(Not) Seeing and BelievingNäide

Not seeing and yet believing

When Jesus revealed Himself to Thomas, He said: “Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). These words were spoken in presence of the other ten disciples. One of them was the apostle Peter.

Some years later, Peter wrote an encouraging letter to Christians who were “grieved by various trials” because of their faith in Jesus. These people had never seen Jesus for themselves, but they believed in Him and loved Him (1 Peter 1:8). They even were rejoicing “with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory”! How is this possible? The answer is in 1 Peter 1:5. These believers were guarded through faith by God’s power. This God-given faith enabled them to believe in Jesus as their risen Lord and Savior and to endure suffering in the hopeful expectation of their final salvation.

Peter’s addressees are the proof that it is possible to believe in Jesus without having seen Him, even when your faith is tested and challenged. Do you believe? If so, Jesus calls you blessed!