The Shack question

Faith. U have it or u don't.

Lyss wrote: "If that were true what then would be the purpose in praying for god to intervene in things in life? Why do we pray for god to heal illness or to keep us safe on a car trip if he doesn't ever intervene? "

God does intervene at times.

I seldom, if ever, pray for the kind of intervention you're talking about. I pray for wisdom, I pray for understanding, I pray for patience, I pray for guidance. In these ways God does take my hand and lead me. This is how God intervenes for me, by helping me through tough times rather than completely removing them. I won't grow and learn if God were to suddenly become a magical "get out of jail free" card.

I don't look to poorly written novels for guidance. I look to God.

I agree with that Dwayne ... I'm not even sure if I would call that God "intervening" as much as lending a guiding hand. Those seem like the types of prayers that are answerable.

Lyss, I understand your questions. But I have to say that although The Shack was an interesting read, I cannot encourage looking to it for spiritual answers.

God wants us to pray because praying is interacting with Him, communicating with Him, having a relationship with Him. I do believe that God intervenes in our lives, though often not in the exact way that we might want. Prayer is an act of faith, believing that God is who He says He is, and that He loves us enough to hear us and answer us.

If you have access to a Bible, there are many places where it talks about prayer. You can google it, or I can send you information. I've done a lot of "soul searching" about this myself.
Peace to you!

I concur with Leigh. Listen, just because ya'll don't see God right away doesn't mean you'll never see Him step in. He loves you all more than you could ever know. Just give a bit of time and patience. Prayer is a powerful weapon against the forces of darkness! They can't stand Prayer of any kind! I believe they try to prevent our prayers from being answered. There is spiritual warfare going on every day that we don't eve know about. Please don't give up hope! Some things take more time than others. Besides, if not God then who else are we gonna talk to?

Believe it or not we all see God in each other, for God created us in his image. It is up to us to accept him or not. When you accept him you will go to him for he is our Heavenly Father and will help us when we ask. Prayer is very strong and important. It is faith that binds us to him and Prayer to him that shows we accept him and love him and acknowledge him in our lives. Like a son or daughter that goes to a parent show that parent that they trust in them and love them. So is this the same for us going to God our Heavenly Father. The Shack is a book I have read 3 or 4 times and have found things that have stood out for me that weren't present the other time I have read it. I truly am inspired by the book. It fives faith Courage and Hope even for the non- believer I truly believe.