The Savior Who Comes Back for You - Encouragement for Today - September 22, 2025

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September 22, 2025

The Savior Who Comes Back for You
SHALA WILSON

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“Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Don’t be faithless, but believe.’” John 20:27 (CSB)

Sometimes I get serious FOMO (fear of missing out) when my friends are gathering for something I love — like a ministry retreat or church event — and I can’t attend. If I have to do some unexciting, far-less-life-changing task instead, it just adds insult to injury.

Then when I see everyone next or I check the group chat after the event, it only confirms my fears: Surely I missed out on my encounter with the Lord . Now I have to suffer through hearing or seeing all the details I wish I could have experienced myself.

It’s discouraging! This is how I imagine the disciple Thomas must have felt.

In John 20:19-20, the resurrected Jesus appeared to His disciples behind locked doors and showed them His pierced hands and side. But Thomas wasn’t there. He missed out on one of the most significant revelations in history! So when the other disciples told him, “We’ve seen the Lord,” Thomas responded, “If I don’t see the mark of the nails in his hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe” (John 20:25, CSB).

Thomas’ discouragement was real and understandable. He thought he missed the evidence his entire faith rested upon. Without the resurrection, Jesus' cross would represent just another crucifixion. I would want that evidence too!

A week later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples, this time while Thomas was present. After speaking a blessing of peace, He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Don’t be faithless, but believe” (John 20:27).

I see Jesus moving with intention toward Thomas. I don’t see Jesus showing frustration or anger at him but showing love and gentleness toward his broken and weary heart. Knowing what Thomas needed, our Lord personally invited Thomas to inspect the evidence of His resurrection.

Jesus meets us right where we are in our faith. He lovingly points to the evidence of His goodness and faithfulness to us throughout our lives — the answered prayer, the random call from a friend at just the right time, the scripture on our social media timeline that made us stop scrolling — and the overwhelming love that flowed from the cross. He calls us into a deeper trust in Him as we remember that He is present with us right now.

Sister, maybe you feel like you missed your moment with Jesus. Perhaps it was a time of affirming your calling or just being seen by the Savior. Trust that if you ask, Jesus will still move with intention toward you to answer the longings of your heart.

Father, I’m humbled that You would stoop so low to meet me right where I am, to calm my anxiety and fears with Your presence. Give me eyes to see all the ways You prove Yourself faithful in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Psalm 73:28, “But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds” (NIV).

Hebrews 11:1-2, “Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. For by this our ancestors were approved” (CSB).

Are there any areas of your faith where you're asking for evidence like Thomas did? What might it look like for Jesus to meet you there?

Have you ever been surprised by God’s tenderness or timing? How did it grow your faith?

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

© 2025 by Shala Wilson. All rights reserved.