"The Shack" is a powerful, Christian based movie based on a novel by William P. Young. The movie brought up a lot of controversies when it first came out. When you look past the debates, this movie answers a ton of questions people may be asking themselves about God. It is a great movie to show people who are new to their faith, but it also is great for people who have been believers for a long time. As I was watching the movie for the third time the other night, I picked up on some great quotes that were given! Here are some of my favorites.

1. "When all you see is your pain, you lose sight of me."

When you focus on the negative in life, you tend to stray away from God. Focusing on him will help you to keep going on the right path. He will bring you to where you are meant to be.

Romans 12:9 - Cling to what is good

2. "The truth sets everyone free"

The truth shows a person's true understanding. Covering yourself in lies will just create more and more barriers from the real world. Being honest may be painful, but it will lead to freedom in the end.

John 8:32 - Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free

3. "Birds are created to fly. You, on the other hand, were created to be loved. Living unloved is like clipping a bird’s wings. … This is why you’re here, Mackenzie. This is your flying lesson."

God created you to love you. When you deny God’s love, you are not living your purpose. Choosing to love him, even during the difficult times, is your testimony of learning to live your life as you were created.

1 John 4:7-8 - Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God because God is love.

4. "Dreams are important. They can be a way of opening a window, letting the bad air out."

Dreams can release the pain that you are manifesting and holding in. Although it is not in the real world, dreams can be vivid and you can feel real emotions from what occurs in your sleep.

Proverbs 3:24 - When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

5. "You’re trying to make sense of your world... The real flaw in your life is that you don’t think that I am good."

People tend to try to live their life the way they want. They don’t believe in God’s plan and stray down their own path. God has a plan for each and every one of us. Try to focus on him. God will always lead you to where you are meant to be.

Psalm 56:3 - When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

6. "There’s something very special I want to plant here tomorrow, but to prepare the ground, we have to dig up all the roots."

In order to start new, you have to dig up the roots. This is an important analogy for life. It may be hard work, but in order to have a fresh start, you need to dig down to the bottom and remove the old roots.

Isaiah 43:18-19 - Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

7. "It’s wild and wonderful and perfectly in process. This mess is you."

You are perfectly imperfect.

Ecclesiastes 7:20 - Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins.

8. "If anything matters, then everything matters."

You can’t pick and choose which things matter and which don’t. If one thing matters, then it all matters.

Colossians 3:17 - And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

9. "No matter what happens, remember this: I have always loved you"

God is forgiving. No matter your past, your present or your future, God loved you, loves you and will love you.

Romans 5:8 - but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

10. "He doesn’t stop a lot of things that cause Him pain… You want a promise of a pain-free life… [It’s not possible] as long as there’s free will."

This is a great explanation as to why there is pain in this world. With free will involved, God is not able to control everything. God does have things happen for a reason. From your perspective, you may not be able to see that clear vision, but God has a purpose for everything.

1 Corinthians 13:12 - Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.

11. "Religion is way too much work. I don’t want slaves. I want friends. Family."

God just wants to be your friend. He wants you to confide in him and trust him. He wants a relationship with you.

John 15:15 - I no longer call you servants because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.