Fearless~ Book Review

 

 

We subject ourselves to a position of fear, allowing anxiety to dominate and define our lives. Joy sapping worries. Day-numbing dread. Repeated bouts of insecurity that petrify and paralyze us.  Hysteria is not from God. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear” (2 Tim 1:7). (pg 13, Fearless)

If you have ever read any of Max Lucado’s books you know that he has amazing talent for drawing pictures with his words.  This book is no different.  He describes fear so vividly and how it can rule your life if you allow it.

In his book on fear, Lucado, takes you on a journey that opens your eyes to how we are a fearful generation.  He begins his book with pinpointing reasons why we are afraid.  Then one by one takes he these fears and walks his readers through biblical solutions.

My favorite chapter in this book is chapter 7.  Lucado, retells the story of the moments leading up to Christ’s crucifixion.  He takes us to the garden of Gethsemane. He reminds us that even Jesus felt fear at the oncoming burden He was to bear.

Jesus faces his ultimate fear with honest prayer. Let’s not overcomplicate this topic. Don’t we do so? We prescribe words for prayer, places for prayer, clothing for prayer, postures for prayer; durations, intonations, and incantations. Yet Jesus’ garden appeal had none of theses. It was brief (twenty-six English words), straightforward (“Please take this cup of suffering away”), and trusting (“Yet I want your will to be done, not mine”). Low on slick and high on authentic.  Less a silver-tongued saint in the sanctuary; more a frightened child in a father’s lap.  That’s it. Jesus’ garden prayer is a child’s prayer…. Do likewise. Fight your dragons in Gethsemane’s garden.  Those persistent, ugly villains of the heart, talk to God about them. (pg 83,84,85)

I highly recommend this book!  Even if you don’t feel you struggle with fear. I urge you to get a copy of this book. It is filled with insight, Biblical teaching, and through Max Lucado’s words you can feel God’s strength and love.

We cannot go where God is not. Look over you shoulder; that’s God following you. Look into the storm; that’s Christ coming toward you. (pg 71)

*Book provided by Thomas Nelson Publishing