When Bad Things Happen…

The following blog was written several years ago, but its message still rings true today!

“Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal” is a quote from the #1 best seller on the New York Times Bestseller List, entitled, THE SHACK, by William P. Young. Several weeks ago, I came in contact with a woman that was reading this book as she sat in the waiting room at our dentist’s office. She began to share with me the story line of this fictional novel and I must confess it piqued my interest. So, while shopping at Sam’s, I picked the book up and once I began to read it, I could not put it down until I had finished it. It was truly captivating in its subject matter; in fact, the byline after the title is …..WHERE TRAGEDY MEETS ETERNITY. …and that my friend is something we all struggle with…trying to understand why bad things happen to God’s people.

This book, though a fictional account of a tragic murder of a young girl and her father’s anguish in dealing with this great loss, will stir every heart string and touch you in the deep crevasses of your soul. You will be moved to examine your heart and the heart of your relationship with your Heavenly Father…and as you do, you will once again be reminded of the Father’s love for you.

Who, in this great big world, has not been touched by some seemingly senseless tragedy and not ask God….WHY? This book and its story line make a valiant effort to help us understand the heart of God and the work of the Godhead in our lives when we face insurmountable sorrow. Each page seems to offer hope and encouragement that we are not alone in our grief….rather the Father, His Son and the Holy Spirit are there to walk with us through the darkest valleys and to love us in the midst of unspeakable horror.

Though this is a work of fiction, the author is solid in his portrayal of a loving God who DOES NOT DO EVIL, BUT WILL USE EVIL FOR HIS (and our) GOOD. Here is a quote from someone who was been unmistakably touched by this little book:

“THE SHACK” is a one of a kind invitation to journey to the heart of God. Through my tears and cheers, I have been transformed by the tender mercy with which Wm. P. Young opened the veil that too often separated me from God and from myself. With every page, the complicated do’s and don’ts that distort a relationship into a religion were washed away as I understood the Father, Son and Spirit for the first time in my life.”

Patrick M. Roddy, Emmy Award winning producer for ABC News

The accolades go on and on; but let me say from one who loves to write and adores the written word, this book will have a profound effect on your outlook as well as helping you to trust your UPLOOK…..God is in control ….even if you can’t see His hand at work, trust that He cares for you. You may never understand why bad things happen in this world of sin and strife, but you can always know that God is with you and is working EVERYTHING OUT FOR YOUR GOOD…..HE LOVES YOU AND ME THAT MUCH!!!!!

If you can ….get this book, read it and pass it on. Someone you know needs to know that the God we love and serve is hurting with them. He is waiting to help them to deal with the pain, the grief and the sorrow if they will only do what the Scriptures say…. “Cast all your care s on Him, for He cares for you.” 2 Peter 5:7

Healed by the infinite love of the Father,

WPQ