master a skill, it is deadly to one’s spiritual life. If you are struggling with belief in God or another aspect of faith you may find that you are wearing a mask of what you think a “real” believer would look like or act like.  The longer you wear that mask, the more you are alienated from God, who by the way, isn’t fooled, and from others who may be able to help you.

If you are asking questions, you can be assured that you are not the first person who wondered about whatever the issue may be. There are answers. Pastor reminded us on Sunday that our small groups are a great place to work out whatever we may be dealing with. God says in Proverbs 13:20, “he who walks with the wise grows wise”. Talk openly with those whose faith you admire, ask the questions that you have. If they don’t have the answers, they may be able to direct you to an author, or other resources. Or, talk with a pastor. Just don’t continue in the world’s advice to “fake it ‘til you make it”.

Do: Deal with your doubts. Seek answers.  In James 1:6&8, the Bible says that “one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind”. “He is double-minded, and unstable in all he does.” Feeling unstable and tossed about is no way to live. Remember, God desires authenticity in our relationship with Him. A real relationship with God is exciting and rewarding. Well worth pursuing.

Pray: God, thank you that your shoulders are big enough to handle my doubts and fears. Help me to be courageous enough to take off the mask I’ve been hiding behind. As I seek answers, please reveal yourself to me. I desire an authentic relationship with you and I know that’s what you want from me. Amen

The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.

4505 236th Ave. NE • Redmond, WA 98053 • 425-869-4400 • info@timberlakeonline.org

Daily Devotional: Wednesday, March 24

Speaker: Ben Sigman

Theme: Reality (Truth)

Weekend Music links on iTunes: Your Grace is Enough by Chris Tomlin; Let the Praises Ring by Lincoln Brewster; How Can I Keep From Singing by Chris Tomlin; Came to My Rescue by Hillsong United.

Read: John 20:20-29

Bible Challenge: Luke 3

Think: I don't know about you but I was relieved to hear Pastor Ben say it's ok to have doubts sometimes about things of faith. I love God, trust Jesus as my Savior and hold firmly to my faith... but if I'm honest sometimes I do have doubts.

Doubting Thomas was one of the 12 disciples in the Bible. He was given this title because he simply wouldn't believe that Jesus had risen from the dead, even when his closest friends had seen him! Once Thomas comes face to face with the risen Lord and believes, Jesus says to him, 'Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed'.

If Thomas hadn't been a doubter, this famous saying may not have been recorded in history. This particular saying has helped me many times in my life. When things have been going badly for me, when I have faced hardships and pain, this saying has given me hope. I too have been a 'Doubting Thomas.' But the experience made me a better person and made my faith much stronger.

I think I have behaved similar to Thomas at times. I have gone through stages in my life when I questioned God. When I was in college I remember wondering how religion and science could agree. I had questions and doubts along the way that could have put me somewhere in the boat with Doubting Thomas. Jesus didn't have to appear to me and show me His wound, however. But He has showed Himself to me in many other ways.

Jesus has answered many prayers for me, He has made me very much aware that He exists. I find Jesus in my every day walk through life. Sometimes I see His humility on a street corner in the shape of a homeless man. Sometimes I see Him walking with me in the beauty of the area in which we live, esp right now as I see the first blossoms of spring. I see Jesus' love in the hug my kids give me and when my husband says, "I love you" when I'm not particularly lovable... Thankfully I haven't been a "Doubting Thomas" for awhile--- I stay close to God with prayer, in my serving at church, and in studying the Bible. Nowadays I walk with Jesus every moment, that way I won't get lost and hopefully become a "Doubting Thomas" again.

Do: Are there some doubts that are keepingyou from fully submitting to Christ? Seek real answers for the ones yu can and for the others, put them aside and wait for God to answer them as you continue to walk with Him and trust Him - even when youdon't completely understand.

Pray: Father, I know I am limited simply by my humanity - I can't expect to understand all that You are and all that You do. Help me to find the answers to those doubts that stand in the way of my faith, help me know when to lay them aside and wait for You to answer... but most of all help me to trust You. Amen.

The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.

4505 236th Ave. NE • Redmond, WA 98053 • 425-869-4400 • info@timberlakeonline.org