It has been a long time since I have read anything by Lucado, though I used to read him tirelessly. Max Lucado is an author one reads not for theological discourses or deep intellectual thought. Rather Max is someone one reads when one needs an encouraging friend, an uplifting of spirit, or just simply to be reminded of the simplicity of God’s word. Max uses life experiences, even his own to bring out the relativity of God’s word to his children. Fearless is no exception.
Fearless is the friend one needs when faced with homelessness.
Fearless is the reminder we need of Christ’s words “Fear not for I am with you always.” when faced with uncertain peril such as financial ruin.
Fearless is the one book you may turn to for comfort when having just received news that a loved one has been diagnosed with inoperable cancer and has a short time to live.
Fearless is the words of a close friend as he comforts you in that darkest hour after your whole world has been turned upside down.
Yes Fearless can be all of these things, as Max using his usual comforting, encouraging style to bring to light Christ’s words to us consistently of “I AM Here” As he shares personal times of fear and he reminds us that even though the disciples had Jesus presence constantly with them they knew times of deep fear as exhibited in the fear of the mighty storm in Matthew 8, beginning in verse 25
As Max says about individuals who are living in fear. “They cannot give to the poor. Benevolence has no guarantee of return. The fear-filled cannot dream wildly. What if their dreams sputter and fall from the sky? The worship of safety emasculates greatness.No wonder Jesus wages such a war against fear. His most common command emerges from the “fear not” genre.” Then Max points out “The Gospels list some 125 Christ-issued imperatives. Of these, 21 urge us to “not be afraid” or “not fear” or “have courage” or “take heart” or “be of good cheer.” The second most common command, to love God and neighbor, appears on only eight occasions. If quantity is any indicator, Jesus takes our fears seriously. The one statement he made more than any other was this: don’t be afraid.”
Yes Fearless is a book one can find encouragement is as Max looks at fears we all deal with day to day such as: fear of being unimportant, disappointing God, not being able to protect our kids. growing old, and the unexpectant.
If your looking for theological stimulation Lucado is rarely your author; but if your looking to sit down with a buddy as you go through a time of uncertainty or just plain being in a state of fear; few better than Max. Perhaps it may be just the book someone else needs who is going through a time of being afraid.
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