May the beauty of salvation embrace you, may your need for Christ capture you, and may the power of the Cross overwhelm you. For information on the authorship of “The Room” please click here. To download PDF, click here.
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features save for the mysterious array of black filing cabinets. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endlessly in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read “Girls I Have Liked.” I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.
And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn’t match.
A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named “Friends” was next to one marked “Friends I Have Betrayed.”
The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. “Books I Have Read,” “Lies I Have Told,” “Comfort I Have Given,” “Jokes I Have Laughed At.” Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: “Things I’ve Yelled at My Brothers.” Others I couldn’t laugh at: “Things I Have Done in My Anger,” “Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.” I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped.
I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my 20 years to write each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked “Songs I Have Listened To,” I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn’t found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked “Lust,” I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded.
An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: “No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!” In an insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn’t matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it
Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore “People I Have Shared the Gospel With.” The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.
But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus.
I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn’t bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one?
Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn’t anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn’t say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card.
“No!” I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was “No, no,” as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn’t be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood.
He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don’t think I’ll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, “It is finished.”
I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.
By Joshua Harris. Orginally published in New Attitude Magazine © Copyright New Attitude 1995. You have permission to reprint this in any form. We only ask that you include the appropriate copyright byline. To download PDF version, click here.
Wow. That was powerful.
That is so great! I remember one of my brothers showing that to me several years ago. It was good to re-read it! Thank you for posting it!
I remember that from a long time ago…Josh did a wonderful job of writing it. It was obviously inspired by God.
God Bless!
i saw the 6-minute film version right before u posted this. maybe u guys shud include the link to that short-film of The Room. 🙂
I remember that from elsewhere on the internet, but I don’t think it stated the author.
That is an amazing article. 🙂
Awesome article. Just what I needed right now…
Amazing Grace!!! Amazing Love!!!
wow…thanks for re-publishing it guys!
Wow. That is so convicting. It makes me realize how I so often take Jesus for granted. It�s such a powerful reminder of how devastating my sin is, and how wonderful His love is.
Thanks for sharing it
Oh, that’s so beautiful! I’ve read it before, but can always read it again! Perfect Allegory.
Very well done Joshua!
I remember my grandparents emailing this to us a while ago as one of those “read it and pass it on” emails.
I think your folder of “People I Have Shared the Gospel With” won’t be so unused.
Keep up the good work!
Wow. that was really convicting and emotional. I had goosebumps and chills as I read it, and I cried at the ending. It reminded me that I’ll have to answer for what I’ve done, and how precious Jesus’ gift is. I’m going right now to share it with some friends. That was so beautiful, thank-you for posting it!
Well, I’m not the only one that cried. That was so good. Thank you.
That was such an amazing post . Thank you! It reminded me freshly how I ,a sinner, am forgivin because Jesus ,who is sinless, died for me. What an amazing gift for such a sinful world.
I read this story in I Kissed Dating Goodbye, and was amazed. I think everyone needs to read something like this everyday to be reminded of God’s wonderful loving kindness and mercy!
Our class read this story about a year ago, and we did follow ups on it too. I loved it. And I still love it. It’s a really great reminder for us all.
Thanks for posting it again! Excellent article.
kars;
I’ve read this before in I Kissed Dating Goodbye (and seen the video), but it still strikes a chord whenever I read it. Many are the times it’s been forwarded in e-mails all over the country, but it still holds the same power.
I’ve read it before in I kissed dating goodbye and this time, like every time, I cried. I was reminded of the verse that says He was made sin for us who knew no sin. How great is God’s love,mercy, and patience!
It`s amazing how God works. Today I was needing to read this. Thank you, you guys were indeed used by God today!
I read it before in I Kissed Dating Goodbye. I was really convicted about the lack of cards for people that I have shared my faith with.
That was a wonderful story!! Just read the article “Blogging Teens” in WORLD and thought I would check this site out for my children. So……..a part of their assignment today will be to read something on this blog! Thank you for your devotion to serve our Lord in this manner. Blessings!!
Amazing and powerful article. What else is there to say?
Thanks so much! I have never read this before, and find it very powerful. Thank you for reminding me of His grace.
Ahh! I love that article. A few years ago, I heard Mr. Harris give a message and he read that. (I go to ClC.) It is so convicting. Such a good reminder. Thanks!
Josie
Wow…moving. I remember seeing at church (yah…nother CLC-er)…It adds a whole new dimension and perspective.
Brie
I remember reading this before, but it’s always a good reminder that we as Christians need to get out there and tell others about our wonderful Lord. Thanks you guys!
Wow! It’s been a long time since I’d read that. It gets better with every reading. Pass my thanks on to Josh.
It’s wonderful to see that you guys are growing into God-glorifying young men who desire to challenge their peers to serve God with their all. It feels like a very long time since I met y’all at New Attitude ’04 (I was in a skit with y’all–a community group thing), and it is encouraging to see that y’all have not wasted those years since.
Someday I want to be a part of the Rebelution…and once I get my certificate as an American Sign Language Interpreter I will be contacting y’all. Until then…
God bless!
This story not only brought tears to my eyes, but also really convicted me. It’s so true, yet 99% of the time we’re not even thinking about the fact that Jesus gave His life for every single one of our sins. Not only my sins, but the sins of every single person in this world. It’s really amazing.
Thanks Josh!
Just curious, did your brother really have a dream like that? Or did he just write it?
I admit: Most things I read I simply scan over. From the first two words I knew this was different, and I paid close attention.
It really made me think, and I was close to crying when I finished it. It really convicted me, as well.
Thanks so much!
I remember reading it before. It’s really good.
Alex & Bret: Just wanted to say “Thanks” for your faithful efforts in this post and all your
doing with this website. I appreciate you two young men. Hope to see you again soon, if not at the SAICFF next year. May God richly bless you, your brother Josh, & your father Greg and your family. Keep up the great work…you are inspiring lots of us to “press on”.
Blessings in the LORD Jesus Christ,
Dennis L. Zwoenitzer & family. Psalm 37:4
Thats good. I don’t know how many times I’v read this. Edited and none. Nothing the less, I am moved everytime. Thanks.
In Christ,
~CV~
“Faithful is my God, even when I am not.”
P.S.
I like the pictures. Those are new to me.
Hair Short…
yvsxwsjodgy ffuvmxdau iipynij sfhqbrosdy tvztdknarm eyzlglwzwk llpjyhwjsk…
Very good article! What a great picture! 2Cor 5:21 “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
Amen!
Amazing. I cried. I’m totally moved by this.
What a beautiful picture of what Jesus Christ has done for us and what a challenge.
Thank you for this post.
Wow! That’s enough to stop you in your tracks. It’s amazing how the same story told in a new way can be so powerful.
[…] […]
Man I have never heard anything like that before! It’s amazing!!
That’s enough to send anyone into a shoutin’ Hallelujah fit! God is so awesome! Thanks for posting that.
Hey, I love your site. Keep it up, guys.
1 Tim. 2:1-4
I am so convicted by this – knowing how many many files would be in my room!! 🙁 But then as I finish reading I am so overwhelmed by JESUS’ complete love for me… O! What a blessing! I do remember seeing the video a number of years ago – and I had tears in my eyes even then :’)
[…] The Room Alex and Brett Harris blog about The Room: by Joshua Harris. This short story vividly captures the message behind what it meant for Jesus to die for us on the cross. […]
This is such an amazing story. I’ve read it before but it’s definetly worth re-reading! How many different card will I have? This really makes appreciate the increadibly grace and love of our Savior. Thanks for posting this!
~Lori
Phil 4:8
Wow, that’s so amazing! I don’t think I’m ever going to forget this. Thank you so SO much for posting this! This is so powerfully amazing!!
That’s awsome. It reminds me of reading C.S. Lewis. Very Convicting.
I think I read this in one of your books… every time I read it I blink back tears… it makes me very aware that I need to be careful of what I think and do and say. Great post!
~Elisabeth J. Gruber
I received the story from a friend and nit was attributed to Brian Moore. I tend to be sceptical about such stories and decided to check the validity. I sent the information I gleaned back to my friend.
If we want to be disciples of Christ it behooves us to be truthful in all things. I know Christ can be glorified in spite of man’s (or Woman’s) twisted motives but the truth is alwats to be sought. We have to be careful not to get caught up in our version of the Truth. The total TRUTH rests with God alone.
We all (and that includes the most educated and pious) see through a “glass darkly, so we need to be careful of our pronouncements. It’s not at all honouring to God for so many of his servants to be twisting biblical truths to suit ther own biases.
The women’s isuue falls into that area. Are we in danger of incurring God’s wrath by continuing to keep women “in their place”. We presume all women are part of a loving union where they can support their man. To me it’s obvious that God has given gifts to men and women in equal measure. We need to consider the cultural context of the biblical passages used to limit the role of women.
Respsctfully,
Nick Unrau
That’s stunning!! it makes me cry.its just amazing!!
Thanks be 2 JESUS 4 paying the debt i could not pay.
I love this story! I was quite surprised, though, when I heard it read once with this sort of introduction, “This story was written by a young man who died when he was 18… it was found in his locker the day after he died.”
“Gracious!” I thought, being both a bit annoyed and amused. “Considering that I’ve read things he wrote when he was older than 18, I don’t think he died at 18. (Unless, of course, I Kissed Dating Goodbye was ghost-written. 🙂 ) And in fact, I don’t think he’s dead at all. I have the feeling his brothers would have mentioned it!”
But it is a great story, and I’m glad that people are hearing it, even when it is improperly attributed.
thats soo great. Definitely shows us all hope! Thank you!
Wow. That was amazing. I loved the ending. It was so intense that I’m about to cry. 😀
Wow….. that was very powerful.
I thought your brother was bald.
I’ve already read this multiple times and even saw it as an OI at an NCFCA tournament this year – yet it still leaves me in absolute awe of God’s unfailing love for me, a sinner, hopelessly unworthy of his love.
I love this story. It demonstrates His love for us in a unique and touching way. An amazing story.
That was really good. It is the first time i have been on your website but i am reading your book “Do hard things” right now and it is amazing! I cant wait to hear more about you guys and keep reading your book!
Wow… I don’t even want to know what will be in my boxes. Thanks, guys, for posting this. It really made me think, and pray. I’ve just accepted Christ at the Denver Conference, and this just amazes me. Thanks Joshua for writing such a touching story. I can’t believe how many horrible files I have. Thanks.
ive tried before to imagine how vast a space my sins consume, but never could. i could never even realize how numerous my sins were. this is the best description ive ever come across – it put so much of my life into perspective. Thank You.
God is SO awesome. why did He choose to shed his blood for us??? I am SO not worthy! I have so many files in my room that are not good…. but He signed all of them! We truly have an awesome God.
wow….that was so incredibly powerful
it ran chills down me
thanks so much for sharing this
it made me realize how so many little sinful things can take over our lives and begin to crash all around us at some point and that God is there on our side and to even know what we are feeling
it’s just amazing
i was really touched by that story……..It made me reflect on what my life is to Jesus right now…Thanks.
THis was very compelling, and I know that every person in the world would have the same feeling because we all fall short of the glory of God.
Thank you for this amazing illustration. It really makes you question what you have been doing all your life, what you are doing right now, and what you will be doing in the future. This is definitely one of the best blog posts I’ve read in a while.
That is so convicting. Thank you Jesus.
–> man that was so powerful
it makes you think about all the things you’ve done in life;
the lies, the music, everything.. and how Jesus covers it all.
but it also challenges you to think about:
when your life is over, and you stand before the King
what do you want to be known for?!
how much you fit in, the clothes you wore, the brand of shoes you rocked
or even how well you did in school?!?
no.. i want to be known as a leader who led her generation to Christ.
i want to have shared the gospel with everyone i came in contact with.
i want to have lived my life pleasing to G0d; no i cant be perfect
but i can strive to be, just as my father G0d is.
–rachel
I cried. I listened to Joshua Harris’ book I KISSED DATING GOOD-BYE on tape and I cried. Thank you for sharing this story Joshua.
Cynthia
[…] I know it is old … and you might have read it or heard this before. But it is always worth reading again. I found it at the Rebelution website under this title The Room: by Joshua Harris. […]
Wow… and to think of how willing He is to take the balme for eveything I’ve done. Thanks you so much for posting it, its something I sure would like to have an atheist read over!
Chelsey
Wow. That was incredible. I’d never really stopped to consider that each day, history is being recorded, and I am making it. I shudder to think what the files in my “room” would have been like now had Jesus not written His name over every single one of them.
Our God IS an AWESOME God!
Amazing. I read this awhile ago when I bought his book “I Kissed Dating Goodbye.” It was so powerful then. Every stupid thing I do, every sin, all of it – he took it and on that cross signed his name to each offense…..Amazing Grace….Unfailing Love…..wow…Thankyou Jesus
That was really powerful!
Thank you so much for posting this, it really makes you think.
That was amazing.. Thank you so much for posting that =]
I’ve heard that before, but it is so convicting. It is good to hear it more than once. I know I think about it alot.
Wow…..thats all I can really say……Wow……
(Thanks for writting this…)
Wow. That was so powerful. Thank you so much for posting that.
GOD IS AWESOME!
Thank you for posting this. I read it a while back in Josh’s book but I needed a reminder. Thanks again.
That was indeed powerful.
I have a knot in my stomach thinking about what my room looks like.
Every one of us has a room and unfortunately in every room the bad outweighs the good.
God, thank you so much for signing your name over my sin, I do not deserve it.
That is really powerful and it is really amazing.
When i read the story. I thought about the times i’ve had the urge to spread the Gospel and change my mind.
Wow. That was a really amazing and powerful story. Its so true! Jesus signed His name in blood over all of our sins. I could never thank you enough Jesus.
We have I Kissed Dating Goodbye, but I have not read it. That was unbelievable but SOO
TRUE.
Oh my word!! I would have passed out dead with fear and shame!!! If I read through every one of my cards, I’d be so sick, with all the thoughts, words, and sins I’ve committed in 14 years. If I had to pay a penny for every word I’d ever spoken, the richest man in the world would go broke! That will really make me think before I open my mouth again!
I can’t stop myself saying, Hallelujah to the Lamb that was slain. Truly, our God is uncomparable, undiscribable, and surely more than enough. His love is unexplainable, no one could fathom. I can’t help but pause for a while and ponder on His beautiful smile, while saying “YOU are Mine”. Dear God, thank you for this life, for this chance, for the moment that you’ve called me out of darkness. Let me enjoy you and your fellowship for the rest of my life… Amen
I was a little surprised when I read that. I mean, I’d never thought of the crucifixion that way. I’d thought of it using special church words, like “sin” and “repentance,” but never like something someone actually did. It made me think about all the rotten things that would be on my cards, and how I wish someone could have signed their name on them over my own. I know, that since my name is on them, someday, someone will come along and find the cards, and I will be convicted of my crimes, and sent to the Ultimate Prison.
And the saddest thing is that I have the power to do something about it, and I’m not really doing much of anything. The only thing I’ve done is somehow end up back at this site after years of pretending I was never here and never cared about knowing God. In fact, I’ll just post this and probably instantly forget. It’ll be as if I never did.
But that was really helpful. Thank you for posting that.
Wow, what an amazing story. That Jeod would have that much love for such failures as us, I needed to read this, it sure makes me think of the little handful of things I’ve done that glorifies God.
Wow. That was a story of emotion, forgiveness, grace, and hope. After reading that, I’m currently in a state of amazement….
Jeremiah
Wow…that was so emotional. I almost cried reading it. I needed to hear that! Wow.
I often wonder how many people I have shared the gospel with. I try to remind myself that where ever i am, I can share the gospel and their is no excuse not to even though i don’t have enough time to talk to that individual, they should ask themselves, ” what is it about that person that makes me want to know him/she more”.
Every time I read this story, I think,”Jesus does this daily for me.”
I havn’t read this in a long time…
It’s such a wonder why Jesus would do such a thing for me, and die for me. Yet at the same time, we still sin and disobey his commands when we know hi love for us. I truely hope that we will be able to give 100% of our lives to him and do hard things for Christ.
Thanks for posting it guys!!!!
I have so very much to learn…
The past few days have been a frenzy of trying to change bad habits, pay more attention to things that matter, etc. I’m trying to be a Rebelutionary. Today my best friend became one, and I found another friend who is one also. Things were (dare I say it?) going pretty well.
But “all our righteous works are as filthy rags”. I know that God has forgiven my sins, and that I no longer need to feel guilty about those things that happened in the past. I also know that I am still sinning. But the sins that I know I must have committed in the past few days are not anywhere near as obvious as those that have happened in the past, and I don’t feel as guilty as I used to.
The question that I was literally about to ask was, “I know I should feel guilty, but I don’t feel like I’ve done much wrong lately. What gives?”
Then I just realized the answer. Whether the sin was murder or one wrongly thought word, I’m guilty of sin. I’m as guilty as the one who nailed Jesus to the cross, as guilty as the one who spat in His face. No matter how “good” I might look on the outside, I’m still just as much a sinner.
Jesus is still there, putting His name on my files. I pray now that He’ll put His name on the file marked “Times I’ve been Prideful”, along with all the others.
Thank you for the reminder.
I have no way to be sure, but I’ll bet I’m the oldest one to send in a comment. I was born on October 7, 1948, almost 61 years ago. At the age of 15 or so, I went to a revival at my church and there was a wonderful speaker there named Ford Philpott. He hit me hard, right between the eyes. Got my attention real well. I went up for the altar call. My hair stood up on the back of my neck and all those other signs of the Holy Spirit coming on you.
I was raised by my mother and grandmother. I came from a broken family before it was fashionable. I didn’t enjoy church at that time and even though I had felt the feelings at the revival meeting, I stayed out of the loop for years. I never did anything too terrible to anyone but was far from the “good boy” that everyone thought they saw. Fortunately, I never had a drug or alcohol problem but I smoked and chased every girl I could and caught way too many for my own good. Again, God was looking over my shoulder and no one ended up pregnant or with an STD.
I goofed off a lot at work and had many jobs until after my first marriage when I settled down a bit. I still ignored the feelings inside about going to the Word for advice. I didn’t laugh at those who did, I just turned away and tried to ignore my inner tendencies. Still no church attendance. I used every excuse to my wife and myself about not liking any of the local churches. I did not understand the lack of perfection I saw in the people I new who attended regularly.
I have always had a love for history and respected the Bible for the history aspect if nothing else. I would learn a lot from listening to various discussions about history and prophecy and the accuracy in Isaiah and Daniel. I began to see a couple of ministers on late night TV that taught instead of preached. I enjoyed that and learned even more and began to develop a thirst for knowledge. This was in the mid-80s after my second marriage and my Mom had remarried a minister, as well.
It still took me many years to figure out what salvation really meant and get my brain rearranged. I began to be around a couple of people I liked that had a great deal of knowledge and i enjoyed discussing my questions with them. Fast forward a little to the late 90s and I began to listen to several shortwave religious broadcasts and things began to firm up in my mush bowl head. The regrets began to set in. I just could not believe I could be forgiven for the things I had done. After some ten years of conversion and study, I felt the hair stand up again and a lightness come into my step and my back straightened up. I finally figured out that I don’t have to figure out God’s ways, just believe in them.
Some new friends from the internet sent me a copy of “The Room”. I felt the tears after the second paragraph. By the time I got to the fourth I had to wipe my eyes to see. Like the line in the story, I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. It was as if the story wrapped itself around my body or had been written with my life in mind.
I went back and read it over two or three times. Each time picking up on new twists. I was three times the age of the guy in the story. I had much more bad baggage than him. It is amazing how much blood Jesus had to go around for us all. It had always been so simple. Just a prayer away. Just a little change of mind and a big change in attitude. So simple, so close and yet so far away. I am so thankful I had always believed in God even though I failed to let Him into my daily life. I talked to Him once in a while but didn’t understand that I needed to repent. Finally, listening to the radio, I began to understand. Thank God for the people who donated to those ministers so I could hear. Thank God I could still hear and finally understand what I had been hearing all along. Now I just plain thank God. Maybe my rebellious ways will let me start my own Rebelolution.
I love you all. Wish I could talk with all of you.
Wow…that is powerful.
And I also read the last comment by John Pickelsimer…and I know he already knows this, but all I have to say is IT’S NEVER TOO LATE! I feel so awful when I see people who think they’re past the point of no return…if only they could really know how the Father feels about them! I only recently discovered that myself. Oh my gosh, my brain just feels too small to understand everything!
Anyway, right now I’m reading “Do Hard Things” for the first time…I’m not finished yet, but I can tell ya I LOVE what I’m reading. That is exactly the sentiment I have had for the past couple of years (I’m 15) – like I could be doing so much more! Anyway, keep up the good stuff, guys.
WOW………That was really powerfull, I ahve all those files and i am only eleven. (Exept since i have only had eleven years to write mine doesn’t have that many cards)
That was something i need to write down. WOW! I mean it that was really really good and soooooooo powerfull!
I am 15yrs old…and I only have a few words to say…that was the best read out of any book or website i have ever read!
WOW I love this story!!!!!!! It is so very encouraging!!!!!
WOW!!!!!!!!That was amazing!
Wow! I wish I could live every single moment with this thought! How much better would we strive to live if we thought of Christ’s death in light of every action we make!
THanks so much for allowing this to be reproduced! We need to share its message to everyone!
Blessings.
Meggie
[…] The Room: by Joshua Harris […]
Moving… Powerful… At first I thought it was about me… then I thought it was about what He did… And it just came to me, it’s who HE is. Jesus Christ is the perfect expression of love and is LOVE.
That story is so powerful! I was on the verge of tears by the end. that is some story, one of the best i’ve read! it’s so simple, yet so overwhelming. certainly a message from God. I can’t begin to imagine how many cards would be in my room, and only after 14 years! I don’t think I will live the same any more! to live with the thought that every action you did would be recorded, and God name signed instead of mine! had I seen a person take on so much sin, I would be disgusted! that is an amazing story!
After reading “The Room”, I scrolled down and read a few different comments left on the page. I came across one posted by John Pickelsimer. I was amazed at his story. I believe that could have been me, had God not allowed me such a rich blessing to be born into a loving and caring Christian family!
What the rebelution has done in so many lives is awesome! I really am filled with awe at the power of all the stories of other rebelutionaries from around the world! I hope to read more!
We as a generation have believed one lie. Perfection.
Today’s difference consists between two different types of people:
1. The first believes that you have to maintain this attitude and presentation that you always have to have it all together. Jesus even said “I have not come for those who think they are righteous but those who know they are sinners.”
2. The second is that you live by an easy button only preserving and using God when your brought to your knees. And the reason why these people “practice poorly” is because they have lost the sense of hope that its about perfection. Instead of getting back up and depending on Him in your weaknesses.
I have been apart of both of these two groups and want to say thank you for following God’s voice and pushing this generation not to settle for less.
p.s. Awesome. This story kinda reminds me some of “The Shack.”
This is really inspiring and encouraging! Thank you for publishing this, I have now read it to all my family! This whole site is such a blessing!
I actually cried while reading this. So powerful.
I have no way to be sure, but I’ll bet I’m the oldest one to send in a comment. I was born on October 7, 1948, almost 61 years ago. At the age of 15 or so, I went to a revival at my church and there was a wonderful speaker there named Ford Philpott. He hit me hard, right between the eyes. Got my attention real well. I went up for the altar call. My hair stood up on the back of my neck and all those other signs of the Holy Spirit coming on you.
I was raised by my mother and grandmother. I came from a broken family before it was fashionable. I didn’t enjoy church at that time and even though I had felt the feelings at the revival meeting, I stayed out of the loop for years. I never did anything too terrible to anyone but was far from the “good boy” that everyone thought they saw. Fortunately, I never had a drug or alcohol problem but I smoked and chased every girl I could and caught way too many for my own good. Again, God was looking over my shoulder and no one ended up pregnant or with an STD.
I goofed off a lot at work and had many jobs until after my first marriage when I settled down a bit. I still ignored the feelings inside about going to the Word for advice. I didn’t laugh at those who did, I just turned away and tried to ignore my inner tendencies. Still no church attendance. I used every excuse to my wife and myself about not liking any of the local churches. I did not understand the lack of perfection I saw in the people I new who attended regularly.
I have always had a love for history and respected the Bible for the history aspect if nothing else. I would learn a lot from listening to various discussions about history and prophecy and the accuracy in Isaiah and Daniel. I began to see a couple of ministers on late night TV that taught instead of preached. I enjoyed that and learned even more and began to develop a thirst for knowledge. This was in the mid-80s after my second marriage and my Mom had remarried a minister, as well.
It still took me many years to figure out what salvation really meant and get my brain rearranged. I began to be around a couple of people I liked that had a great deal of knowledge and i enjoyed discussing my questions with them. Fast forward a little to the late 90s and I began to listen to several shortwave religious broadcasts and things began to firm up in my mush bowl head. The regrets began to set in. I just could not believe I could be forgiven for the things I had done. After some ten years of conversion and study, I felt the hair stand up again and a lightness come into my step and my back straightened up. I finally figured out that I don’t have to figure out God’s ways, just believe in them.
Some new friends from the internet sent me a copy of “The Room”. I felt the tears after the second paragraph. By the time I got to the fourth I had to wipe my eyes to see. Like the line in the story, I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. It was as if the story wrapped itself around my body or had been written with my life in mind.
I went back and read it over two or three times. Each time picking up on new twists. I was three times the age of the guy in the story. I had much more bad baggage than him. It is amazing how much blood Jesus had to go around for us all. It had always been so simple. Just a prayer away. Just a little change of mind and a big change in attitude. So simple, so close and yet so far away. I am so thankful I had always believed in God even though I failed to let Him into my daily life. I talked to Him once in a while but didn’t understand that I needed to repent. Finally, listening to the radio, I began to understand. Thank God for the people who donated to those ministers so I could hear. Thank God I could still hear and finally understand what I had been hearing all along. Now I just plain thank God. Maybe my rebellious ways will let me start my own Rebelolution.
I love you all. Wish I could talk with all of you.
That was awesome.. i think i’ve read it before. but it holds a new meaning everytime i read it. i love this site.. i think i found it on accident. but with God there is no accidents.
That was incredibly inspiring! It demonstrates a huge portion of what God gave us. Smart choice guys keep it up!:)
God bless!
Cailin
wheeewww. that was really powerful..and a really good reminder of how He knows everything and still loves us and was willing to die for us. great post.
An incredible way to describe all that Jesus did for us, and how truly sinful we are without him. That really touched my heart, God spoke to me through it. Thanks.
true! how deep is His love for us. :’) How could a holy God love a sinner like me. Ps 103 says that He does not treat our sins deserve. so great is His love.! The voices of the million angels just could not express of my gratitude. thank You Lord for dying for me. Im no worthy. ITs all by HIS grace. 🙂
That was amazing. It moved me to tears. Thanks so much for posting it. 🙂
Wow. That is so amazing! It makes me so glad that I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior.(Or ‘let Jesus sign His name over mine)’ Thanks so much for this article.
That was awesome! It showed the best and most moving part of the Gospel. I felt extremely sad and joyfull at the same time while I was reading it.
Oh my word.
That is so incredibly powerful.
Man… I feel changed!
That was amazing! Very deep life and changing! I want to show this to my youth group!
Wow…thank you so much. If I had this in mind at all times, my life would be so different. The gospel is so powerful. Again, thank you very much!
It sure is powerful, but looking at my “shiney Christian life”, its not, its actually tame. I deserve more of a scolding than that! Its deep and chalanging, yes, I agree! But it doesnt come close to what my sin and shame would be if my “shiney Christian life”, or so others think it is, was exposed, even to me! Thank you for the article. It makes us think about how since words cannot express sin, how much more is God’s grace amazing and unbelievable! And yet we can believe it because it is true.
Sincerely in Christ,
M
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James shines!!!!! He is excellent!!!
Woww!! That was amazing!!
Very nice, good… http://www.yenimynet.net
That was incredible! Thanks for sharing.
As soon as I originally left a comment I clicked on the Notify me any time new comments are added checkbox and currently each and every time a remark is added I get four emails with the identical comment.
Wow! Great post….really gets you thinking about how you spend your time here on earth. Thanks so much for having this story on here. =)
[…] Salvation with her. (Video coming soon). We ended up talking about the Atonement more, and I shared http://therebelution.com/blog/2006/10/the-room-by-joshua-harris/#.Ve2wVhFVhBc Then we went to Finely’s and they gave me a free lunch and SIster Jacobson (the Mission […]