PAGE BY PAGE

This book is what I would call “classic Max”.  He takes a serious subject, adds his own brand of humor, some poignant anecdotes,  some Scripture  and voila!  another  eminently readable “how-to” for Christians.  As the title suggests, Lucado aims to address the issue of fear, and more importantly,  how to subdue and live free from fear.  In the introductory chapter,  he says,  “Fear may fill our world, but it doesn’t have to fill our hearts”.  He suggests that Christians shouldn’t be operating in fear,  but in faith.  Yes, he says, there’s lots to be afraid of in our world, but he issues a call to live beyond fear, moving into a place of faith, and thus of peace and rest.   In subsequent chapters,  Max addresses some of the universal fears of the world (e.g. lack, violence, death)  and offers hope that we can be free from the insidious inroads that fear  makes in our lives.  If you are already a Max Lucado fan, I’m sure you will enjoy this new book, too.  If you’re not familiar with Max, but looking for something inspiring to read, this might just do the trick!  A warning, however:  just because the book is easy to read and enjoy, doesn’t lessen the seriousness of the subject.  The mistake can be made that once you’ve read the book, you have a handle on the subject matter, but I would suggest using the book as a springboard for deeper and further study and contemplation.  There’s a discussion  guide at the back of the book that would be great to use in a small group setting or even just to work through by yourself.

REVIEWED FOR THOMAS NELSON