Before leaving Canton, a friend gave us a copy of the fiction book, The Shack, by William P. Young. It is about a father who has an encounter with God several years after his daughter is abducted and presumably murdered. While reading this powerful book, I had to admit there have been moments where I have questioned why God allowed our children to have such horrific experiences; why they weren't spared the pain they have suffered. He reminded me again of His infinite wisdom and perfect love in this dialogue between God and Mack, the grieving father:
"If you knew that I was good and that everything--the means, the ends, and all the processes of individual lives--is all covered by my goodness, then while you might not always understand what I am doing, you would trust me."
When Mack replies that he's not sure he knows how to trust, God replies, "Trust is the fruit of a relationship in which you know you are loved. For now I just want you to be with me and discover that our relationship is not about performance or you having to please me. I am good and I desire only what is best for you. You cannot find that through guilt or condemnation or coercion, only through a relationship of love."
How assuring to know that it is not because of what we do that Christ loves us and died for us...but because of who we are. He desires relationship with us simply because we are His! I know that you too will be transformed by this thought-provoking book--let me know what you think after you have read it!
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