“The Shack”

I’ve been thinking a bit this week about the impact that the movie “The Shack” had on me. Most of us could identify with the father of the murdered girl in this movie, who blamed God for allowing such trauma to happen to his innocent and helpless child. The story revolves around how God, in his love, takes this man from anger, bitterness, withdrawal, and a desire for revenge, into a place of healing, wholeness and renewed life. What hit me was how the grace and character of God were so beautifully displayed. When we have knowingly rebelled against God for any reason in our attitudes and actions, the wrong voices that we listen to will lead us to guilt and condemnation rather than conviction. Feelings of guilt, combined with anger or shame can so mess with our heads that we decide that it’s easier just to walk away from God rather than walk the journey. In “The Shack” the patience and love displayed by the three persons of God will leave you realising that God’s love is so different than human love. “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5) is what God is whispering (sometimes shouting) to us. If you are struggling in your relationship with God right now, this is my prayer for you. “I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and high and long and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God,” (Ephesians 3:17-19).

Peace be with you as you determine to lay it all down and let God be God. With holy hugs from Pastor Julie.