It is so odd (in that spiritual way Father does things) how you are posting these conversations right now. It’s so much like confirmation to what I am being led through and worked through right now, that it is uncanny. Thanks brother…

I really appreciate your honesty, and willingness to share part of what you went through. I went through a similar experience where I lost a home and a car, and I found myself relying on friends to get me to the nearest bus stop, so I could get to work for nearly a year. I thought it was horrible at the time (losing ‘things’), but when life wasn’t over and the stress of trying to keep them was gone, life was much better than I could have dreamed. God didn’t drop a big check in my mail box to save them either, God knew that I would be happier without them, only I didn’t.

Willie, it was such an amazing relief to me when my eyes were opened to the lie we are sold in this culture we live. FINACIAL SECURITY. There is nothing secure about it regardless of how much one might have. I had worn myself out by chasing it and watching all of my friends and loved ones chasing it.

It feels so good to have jumped from that speeding train. There is much more peace in my life these days having let that one go.

Wow, my wife and I can totally relate to what is being said here. Actually, when I read the coorespondence out loud to my wife, she actually thought this was something I wrote last year! Willie, I appreciate that you expressed:

“…and know this…you are loved by a love relentless, and somewhere along the line you asked for this. You said something like, “I want all of You, I want to know You, teach me to trust, set me free, heal me.” Papa will always take those prayers seriously and go after everything that will prevent those things from happening. Thus the painful process.”

That is so honest and I love the reality of it! Thanks for sharing this dialogue. I think this is a huge part of the journey that many go through. I love that you brought it to the table and exposed it for what it is. To the person who wrote the email: you are not alone in your thoughts and experiences. Stand firm in His love. It will be the ONLY thing that will sustain you! Peace and grace.

Thank you so much for your sharing about how the Lord is dealing with your fears of financial insecurity. We can also SO relate! I just read this with tears running down my face and an outloud YES and a chuckle when you said “you asked for this.” I have just a few days ago relinquished the search for a house or land to buy to the Lord. We also are “just renting” and I have to relinquish the thoughts of “throwing the money away” each month to renting. My husband and I are both in our 50’s and the urge to have a secure future looms very large in my heart and mind. Reading your posts are so encouraging! Of course our future is in the hands of Papa! And uncertainty is His specialty. It is so wonderful to hear of others in the same boat so to speak. It really is all about our beliefs about our God. Do we trust Him? The way we respond to thoughts of our future answers that question loud and clear! I just finished reading THE SHACK and it has affected me profoundly. It has really opened up my heart to seeing Him as He really is. Yes, we can trust Him! It’s an exhilarating journey and I join with you wholeheartedly in this quest to walk by faith. Even if it means getting out of the boat!
Trusting the One who loves us,
Susan

It is truly awesome to see how connected we really are and how we experience similar things. It is great to know we are not alone…. Papa is drawing us together. Isn’t it amazing?? Much love to all…

SO WITH YOU!!! About 9 months ago my wife and I (& 4 children) finally surrendered it ALL, and we are feeling so FREE!!! It’s been a wonderful ride! Here’s a copy of our newsletter from that time:

A New Journey—

Around November of ‘06, my wife and I felt a nudge from the Lord to trust Him even more with our finances. I’d always felt like I was “walking by faith” in that area all these years, but God showed us how we had fallen into some subtle patterns of looking to churches, pastors, and individuals to be our “providers”. Passages in the Bible, our church’s Give Yourself Away campaign, and missionary stories from Corrie ten Boom and others began to fuel the flame for a deeper faith adventure, and we took the leap! We gathered our family together, and decided to surrender to the Lord our monthly budget, our home, our cars, and everything else we think we “need” in order to be free to pursue what GOD wants in our lives. It’s been an exhilarating journey!

One of the first things we decided to do was to no longer ask for any specific amount of money from churches for ministry engagements. It’s been fun! Pastors are stunned…unsure…encouraged… and then excited! I love the scheduling process now more than ever, and my calendar has been filling fast. So far, God has been providing for us through Spirit-led offerings and honorariums, meeting our normal budget just as before, but these days it feels so different: It’s all coming straight from Him, without me messing it up somewhere in the middle, and it’s so thrilling seeing God in action!

We’ve also been challenged to take even greater risks by giving away more money. Above our regular tithe and missionaries we support, we decided to donate a portion of our CD sales to Iris Ministries; an orphanage in Mozambique, Africa. It’s been awesome being able to provide calling cards, a washer and dryer, and 40 pairs of shoes… and we can’t wait to see what’s next!

This whole journey has brought a new sense of thankfulness for His gifts and goodness. My heart is light with fresh air, new songs, and a priceless freedom. Thanks for letting me share this with you! I just wish I would’ve figured this stuff out sooner, and I know there’s more learning ahead. Our future mission trips, CD releases and ministry dates have been completely given over to the Lord in a new radical way. Please pray along with us that we continue to honor Him at every turn…

With open hands,

The Foxes

I’ve always been the one to “play it safe”in our life choices, my husband more the risk-taker that I join faith with. We’re now in a full time entreprenurial business and we’re always wowed by His care for us. Two weekends ago we had the front ball joint (?) of our family van break on the drivers side as we were hauling our 16 foot trailer. We had just exited a major freeway and were a few feet shy of an active railroad crossing when our vehicle broke down. A freighter barreled through shortly after we ground to a stop, totally disabled. He has our hearts and attention to be his kids, so others will feel free to crawl into his lap as well and trust Him.

After the issue of Poppy Loving me, my next greatest issue/fear/failing has been trusting Him with the finances. Having just lost all my jobs but a minor one, I too am hearing the voice about relaxing and letting go and believing that His Loving also inlcudes financial cares.
The posting really hits heart.
I love the insight that somewhere along the way we/I asked

“I want all of You, I want to know You, teach me to trust, set me free, heal me.”

Yes!

Thank you!!

Thanks for sharing. I think money is such a big problem for most christians today. The Lord has always provided for me one pay check at a time. He is so faithful to always supply my needs. (Listen to this praise report) Almost one year ago this man and his wife came into my work place to have me draw their blood. They own a cabin in Yosemite Nat’l Park. He asked me if I wanted to reserve it for a summer month at no charge for 2008. All the summer months were booked except August. I reserved August 1 through the 10. It sleeps 10 so I will have my two sons and Grandchildren there and I just found out that my family is planning a family reunion at Yosemite Park the weekend of August 5, 2008. No one knew I had this cabin reserved for that time. How awesome to have such a love as Jesus! Karen

Super Holiday Rentals adds another property to its online catalogue…

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Willie: Just a thank you note for sharing your insight on Papa. I’ve been “stuck” forever in my relationship with God, but now feel as though I may be on the road to freedom. Praying that God blesses you BIG! I am recommending “The Shack” to all my friends and family as a must read.

or the longest time I wanted to blg and share what we were going through.As a family of 7 serving on the missionfield,we returned to the U.S 10 years ago.During this time we have gone through all our savings,kids college savings etc.My husband at one point couldn’t even get hired at Waffle House.Everything we tried semed to turn into ashes in spite of faithfilled and often tearfilled prayers.Do you hate us?I would ask God.Are you cruel?I would wonder…For the longest time God would just say:What do you really want?Do you want me or do you want me to take the pressure off?Every time he asked me this I would sob and say:I cannot settle for less - I WANT you ,for myself my husband,my kids no matter what it takes…So we have remained in God’s financial pressure cooker.And after much fear(not all gone) and moaning I have found myself starting to rise out of the ashes with more happiness,more enjoyment,more vivid dreams and revelations of Jesus than I have ever had in the past.So to all you fellow travellers of this road of “financial insecurity” I am so glad that we are in this together - When really hard times hit this country we will stand with with a smile on our face and a twinkle in our eye looking other people in the eye and declare with conviction:Jesus is sufficient!

I’m not even finished reading “The Shack”, yet I already know it’s an answer to prayer. I’ve been what I call a “serious” Christian for 23 years (I’m 56) & Papa, it feels funny (that’s what I called my Dad), has brought me through SO much. In the last 5 years or so, I began to experience Jesus when I prayed. My only words to explain it, even to myself, were that Jesus came in the room, or I touched the hem of His garment. I sort of felt like I might be going crazy or imagining it. I didn’t need to say words, I’d just cry, laugh, feel loved, sing in the spirit; I felt like my spirit was connecting to His spirit.
But this experience stopped. I feel like I’ve been in a desert. I had learned sometime ago to quit asking Him to do what I thought best, for myself & others. But this year I’ve been asking Him to take me wherever it is He wants. I thought the desert was a place I needed to go through to get to the next phase of the journey.
Your comments on this blog (I’ve never blogged before) about financial security really went straight to my heart. This is, I think, one of the last fears I’ve been holding on to. I’m not even sure I want to face it. I went through financial stuggles most of my life (all on my own, without Him), but for the last 15-20 years have been comfortable, more or less. Now, my husband, 66, is in a desperate financial bind, self employed, no retirement, saddled with houses he can’t sell. Although I did go back to work several years ago, I can’t “rescue us”.
When I pray, God sends me to my husband. (He never did that before.) He was reading this book; someone had emailed Him about it. I don’t know where this will go, but please, keep going. Keep sharing, openly, honestly, painfully. We are all in the same family. I thank Papa for you and your book.

Thanks, I needed that. I really didn’t want it to be hard for the next 30 years - again- but am beginning to see why God has me where I am.
Stopped by Barnes Noble last night, specifically in search of your book which my Christian life coach / licensed professional counselor recommended. “Awesome” forward. I am hooked. I will have to go back to the store a few nights this week to read and then buy when I get my paycheck the following Wednesday:)
Thanks for exposing your innermost thoughts through writing; may God bless you beyond your wildest.

What a wonderful, hope filled book!

Thank you Jesus, thank you Papa, and thank you wonderful Holy Spirit, for letting me see that my wife and I are not alone in this journey of life. Paul and friends thank you for posting the original note and responses, a very fair mirror of our own story. We’re about mid point from lost it all, and seeing God’s amazing daily bread. In a house that is not our own about a million miles, or so it seems from the material world of Newport Beach California. Now we’re in NW Washington and everyday seeing more of God’s grace. Hang in there brothers and sisters Papa knows all of our needs

One thing that so hits me about this blog entry is the absence of shame. Willie (Paul) and his family lose their family home, cars and virtually every material possession they owe, and there is no shame, but rather joy and celebration. In this materialistic society of ours, where power, possessions and control are everything, losing one’s possessions and earning ability is akin admitting that one is either hugely incompetent or derelect in duty. I have been holding on to the delusion that things can give me security and greater self-respect. Another lie by the enemy. I see now that the “shame” of it all is that I have allowed myself to be coerced into settling for less than complete abandonment to Papa’s love because of the shame I imagine I would feel if I “lost everything.” Many gifts to unwrap here. Thank you all for sharing yourselves. You are all a gift to me.

Two thoughts from better minds than mine!

God’s work done God’s way will have God’s supply.
I believe this, so the finances will come pouring in
as faith is put into action through believing prayer. ”
Hudson Taylor

Security is mostly a superstition.
It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it.
Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure.
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
Helen Keller

Willie, thanks so much for sharing your freedom from this crippling fear. My wife and I stand at a critical crossroads at this moment. Last month, we were blessed with a brand-new 5-bedroom house (after selling our 3-bedroom house) to make more room for my four older children from a previous marriage who will be staying with us every other week starting next month. (My present wife and I also have two young daughters together.)

Then, just a few days ago I was told that my 2nd job (as a church music director) is coming to an end on June 15th. I still have my full-time job, but it is not nearly enough income to make ends meet. In the natural, we are doomed. I’ve been tempted to begin a frantic search for another church job — preferably full-time with a nice salary and great benefits — and actually have one such prospect at the moment. But reading about your experience confirms to me that I need to rest in my Father’s goodness and love for me. I actually wrote a song many years ago called “Trusting His Goodness” and have used this phrase to sign many letters and emails. Now it’s time to actually do it. I want the freedom you have. Thanks for being so candid and honest.
Trusting His goodness,
Matt

My goodness, where do hot streaming tears come from so quickly as you read a simple post and response about a subject that seemed interesting to me?

Yet, I know, they come from Papa. In his/her gentle brutal honesty. “Katy”, the voice says, “there is no freedom in your constant greed, jealousy, expectations becasue of your your “good behavior”. All that brings is more fear, more clinching. Agree with ME and call it as I see it from here.”

“Ok Papa”,I say.
“Here… you take my greed, my jealousy, my fear and my expectations that come from all my labor in personal “sin management”! “You take all that in exchange for a deep breath of pure freedom, just for today.”

The hot tears feel cold as I wipe them off my face and begin to breathe. Freedoms’ air is crisp and tingles with grace.

Katy

three of my favorite quotations.

God’s work done God’s way will have God’s supply.
I believe this, so the finances will come pouring in
as faith is put into action through believing prayer. ”
Hudson Taylor

“I pray that you will be daring enough to be different,
humble enough to make mistakes,
courageous enough to get burnt in the Fire.”
Brennan Manning

Security is mostly a superstition.
It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it.
Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure.
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
Helen Keller

I “secretly snuck” into this topic about financial tyrany-insecurity, hoping that neither God nor humanity would look over my shoulder as I read it. Actually, I feel exposed both by my loving God and by other humans, who had been more honest than me, and had already secretly snuck into here. I have wrestled unsuccessfully with $$ security most of my 33 years as a believer, bouncing between faith and cynicism. I have not found easy answers, except the admonition to “love not the world.” Too bad that almost all of my $$ insecurities have been fueled by God’s unfaithful ones, who promised more than they delivered. I am broken and discouraged. Yet, I love God with all that I can muster.

Thank you for sharing this. My husband and I have struggled with giving God our finances our entire marriage of almost 14 years. I sometimes wonder how it never split us apart, as many predicted we would (split up). We still struggle in this area, but we’re much better and God’s grace is sufficient.

I made very good money and quit working at age 35. My celebration was to take a few hours and sit in my new pool, satisfied with all the financial accomplishments I had. Within 20 minutes, I felt a sinking feeling in my heart…I wasn’t happy! The money was nice, buy my soul was empty.

I bought more stuff the next 3 years, trying to get happy.

I didn’t like my job which paid me well, which is why I quit. And I didn’t really like the new one I got and have to this day….until a co-worker told me he didn’t work for the money, he worked for Christ. Recalling the parable of the talents, he suggested that I work for Jesus with a happy heart, or don’t work at all.

That took me a month or so to absorb and with lots of prayer, it made so much sense. I still have the same job, and now I go to the office for Jesus each day. Frequently each week I meet a stranger who happens to be a Christian.

That is the blessing I got for shifting my focus off myself and working for Jesus.

BTW, I lost my house, cars, everything, and went 1/4 million in debt to the IRS. HE was with me all the time, helping me talk to the scary IRS people and giving me calmness. To this day, I’m glad I was wealthy and learned first hand that it was not enough.

I have no clue what His plans are for me, I’m extremely happy doing the same job for Him instead of me. I share this with those who are going through the gut wrenching feeling of losing it all.

Then I look around the world, and realize that it was absurd of me to think money would be of value to me unless it was what God wanted for me.

God loves us, and wants us to learn how to fish. We may not like fishing, but we honor Him by doing so.

Blessings, Larry

What an accurate word to include in the title of this posting: TYRANNY! That is exactly what our fears do to us. They “lord it over us,” control us, rigidly demanding our quivering, second-by-second subservience. Thank you for sharing this series of emails. Growing up on the mission field with parents whose entire income was dependent on the finances provided by churches in America, I never knew that we did not have money. I thought I had everything I needed. Do you know why? I had praying, God-fearing parents who really took God at His Word, and my perceptions of what I actually needed were much smaller than they are now, as an adult.

Many of us place financial problems on ourselves by piling our lives full of “things” that then begin to control us. Everything we buy, desire, hope for, plan for, etc., has some measure of control over us. It all depends on how we translate that “gotta have it” attitude into our actions and relationship with God that can make or break us.

I say all this although I, too, am also going through times of financial diffculties. Many of the problems I now face come from my own former greed and desire for things. Now I am paying the price (credit card repayment) for that out-of-control spending. I am trusting God to help me make wise financial decisions and be more careful with my money.

I agree with what Paul said. It is often a week to week existence, but that does not change the character or love of God. Why do we think that we must have certain THINGS to be happy? Why do we continually seek after those things that will eventually control us by their very existence, even though they look good in the window of the store, with those brights lights shining down on them just so? My husband and I have told God that we want to rid ourselves of financial burdens so that we can use more of our finances to help others. It takes a life change and an attitude adjustment to see that you DON’T NEED that new item, or a better this or that. It is not from God, I don’t believe…that little voice telling us that we should have this item, that new thing, etc., etc. Our society has become one with a “throw-away” attitude, and the attitude extends to people as well…

Larry, THANK YOU for sharing your insights! Your friend was a breath of the Spirit sent to you when you most needed it! He is so right…our job does not define who we are. Our ATTITUDE and LOVE FOR OTHERS and LOVE FOR PAPA define us. We are HIS CHILDREN, and He is with us no matter which job/career we pursue. I believe (as I think Rick Warren said in his book) that God is not as concerned about the job you have as He is about the person you are becoming in relationship with Him.

I have always found it interesting and even a little disturbing to hear Christians talk about wanting to work only with other Christians, or attend only Christian schools. While I do believe that these places are important training grounds, I do not think that God means us to hide out in a monastary, never communicating His love with anyone but those who are like-minded with us. Who will share the truth of Papa’s love for them if we are holed up in a fortress somewhere, never wanting to come into contact with the very ones He wants to reach??

Keep going to work for and with Jesus, Larry! I believe that He is going to bring people through your life that will be touched by your love for God and for others. If all the salt stays safely in the salt shaker, the flavor of the food will never have that extra zing, and the glass of cool, refreshing water will never be sought to quench the thirst.

I awakened this morning, panicked over finances, and sliding into despairing anxiety while feeding the dog, and making coffee. I punched on the computer while brewing … noting to myself that I probably should spend some time in the word before e-mails. My friend, who had given me The Shack, had sent a link … and here I am. I am still panicking, but anticipate continued growth and trust, after having read this remarkably inspiring and life changing book. So glad to have “found” it . How refreshing to find this font of honesty about life in community with other believers.

After having a corporate job evaporate, I began a life coaching practice. I love what I do and helping people in a new way. However, I have also found that financial insecurity
has raised its ugly head in a new way. It is hard to just let it go as I attempt to provide for my wife and four children.
But even more difficult is to understand I have never been able feel loved or trust Papa in the area of provision. I want to experience his love here and it not be conditional based on how things are financially. Not sure what to do.

So much of this world revolves around money and most of us are owned by money; we’ve borrowed against our ability to earn future income, we’ve mortgaged what we already own to get more ’stuff’, we are never satisfied with what we have. For us, money is god - a god we both love and hate. Money, like the Law, is a cruel taskmaster; demanding all our effort, consuming our thoughts and stealing our dreams.

I’ve sat on the floor, my arms wrapped around my legs and cried to God for help because I’ve gotten so far into debt that I couldn’t drag myself out. He’s always provided, but I’ve never been truly grateful, never really satisfied. The deliverance I’ve needed hasn’t been so much physical cash, but a new attitude where I’ve faced the truth that ’stuff’ doesn’t matter; it doesn’t satisfy, it doesn’t give back, it doesn’t love me in return for using it. Money is not evil; it just hasn’t been used for the right things. If I can only convince my kids that debt is voluntary slavery and that they will never be content as long as they owe anyone but God, then I’ll have accomplished something in this life.

So almost a year after your dialogue with this woman, my wife and I are facing exactly the same set of circumstances. My wife has been blessed to be able to remain at home and school our girls. I left the military to become a “full-time” pastor; only to later discover that I no longer believe in a professional clergy (thanks, Frank Viola). I’m stuck in a job that was recently downsized, and now my expenses far exceed my income monthly. We’re on the brink of bankruptcy. Very good friends of our just went through this also, and they’ve shared that they feel more free now than ever. But I wrestle moment-by-moment with the guilt, disappointment and depression that come from feeling like a failure. I dug a deep financial pit, and now I can’t get out of it; and so, I failed. I realize that while there is truth in my responsibility for my situation, my value to Papa is not based on my credit score or my failures, but simply on being His child. And for that I am eternally grateful.
My wife and I just each read The Shack, and your insight into our Father’s incomparable love has truly been a blessing to us both, as well as to our friends who’ve read it also.
I just wanted to thank you for posting this thread, for your honesty, and for writing from your heart.

I also thought financial security would bring peace of mind and happiness. Now I am struggling with depression because I have blocked Papa from my life. I am trying to open my heart to the love he/seh/they have to offer unconditionally.

Eight years ago I started a journey to make Papa real in my life. Giving Him everything and not holding back or lying to Him or myself and to live clean and free. Almost three years ago I quit my job and started to live by faith. I have listened to the small voice and walked down the road less traveled. It has been extremely challenging to me and my family. We are growing stronger, full of peace and understanding and want more relationships with other people in a deeper way now. When this book came to me I had to read it completely and understand it in the spirit it was given. I saw things that I had seen before but in a deeper realization of it. I have been challenged to look at Papa with me instead of Him up there. My Finances, Relationships, and whole being are of wonder now. I have visions of being on top of a mountain and leaving go into a vast valley below all the time feeling love and trust and contentment. Learning how to fly means you have to leave go of the ground. Something that is stable or you can count on is restricting or holding you back from actually leaving go. We say we trust but it can’t be until we do it everyday. Either taken away from you or given up we must learn to tap into this trust. I have not gotten their yet but I am sure just like a lot of you that we are on our way. Thank you for this blessing…

I’ve just finished reading your book. A brother in Christ I don’t even know very well told me to read it. Although my mind is still somewhat “mushy” trying to absorb it all, I want everyone I know to read it. I can’t wait to talk to my brother, and discuss the book. The book’s message is what we all need desperately in our lives

Fear of financial security has haunted me my entire adult life. In fact, I fear not only losing everything, but being enslaved or tortured as some Christians in the world today, more than I fear death itself. Talk about no faith.

Now that I have said this. I would like to say that believe it or not, my faith is stronger. On 9-11-06( my other reason to remember 9-11), I was involved in a near fatal car crash. I now know the meaning of what the Bible says about,”In the twinkling of an eye”. That’s how long it took for a pickup on a 4 lane highway to cross over a 30′ dirt median, and hit me almost head-on. After several weeks in the hospital, and being off work for 2-1/2 months,I have to say this was one of the greatest blessings in my life. God(I’m sorry I still have a hard time saying Papa) woke me up, and taught me the meaning of,”This is the day the Lord hath made, rejoice and be glad in it”. Leaving the hospital, I was like a kid in a candy store. I praised God for the green grass, trees, birds, and especially fresh air. I have a whole new appreciation for the true riches of life. Family, friends, and God’s nature.

In addition to having my life spared,I was fortunate to be double covered on health insurance. One from my retirement as a police officer, and the other from where I’m employed now. Had it not been for this, I would have been $200,000 in debt for medical expenses. Not only this, but a year after the crash, one of the insurance companys(although they didn’t have to)offered me a settlement which I accepted. This allowed my wife and I to pay off some high interest loans that took a tremendous weight off our shoulders. For the first time in our lives, we feel free.
So with the above testimony, why am I still insecure. My lack of faith in knowing God loves me enough to take care of my every needs. Even though my faith has grown leaps and bounds, I still have a ways to go.

Thanks to those of you who are sharing your faith. It makes me feel guilty, but at the same time gives me strength.

Willie, thanks so much for your book. McKenzie, thanks for sharing your story. You have uplifted me more than you can know.