I started reading William P. Young's The Shack several months ago...but for some reason I put it down and didn't finish it. On New Year's Eve I had a great conversation with a friend that really encouraged me to pick the book back up and get to reading! So on New Year's Day, I took her advice and continued reading where I left off.
For those of you that have already read The Shack, the part where I started back reading was when Mack reached the shack and was getting introduced to its inhabitants. One of the characters Mack meets is Papa (aka God). Papa has MANY great conversations with Mack and quite a few of his words in this chapter really moved me...
"...the Truth shall set you free and the Truth has a name; he's over in the wood-shop right now covered in sawdust. Everything is about him. And freedom is a process that happens inside a relationship with him. Then all that stuff you feel churnin' around inside will start to work its way out."
In this conversation, Papa is referring to Jesus...of course. Mack is at a state where he just doesn't understand why he keeps experiencing heartache and he wants answers to explain his loss. I can so relate to how Mack was feeling at this time...questioning God for the heartache and longing for answers. But what Papa told him is so true...our answers lie with only one person, Jesus.
In another conversation, Papa tells Mack..."When all you can see is your pain, perhaps then you lose sight of me?" After I read that question, I just stopped and realized...through all my worries of trying to have a baby, pleading with God to bring me the desires of my heart, and dwelling in the loss I experienced each and every month...I lost site of God.
I can't tell you how glad I am that my friend encouraged me to revisit The Shack. I am SO looking forward to reading more and finding out how God, Jesus, and The Holy Spirit influence Mack's (and my) feelings!
For those of you that have already read The Shack, the part where I started back reading was when Mack reached the shack and was getting introduced to its inhabitants. One of the characters Mack meets is Papa (aka God). Papa has MANY great conversations with Mack and quite a few of his words in this chapter really moved me...
"...the Truth shall set you free and the Truth has a name; he's over in the wood-shop right now covered in sawdust. Everything is about him. And freedom is a process that happens inside a relationship with him. Then all that stuff you feel churnin' around inside will start to work its way out."
In this conversation, Papa is referring to Jesus...of course. Mack is at a state where he just doesn't understand why he keeps experiencing heartache and he wants answers to explain his loss. I can so relate to how Mack was feeling at this time...questioning God for the heartache and longing for answers. But what Papa told him is so true...our answers lie with only one person, Jesus.
In another conversation, Papa tells Mack..."When all you can see is your pain, perhaps then you lose sight of me?" After I read that question, I just stopped and realized...through all my worries of trying to have a baby, pleading with God to bring me the desires of my heart, and dwelling in the loss I experienced each and every month...I lost site of God.
I can't tell you how glad I am that my friend encouraged me to revisit The Shack. I am SO looking forward to reading more and finding out how God, Jesus, and The Holy Spirit influence Mack's (and my) feelings!
4 comments:
I read The Shack for a study at my church, and I really enjoyed it. It's a really good eye-opener to our relationship with the Trinity. I can see that you are already inspired by it. Happy reading!
I also started The Shack a few months ago and got to the exact part that you were at and just couldn't get into it. My husband listened to it on CD and liked it but even listening to parts of with him just didn't catch my attention. I have heard wonderful things about this book and I have also heard that at points it is difficult to read. Please let me know if you enjoy it.
While there are some unhappy things in this book, and it is indeed fiction. I find much encouragement from the book myself. I was recommended it to read from someone I respect their input. I devoured it. Love it so much that I've gifted it to others.
Regardless of your situation in life... I think this is a great book to help gain some perspective. One might not need to catch the message right now, but sometimes we all need to hear what this book says.
I'm glad you are reading it. I continue to have you on my heart through your situation. Come back and share more... deal?
The Shack really blessed me....praying for blessings for you as well.
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