Blessed is he who believes

My iPhone has saved me so many times these first few weeks of life in a new country.  I can take off on a run in the middle of an unknown city and turn on my map feature if (when) I get turned around.  I can pull it out at a restaurant and translate a word (or several) on the menu since they are usually written in French.  If only we'd had our iPhones prior to poor Alex ordering the filet american (see blog post #2) on our homefinding trip last month :) 

Because I am usually behind on technology and didn't have an iPhone in the States, I'm discovering the plethera of apps available for every need imaginable to mankind. Browsing the apps last night, I found one called "Today" that I wanted to pass along.  While the app is fantastic (and updated daily), its more what I read on "Today" that I wanted to share with you.  Here's the passage - it is so appropriate this post-Easter week:

"But Thomas, one of the twelve disciples, was not with them when Jesus came (after the resurrection). The other disciples therefore said to him, We have seen the Lord.  But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe. 

And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them.  Jesus cometh, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst and said, Peace be unto you. Then he said to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger and see my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and put it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing.  Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 

Jesus saith unto him, Because thou has seen me, thou hast believed; blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.  Many other signs therefore did Jesus in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life in his name."

John 20: 24-31

I'm often like Thomas: doubting.  Moving across the world to a new place with a new language and nothing familiar, though exciting, can also rasie doubts and fears.  I'm overwhelmed today at God's provision for our lives here in such a short time.  We found a lovely apartment, a church and even friends who are already so special - all in just two short weeks.  Why do I doubt?

Though Thomas wouldn't believe without seeing the nail prints in Jesus hands, a merciful Christ extended his pierced hand to his doubting follower.  Jesus' next statement is profound: "Blessed are they that have not seen, and have yet believed."  That is you and me...and Jesus has called us blessed.