I read "THE SHACK'', a book written by Wm. Paul Young some time ago and really enjoyed it. Recently, a copy came to me from my daughter, Peg, and I would like to share a bit with you, a portion of the book that helped me understand God a little bit better.
First, let me set the "stage." A man named Mack is going through a terrible tragedy, the death of a young daughter, kidnapped and murdered. He had not been a perfectly satisfied man, ever, yet he loved his family and now finds himself hating the man who killed his daughter. Plus, he did not trust God because God had not stopped the man from hurting his little girl. Mack asked himself, "Who did God really love in this set of circumstances.? If God really loved the little girl, why did he not save her from death?"
Page 192, 193,,, "Mack begins, "But if I understand what you're saying the consequences of our selfishness are part of the process that brings us to the end of our delusions and helps us find you. Is that why you don't stop every evil? Is that why you didn't warn me that my daughter was in danger or help us find her?" The accusing tone was no longer in Mack's voice..
(God answers)) "If only it were that simple, Mack. Nobody knows what horrors I have saved the world from 'cause people can't see what never happened. All evil flows from independence and independence is your choice. If I were to simply revoke all the choices of independence, the world as you know it would cease to exist and love would have no meaning. This world is not a playground where I keep all my children free from evil. Evil is the chaos of this age that you brought to me, but it will not have the final say. Now it touches everyone I love, those who follow me and those who don't. If I take away the consequences of people's choices, I destroy the possibility of love. Love that is forced is no love at all."
"Let me tell you one of the reasons that it makes no sense to you. It's because you have such a small view of what it means to be human. You and this creation are incredible, whether you understand that or not. You are wonderful beyond imagination,. Just because you make horrendous and destructive choices does not mean you deserve less respect for what you inherently are--the pinnacle of my creation and the center of my affection."
"Don't forget that in the midst of all your pain and heartache, you are surrounded by beauty, the wonder of creation, art, your music and culture, the sounds of laughter and love, of whispered hopes and celebrations, of new life and transformation, of reconciliation and forgiveness. These also are the results of your choices, and every choice matters, even the hidden ones. You demand your independence but then complain that I actually love you enough to give it to you."
"My purposes are not for my comfort, or yours. My purposes are always and only an expression of love. I purpose to work life out of death, to bring freedom out of brokenness and turn darkness into light. What you see as chaos, I see as a fractal. All things must unfold, even though it puts all those I love in the midst of a world of horrible tragedies--even the One closest to me...Jesus." (End of quote.)
I hope this was encouraging and enlightening. It was for me. So many are looking to Jesus Christ, for answers to the dilemmas within our world. And I am so glad and grateful.
I pray you and I will grow closer by knowing the Father and the Son through these words.
PS. The Holy Spirit, too!
Jo in MN
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