Recently I had a conversation with a young man who grew up in the church. He was baptized and confirmed and attended worship regularly. But he has not been a part of the church for some time. He has had some pretty rough patches in his life, more so than most people. I was happy to see him and visit for a bit.

As part of our conversation, I asked him, “How’s your relationship with God these days?” He replied, “There is none.” I had suspected as much, which is why I asked the question. His rationale was, “I just don’t see it. There is no evidence that God is really there.” I have heard that argument many times over the years. It is never easy to hear it, especially from someone you know and care about.

Interestingly, he kept apologizing to me. I assured him that was not necessary. This had nothing to do with me or my feelings. I told him as much, but I added that it made me sad to think he was missing out on the best thing in the world: the love of God that He has shown so clearly in Jesus. That is where I find my strength, my comfort, my assurance and my certainty no matter what is going on in my life. I also told him I have been praying for him and I would not quit praying for him. My prayer is that God would put someone in his life who has a strong faith and close relationship with Jesus, and that he or she would be able to share with him the reality of God and His love.

Our conversation reminded me of what Thomas said after the resurrection, and the reply Jesus gave.

John 20:24–29 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “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 it.” A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Is there someone in your life for whom you can make Jesus and His love a reality?