Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Let us take a moment to reflect on the Good News through the life of one of Jesus’ apostles: Thomas. Thomas, also called Didymus (meaning “Twin”), was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He was not like Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed the Lord. In fact, Thomas once boldly declared his willingness to die with Jesus. When Jesus announced His plan to return to Judea despite the danger, Thomas said to the others, “Let us also go, that we may die with him” (John 11:16, NIV). This shows that Thomas deeply loved Jesus and was ready to risk his life for Him. However, Thomas had a different kind of weakness—a tendency toward doubt and skepticism, especially concerning the power of God. This inner struggle affected not only his faith but also his spiritual participation and presence among the other apostles. After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples when they were gathered together in fear, praying behind locked doors. But Thomas was not with them. His absence was significant. He missed a divine encounter that his fellow disciples experienced. Later, when they joyfully told him, “We have seen the Lord!”, Thomas responded with unbelief:“Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe” (John 20:25, NIV). This moment reflects the danger of spiritual isolation and the cost of withdrawing from fellowship. Thomas’s doubts might have been fueled by discouragement, confusion, or personal despair—but in distancing himself from the community, he distanced himself from the very place where Christ revealed Himself. Eight days later, Jesus appeared again—this time, Thomas was present. Jesus, in His mercy, addressed Thomas directly:“Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe” (John 20:27, NIV). Thomas was overcome with faith and declared, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28, NIV). Jesus replied, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29, NIV). This story teaches us several key theological truths: God honors honest doubts, but calls us toward trust and belief. There is spiritual power in community—some divine revelations come when we are gathered together in unity (see Matthew 18:20). Isolation can hinder faith, especially during trials. Even when we don’t feel strong, staying in fellowship can position us to receive encouragement, strength, and even encounters with the risen Christ. Let us, therefore, not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another (Hebrews 10:25, NIV). Avoid spiritual absenteeism. Don’t let disappointment or doubt drive you into isolation. Stay connected. Stay prayerful. Stay present. Some blessings and revelations are meant to be received in the presence of others. May the Lord help us to remain faithful and steadfast, especially in moments of uncertainty. Like Thomas, we may doubt—but let us remain where Christ can find us: among His people. Shalom. To receive daily devotional messages via WhatsApp, you can join our channel here:Join WhatsApp Chat
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome as we explore this life-giving truth. God, in His sovereignty, has established plans and timings for every event and promise in our lives. Some of these events are meant to unfold naturally over time, while others are reserved for a specific season He has appointed. For example, if God has purposed to fulfill a prayer request after ten years, He will begin preparing you for it now, so that when the appointed time comes, the promise can be fulfilled. But what happens when you desperately need that answer now?Is it possible for something meant to happen ten years from now to be pulled into your present — not through manipulation, but in full alignment with God’s will? Can God’s timing be interrupted or accelerated? The answer is YES. And our greatest teacher in this is none other than our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Lesson from Luke 18: The Persistent Widow “And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.”He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’”“For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’”(Luke 18:1–5, ESV) Jesus uses this parable to illustrate the power of persistent prayer. The unjust judge, though indifferent, eventually responds to the widow’s repeated pleas. Jesus concludes: “And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily.”(Luke 18:7–8, ESV) In this story, Jesus is indirectly comparing God to the judge. If a wicked man could be moved by persistence, how much more will a righteous and loving God respond to the prayers of His faithful children? This shows us that there are spiritual principles that can move the heart of God faster than usual. Four Biblical Keys to Accelerate God’s Intervention: 1. Persistent Prayer Without Giving Up Persistent, unwavering prayer deeply touches the heart of God. Often, when we don’t get an immediate response, we assume God is silent or uninterested. But Scripture reminds us: “He who planted the ear, does he not hear?”(Psalm 94:9, ESV) God hears every word, but sometimes, He tests the seriousness of our request. The more consistent and faith-filled our prayers are, the more they demonstrate our dependence and trust in Him. Don’t give up even if you’ve prayed for years. Your consistency could be the very key that unlocks the miracle, even ahead of time. 2. Perseverance Despite Obstacles Obstacles can arise from people or even from what seems like divine silence. Consider the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15: “And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.’ But he did not answer her a word.”(Matthew 15:22–23, ESV) Jesus initially ignores her. Even the disciples ask Him to send her away. When He finally speaks, His words seem harsh: “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”(Matthew 15:26, ESV) Yet the woman responds with humility and boldness: “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”(Matthew 15:27, ESV) Moved by her faith, Jesus grants her request instantly — ahead of the redemptive timeline for Gentiles. This proves that bold faith and humility can provoke divine exceptions. 3. Do Something Extraordinary for God Sometimes, it takes an unusual act of faith or devotion to catch God’s attention. Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree just to see Jesus (Luke 19:4). The woman with the issue of blood pressed through the crowd just to touch His garment (Luke 8:43–48). Blind men in Jericho cried out loudly and persistently until Jesus healed them (Matthew 20:29–34). These people didn’t follow religious routine — they demonstrated radical faith. Their unique actions brought about immediate miracles. What’s your “sycamore tree”?Sometimes, a sacrificial offering, an extended time of praise, or going the extra mile in service or faith can move God deeply. 4. Combine Prayer with Fasting Fasting focuses the spirit and intensifies your petitions. In the book of Esther, we see this principle at work: “Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, ‘Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf… Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.’”(Esther 4:15–16, ESV) This act of fasting turned the heart of a king and saved a nation. Likewise, when you seek God with prayer and fasting, you are showing seriousness and spiritual alignment — which often results in quicker breakthroughs. Final Encouragement Yes, God has His sovereign timing, but His Word also shows us that faith-filled, persistent believers can move His heart to act sooner than expected. Not by manipulation, but by alignment with His compassion and power. “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”(Hebrews 4:16, ESV) If you embrace these biblical principles — persistent prayer, perseverance, bold actions, and fasting — be assured that God will shine His light on your request, and your waiting may not last as long as you thought. May the Lord bless you and grant you swift answers as you seek Him with all your heart.