In the movie “O Brother Where Art Thou,” the three heroes (for lack of a better term) are on the run from the law. As things come to a close they receive a governor’s pardon. Once safe from harm, Everett (played by George Clooney) returns home to retrieve the wedding band for his wife to prove he wants to reconcile with her. But at the homestead the three men are captured by a sheriff who hasn’t received news of the pardon. Apparently the punishment for their crimes is to be death and this lawman is ready to give it to them.
As their execution is prepared, Everett prays to God for salvation, promising to be a better and more faithful man if God will deliver them from impending doom. The two companions who found God earlier in the movie are shocked by his sudden transformation, but welcome his faith. As he prays with the noose around his neck, Everett notices a tiny trickle of water at his feet. Then abruptly the entire forest is flooded and the three heroes find themselves floating in a field of debris amidst the treetops.
One of Everett’s companions mentions his promises to God and that this surely must be a sign. But Everett insists that it couldn’t be from God because this flooding was government-ordered and had been planned for months. He says it was just a coincidence.
Everett had laid down his stipulations, given God a request and God proved faithful. Everett, however, did not. The evidence was not enough and he was not willing to move from doubt to faith.
Thomas is the opposite of Everett. Everett got exactly what he asked for and refused. Thomas was offered what he asked for and changed his doubt to belief.