Fearless by Max Lucado – book review
a book by Max Lucado
The subject of fear keeps coming up … in the media, in blogs I read, in songs I write and during Sunday worship and all those days and hours in between. I’m taking notice, because when I see a reoccurring theme, it usually means God wants to tell me or teach me.
When I had the opportunity to read Fearless by Max Lucado, I was excited, because I want to take in all I can about this subject. Who isn’t affected by fear? This seemed like a perfect way to learn some tools to share with others. Fear is everywhere, but so is God.
Ellie Lofaro, another great Christian writer said, “We have to stop telling God how big our storms are and start telling our storms how big our God is.” Amen to that! I loved that so much I wrote a song about it, called “You Belong to Me.” This is the same with fear . . . after all, storms and fear go hand in hand. One feeds the other. Storms roll in and all of a sudden, we’re filled with anxiety, worry, doubt, dread, heartache, FEAR.
I recently did something fearless. A year a half ago, I took my life in a new direction. I stepped out in a big, bold way. How? I used my fear for good. I fought off fear to find God’s favor. With the faith only God could provide, I decided the fear I had of not following His leading to impact His kingdom, was greater than the simple fear of trying. Fear was the enemy’s way of trying to halt what God was trying to do in me and through me. I let God have the final say. Did I stop being fearful? Of course not – fear has a sneaky way of finding another entry point, another weak spot. But, each day through prayer and the Word, I could be ready to go another round if needed. “Be prepared” and “Don’t be afraid” are big themes in the Bible. God knows what we’ll face and He wants us to be armed.
When I read Fearless, it wasn’t just encouraging . . . it was validating, reassuring, and most of all, right on the money. I enjoy the way Lucado writes – metaphors, anecdotes, colloquialisms, vivid imagery. I found it a very easy, enjoyable read. But, don’t be mistaken at its size or light-heartedness – that doesn’t take the power out of Max’s punch. This is still preaching the good news of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as our one way out of fear. Life has its own storms and fears will come and go. But, what about the BIG fear – the fear of death, the fear of being ultimately separated from God? Jesus fixed that too – His death and resurrection built the perfect bridge for us, so that we can be children of God, holy & blameless in His sight, able to spend eternity with Him.
“Don’t be afraid,” He said. “Take courage. I AM HERE.” Matthew 14:27 – I love that it doesn’t say, “Have courage” or “Be courageous.” It says, “TAKE courage.” If you take something, you probably don’t already have it. Or, if you have it, you need to pick it up and take it with you before you leave. Where can you get courage if you don’t have it? From God – take courage from Jesus and He will be with you always.
I think this book is a great evangelism tool. You might not be able to give someone a Bible and expect them to dive right in enthusiastically. But, this book, with its timeliness for a culture spinning out of control with fear (fear of terrorists, fear of disease, fear of bankruptcy and foreclosure), keeps the cure right out in front for everyone to grab – Jesus. Share the hope of Christ, whether someone’s in need economically, emotionally, physically, spiritually. This is a great discussion starter. In fact, Lucado built a study guide right into the book. That extra step makes it not just a good read, but a catalyst for telling others they don’t have to let fear stall their plans. They don’t have to let fear win. The more we pray, the more we trust in Jesus and His promises, the more we step out in faith, the less we have to fear and the less fear can do with us.
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