Many people are going through a difficult time in their lives and they are looking for ways to deal with their pain.  Recently, many have been running to the book/movie called “The Shack” to discover who God is and why He allows us to suffer.  Unfortunately, instead of offering Biblically solid answers to these question, “The Shack” offers up vague, New-Age, universalist, feel-good answers that fall short of addressing the fundamental issues involved.

Of course the best way to know about the Lord and His will is through His Word.  The book of Job is especially helpful for a better understanding of God’s purposes in trials.  I also know that sometimes it is helpful to read a book that illustrates or explains the scriptures.

If you want to know about the attributes of God and if you want to understand about His sovereignty over trials, these books are FAR SUPERIOR resources:

  1. The Bible – especially the Book of Job
  2. Knowledge of the Holy – AW Tozer: https://www.amazon.com/Knowledge-Holy-Attributes-Meaning-Christian/dp/0060684127/ref=pd_sbs_14_img_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=67G3KSFNCY2MY457D4BM
  3. Knowing God – JI Packer: https://www.amazon.com/Knowing-God-J-I-Packer/dp/083081650X
  4. The Attributes of God – AW Pink: https://www.amazon.com/Attributes-God-Arthur-W-Pink/dp/0801067723/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1489429624&sr=1-1&keywords=attributes+of+god+pink
  5. None Like Him: 10 Ways God Is Different from Us (and Why That’s a Good Thing) – Jen Wilkins: https://www.crossway.org/books/none-like-him-tpb/

There are many other issues with the book “The Shack.”  Here is a link to 3 different reviews that I’ve found helpful:

Pastor Mark