December, Doubt, & a Little Holiday Hope
Oh hey there, December—the month that brings all the joy, all the bustle, and a generous splash of stress. We’re kicking ours off loud and proud with Levi turning 16 this week. Nothing like handing the keys to a teenager to send you straight into more quality time with Jesus.
ANYWAY. Happy Monday. You know what I’ve been thinking about lately?
Ok, twist my arm…I’ll tell you.
Remember a few weeks back, when we chatted about the whole Jacob v God wrestling match and then the Jacob/Isaac saga? I’m thinking maybe if we get this first devotional off the ground, my next one might need to be about the mysteries in Scripture. Boy oh boy, there’s plenty.
But the one tugging on me this week? The resurrection.
I know, I know—wrong holiday. It’s definitely giving Easter vibes, but alas I was reading in scripture and noting how Jesus told his disciples multiple times that He would die and be raised back to life. This was his inner circle—the ones who watched miracles happen on the regular and were given authority to perform them themselves. They knew supernatural was natural when Jesus was in the equation. So why don’t we see even a flicker of anticipation in them? Why is there no indication that any of them were looking at the calendar waiting for day 3 to come around and Jesus to be back on the scene?
Bible scholars say they were either too devastated, didn’t understand, or thought it was a parable when Jesus told them that. I'm a little sus. But while I was being Judgy Judgerson towards them, Jesus tapped me on the shoulder with a “Sound familiar?” moment.
Because how many times has He told me something—through Scripture, prayer, wise counsel—and I still circle back or just plain forget on the regular. I know He is trustworthy. I know His plans are good, And yet…sometimes I don’t.
Which brings me to Thomas.
Do you know the story of doubting Thomas? He gets a bad rap because despite being told that Jesus had risen (and Jesus telling him how it would all go down before the deed was done)—he says he won’t believe it until he sees it. Or more specifically until he feels it…where Jesus was pierced. Doubting Thomas they call him. I call him RE-LATE-ABLE. Tell me again Jesus—better yet SHOW ME.
It’s not in scripture but just my Holy Spirit hunch…I think he did believe. I think He just wanted to believe more. He had the faith, but he still had doubt. And that’s what makes him one of my favorites. Thomas reminds us it’s ok—to wonder, to wrestle, to want more. Faith isn’t always the absence of doubt. Thanks Tommy. I appreciate you.
A Little December Habit Hack
The last couple of Decembers, I’ve chosen one habit I want to focus on for the new year--and I start it now instead of January. My reasoning? If it can survive December, it can survive anything,
The key: it has to be simple and realistic. I’ve chosen mine and will share it soon, but if you need a starting place…morning time in the Word is always a worthy pick. Start as small as you need. Don’t forget…Forward is a speed friend. 💕
With Love & Fizz,
Devan
