We’ve heard three stories today from people at very different places in their faith journeys.  First the woman in the elevator, who found it very easy to talk about her faith and her beliefs.  But then when the going got tough, her seemingly strong faith turned out not to be as strong as she thought.

Then there is Thomas – one of Jesus’ disciples.  Thomas spent a lot of time with Jesus, and witnessed first hand many of Jesus’ healings and teachings and miracles.  He should have no doubts about who Jesus is and what he can do.  But when his friends tell Thomas of Jesus’ appearance to them, Thomas refuses to believe.  He will not believe what he has not seen with his own eyes.  He needs absolute proof.

Finally, we heard from Martha.  Martha had just lost her brother - her brother who was one of Jesus’ best friends.  Of all people, Lazarus should have been someone that Jesus healed!  But Jesus had done nothing.  I would definitely understand if Martha had been upset with Jesus, if she had started to question who this Jesus guy really was.  But she didn’t.  Instead, she reaffirmed her belief in Jesus, calling him the Messiah and the Son of God.  In the depths of her tragedy, Martha’s faith was strong.

When I hear these stories, I am reminded about how personal our faith is to each of us.  We don’t know why Thomas had such doubts, or why Martha had such strength.  We don’t know where they had been on their faith journeys to get them to this point.  I’m sure we can all relate to at least one of these three stories, perhaps all of them at one time or another.  Certainly we have had doubts like Thomas, or questions in difficult times like the lady in the elevator, but for each of us, our faith journeys are a unique and personal experience.

So where are you on your faith journey?  Today you’re hearing the faith statements of some of the members of our high school confirmation class.  They have been writing their statements as part of our class, and were a bit apprehensive when I asked them to share with you this morning.  Their statements are very personal reflections on their faith and beliefs at this point in their lives.  Not an easy thing to share with a sanctuary full of people!  But they are sharing with you today, because they want you to be challenged to think about your own personal faith statements.  Who, what, where is God for you?  How does being a Christian affect the way you live your life?  Why are you here in worship this morning?  Did you just happen to wake up early?  Maybe you’re here because you want your children to learn more about the Bible in Sunday School?  Or do you want to know more about God’s love?  Do you want to live as Jesus lived and serve as Jesus served?  Where are you on your faith journey?  And where do you want to be?  And what do you need to do to get there?  As you listen to the youth this morning, ask yourself these questions.  Allow yourself to be challenged.  Think about what you would write in your faith statement.

But don’t just think about it.  Live your faith.  A minister I know once wrote that he doesn’t want to be “a Christian” – simply applying a label to himself because he goes to church once in a while.  Instead, he wants to “be Christian” – living each day of his life as a follower of Jesus.  May that be our goal as well, to live out the good news of Jesus and to share God’s love with all those we meet. Amen.