This is a continuing series. If you want to read the letters that came before, here is the first letter, the second and the third. Enjoy!

James and Lily,

Thanks so much for the passages and encouragement! The passage that struck me most was 2 Corinthians 1. Why don’t we here more about that book? I started reading it and just wanted to keep reading. Wow! Anyway, it helped me to think about my need for Jesus more every moment. I can see that even these troubles, which I would not wish on anyone, are already helping me to trust in God alone. I’m glad you are seeing the fruit too.

Thanks for the passages and thoughts about the “Papa” question. I am a bit uncomfortable with that kind of closeness to God. It seems like it brings Him too far down to my level. If I am honest, it also makes me uncomfortable because He is so holy. If He is that close to me, it makes me want to watch everything I do and say. I can handle others being that close to me because they don’t know everything about me, but God knows it all. That is a bit scary. I still don’t know what to think about all that.

Also, do I have to call Him “Papa” to recognize how close He is to me? It almost seemed like you were saying this is how we all need to pray and talk to Him. I would love to hear your thoughts.

I don’t have any more questions about chapter 1, but I have been reading ahead. Chapter 2 was more interesting. What is the deal with Mac using this myth to relate to Jesus? It seems like it confuses more that it helps. It made her think that Jesus’ story might be a legend too. And why would he say he thinks the Indian princess story was true too? When I was in college, one of my professors was always calling the stories of the Bible myths. The more I have thought about it since becoming a Christian, the more it bothers me! Myths aren’t true! Isn’t this just another way people try to downplay the Bible?

I have a hard time relating to Mac. He seems so inadequate. He can’t answer simple questions. He is full of despair. He thinks he knows what God will or will not do. The only thing I can relate to is his guilt and regret over whatever happens. After the accident, that was all I could think about. Why couldn’t I have just seen that other car coming a moment sooner? Was I distracted with the music that was playing? Is it my fault they died? Could I have done anything differently? Why didn’t I die too? I still don’t have answers to most of these questions. Anyway, I struggle with Mac except in this one area. Why does the author present him this way? Is this why some people have such a problem with the book from a Christian perspective?

I have nothing else from the book right now. I will be praying for you. It must be so hard being held like that against your will. I don’t understand what you are able to do and what they prevent you from doing. It just seems strange to me.

I love you two and hope to see you soon in God’s timing. I really hope they let you go. I am trying to take every day and turn to God. It is still really hard most days. I find that I can turn to Him when I wake up, but when I actually start into my day, so often I forget and struggle. It is still so painful and hard. Pray for me. I don’t even know what to pray for. I would ask about taking away my pain, but I remember what you said last time about this kind of prayer. Pray whatever you think is best.

Your friend,

Tim

Tags: Gospel, intimacy, myth, Papa, Prayer