July 7: The Power of the Nail

Donett Chung 
Family Life and Communication Leader 
Newlands SDA Church

Theme: The Sacrifice That Sets You Free

John 20:25-27

"25 The other disciples therefore said unto 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 finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing."

The scripture passage tells the story of Thomas, often called "Doubting Thomas," who refused to believe in Jesus' resurrection until he saw and touched His wounds. This passage reminds us that doubt is a natural part of faith, but Jesus meets us where we are, offering reassurance and evidence of His love.

The Power of the Nail symbolizes both faith and sacrifice. This moment highlights how the nails—once instruments of suffering—became undeniable proof of Christ’s victory over death. The wounds were not erased; they remained as a testimony to the price paid for our salvation.

The nails that pierced Jesus’ hands and feet were meant for punishment, yet they became symbols of grace. Thomas’ doubt was transformed into faith when he encountered the wounds, showing us that even in our moments of uncertainty, Christ’s sacrifice stands as a constant reminder of His love and redemption.

Thomas’ journey teaches us that faith is not always instant—it sometimes requires a personal encounter. Just as Thomas needed to see the nail marks, we often seek tangible reassurance of God’s presence. The Power of the Nail reminds us that Jesus meets us where we are, offering His wounds as proof of His love and the freedom we have through Him.

When Thomas finally saw and touched Jesus’ wounds, he proclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). The nails that once symbolized suffering became the foundation of his faith. In the same way, when we reflect on Christ’s sacrifice, we can move from doubt to devotion, embracing the freedom His wounds secured for us.

I have found myself many times in Thomas’ position. When life hurls its darts at me, and I have nowhere to go—no other option, no one I can trust, or the burden is too heavy to bear—I wonder: Where is God in all of this? Then the doubting questions start to bombard me. What did I do wrong? Have I committed some great sin? Has God forgotten me?

But in all my questioning, God is already making a way to answer my doubts. One thing I have learned is that I should never miss my devotional time, because God is intentional in placing the right answer at the right time—just when I need it most. Each day's devotional reading and Bible passage is carefully prepared for me to have a personal encounter with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

After these encounters, I often cry out just as Thomas did: “My Lord and my God!” I don’t know if I cry as a child being chastised or if I am simply shouting for joy, knowing that I am His special child. But when the Lord reveals Himself—whether through His Word, a passage of Scripture, or a devotional reading or an encouraging word from my prayer warrior close friends who are women of God—I am humbled to know that He heard me and prepared answers before I even asked.

He knows me inside and out, and I would have it no other way. Actually, I am so glad. My fears and doubts spur me to dig deeper into God’s Word, and as I get closer to Him, He reveals that His blood will never lose its power. I am reminded that life may leave me with scars, but they are evidence of doubts trampled by faith, battles won, and trophies of triumph.

I know who I am, and whose I am. Therefore, when the trials of life try to force me to doubt the truth of my birthright—secured by the shed blood of Jesus—I go back to the cross. The power of His nail-pierced hands and feet is evidence that I was purchased with a blood-stained price. I am a child of great value, and there is a place already prepared for me in His kingdom. Therefore, what I go through in this world is just a refining process that grinds and purifies into pure gold fit for His kingdom.

Remember, where doubt appears, the power of the nail declares that you must persevere and have no fear.

Reflection Questions:

1.     Can you relate to Thomas' need for tangible proof when have you struggled with doubt, and how has God reassured you in those moments?

2.     How do the wounds of Christ serve as a reminder of His love and sacrifice in your life today?

3.     How can embracing your identity in Christ help you persevere through life's challenges?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we praise You with grateful hearts, recognizing the love You have poured out through the sacrifice of Jesus. When doubt clouds our minds, remind us of the power of the nail—the evidence of Your enduring grace, mercy, and redemption.