Sep 08 2009
Book Review: “Fearless” by Max Lucado
When I saw the opportunity to review Max Lucado’s new book “Fearless” (being released today), I immediately knew I wanted to read what he had to say on this topic of overcoming fear. I have always enjoyed Lucado’s writing, and as someone who struggles daily with fear and anxiety, I really anticipated gaining some new insight and revelation on this subject and I was not disappointed! This book addresses many of the types of fears that we encounter in our lives, drawing from the stories in the New Testament where Jesus was addressing the fear and anxiety he saw in the people around him. It was encouraging to be reminded that Jesus really does care about the things we dread and get anxious about and that He is concerned about delivering us from those fears.
Of the list of fears that people often face, the ones that struck home with me were the fear of disappointing God, the fear of not having enough (time, money, intelligence, acceptance, health, etc.) and the fear of worst-case scenarios. And while each chapter held meaningful pieces of Biblical advice on how to counteract these fears, I found that I enjoyed the last chapter most of all, “The One Healthy Terror”, which spoke on the fear of the Lord. After reading about all the areas where the enemy seeks to strike our hearts with fear, I really appreciated how Lucado reminded us that there is really only One that we should fear – and that is the One who holds our very life in His hands! I was reminded that it is vital to my battle against fear to have an accurate view of God and to see Jesus for the awesomely terrifying and powerful God-man that He is! To quote Lucado…
“As awe of Jesus expands, fears of life diminish. A big God translates into big courage. A small view of God generates no courage. A limp, puny, fireless Jesus has no power over [your fears]…Stare long and longingly at the Bonfire, the Holy One, the Highest One, the Only One. As you do, all your fears, save the fear of Christ himself, will melt…” (pg. 169, 170)
The generous publishers who gave me the chance to review this book will have to forgive me for going over the preferred limit of 200 words, since it just didn’t seem enough to do this book justice. I found “Fearless” to be challenging, inspiring, and thought-provoking. Lucado’s imaginative storytelling and insight into the Scripture makes for a thoroughly enjoyable read and I would recommend this book to anyone, without hesitation. After reading this book, I intend to go over the numerous portions where God was putting his finger on things in my own heart and allow Him to speak to me even more and lead me into greater levels of victory over fear!
Jacquie