“Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed’”(John 20:29 NIV). Even though I met Jesus approximately 2000 years after His earthly ministry, He still blesses me. I did not see the marks on His hands and side like Thomas did, but I chose to believe and give my heart to Him.

I don’t know about you, but my heart melts when I read blessings straight from Jesus’ mouth: in red letters! I wonder why the publishers decided on color red to identify Him. Could it be because He shed His blood for us? (I would like to think that, so I will not be going searching on the internet now!)

Right after I fell in love with Jesus in 2004, I visited my family in Turkey. One day I took the train to downtown Ankara. Even though I was standing in a crowded train elbow to elbow, I had to take out my tiny blue New Testament and read His words. I had been feeling oppressed by a feeling of darkness and gloom, so I went to the source of life and drank from it deeply. After all, Jesus invites those who are thirsty to come and drink freely (Revelation 22:17).

That afternoon, I soaked up the words of the Prince of Peace, and He gave me His peace. I have not seen Him yet, but I accept my Savior and best friend’s blessings promised in John 20:29.

God bless you and your loved ones!

Meryem Kennedy