This is because Satan has been given temporary permission by God to be a puppet master for the leaders of the world. We know that global principalities and evil strongholds will become more aggressive as the return of Christ draws near. Walls of faith are built one brick at a time, which means if we do not develop faith every day we cannot instantly generate faith when tragedy comes. Those who read the Bible are well aware of what is coming in the future and the time to build faith is now. If our lives were filled with happiness with no problems at all, we would not sense the urgency to pray in faith. In Verse 29 we read, вЂњJesus said unto him, Thomas because you have seen me, you believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.вЂќ Faith is having an optimistic attitude even when it seems the situation is hopeless. This is where faith becomes essential within our understanding that just because we cannot see God, it does not mean he is not there. You see, Thomas represents everyone when it comes to doubt as believing without seeing is truly difficult. He is encouraging us today to know that his presence is all around us. Jesus said, вЂњBe not faithless, but believing,вЂќ as Thomas replied, вЂњMy Lord and my God.вЂќ When we are discouraged and struggling to believe, we can know that God will always make the extra effort to prove how much he loves us and wants us to believe. Christ looked at Thomas and told him to reach out and touch the scars, and he did. Thomas was not there that night and later when he returned Verse 25 says, вЂњThe other disciples, therefore, said to him, we have seen the Lord, but Thomas replied, unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe.вЂќ Eight days later the group came together again and like last time Jesus miraculously appeared except this time Thomas was present. He spoke peace and breathed on them and before He left, He filled them with the Holy Spirit. Jesus stretches out His hands and reveals His previous wounds, and of course, they are overjoyed to see him again. The friends and family of Christ were gathered together after His horrific crucifixion and were still grieving over His death when all of a sudden, He appears in their midst! Even though they remembered how He had promised to return IвЂ™m sure they were still awestruck.

Soon after Jesus had resurrected, we find a beautiful passage found in John Chapter 20 that is a wonderful example of how much God loves us and wants to encourage us.

God has not given us a spirit of fear