#bibletruths

I painted Doubting Thomas because I can't help feeling that he has been dealt a really bad hand by Christianity over the years. We even attach his failing in his name. I mean we don't call Peter, Stupid Weak Peter or John, needs to be the centre of attention John. It just all seems a bit unfair.

Firstly, he isn't the only disciple that doubted Jesus. Peter also doubted Jesus... he doubted him so much it caused him to deny him THREE whole times. All the male disciples doubted Jesus had Risen from the dead because when Mary Magdalene ran to tell them, their egos meant they could not believe they were not involved in something so significant and they told her she was mistaken.

Many times while Jesus was alive they doubted him. Look at the feeding of the five thousand... none of them thought he could feed that many people. And Peter again, Doubting Jesus and sinking when he walked out to him on the sea.

I guess what I am saying is that Doubting is inherently human and therefore we should not judge someone for doing something that is part if their humanity. We are not God. We are not divine. Jesus loves our humanity. He doesn't condemn it. So let us not do that either.

And let's cut Thomas some slack. I feel like renaming him... something like... Honest Thomas. Or brave Thomas. He definitly had no problem speaking his mind. He did not hide his emotions. He spoke his truth even if it meant he would get judged for it.

This is a painting I did in response to the poem at the beginning of Ecclesiastes.

I love Ecclesiastes. People tend to describe it as a depressing book but I actually think its really hopeful. It's all about enjoying the life that God has given you while you have it and embracing opportunities. Yes life is short... which I guess you could see as depressing, but it also encourages you to fill it with all the good things you can. Pack it full. Every minute! I love that idea. Wear all the colours it says! Enjoy every minute with the spouse you love. No regrets!

Such a beautiful book with a beautiful peaceful sentiment.

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." - John 14:6

How often did I throw my hands up in exasperation because I didn’t know what to do in a difficult situation? How many nights did I lie awake, worrying about a situation I had no control over? How many panic attacks did I suffer because I didn’t feel safe in my environment? How many decisions did I make, only to regret my choices later? How many times did I ask for advice on how to self-comfort during my trials?

The problem was, I was relying on “self” for solutions and comfort, trying to do everything on my own. I thought I knew what was best for me because who knew me better? Everything negative that I have experienced in my life is a product of poor choices, based on what I thought I wanted at the time. My life was a complete mess by the time I was done.

All that changed when the Lord drew me near to Him. I answered His call to know Him fully through His Word. He gave me plenty of chances to come to Him, because He knew I would. I realized that I was tired of being lost, and done with doing things on my own. I gave my life to Him, placing full trust in His purpose for me. My prayer became, “Your will be done.” My obedience criteria became, “Thus saith the Lord.”

I now know what to do in a difficult situation - ask the Lord to lead me, according to His purpose. I worry considerably less now {still working on not worrying at all}, because I know He is in control. My panic attacks have vanished, because I know that no weapon formed against me shall prosper. I no longer regret anything because I understand that everything that has happened and will happen is for His purpose. And I have His comfort, which makes my trials easier. I no longer feel lost, out of control. My once messy life is now a great one, filled with joy, peace, and the blessed hope of a future in His eternal kingdom.