Sinner Saved: September 2009

Tuesday, 8 September 2009

Fearless by Max Lucado

I received this book as part of the Thomas Nelson book review blogger programme. It takes the reader through fear and the positive/negative role it can have in your life and studies how the Bible (and in particular Jesus) speaks of fear and teaches us how to deal with it. The overall message is that if we trust in Jesus then we do not need to suffer through fear.

Initially I had low expectations but I was pleasantly surprised. After discussing what fear is and how fear is not always bad the author proceeds to deal with the main different fears people might have. These include failing God, failing our children, violence, money troubles, death and faith/assurance. The author does not simply say, "You need to trust in God." and leave it at that but works through various Bible passages. He also gives examples of how to deal with fears so rather than just saying, "Pray," he gives examples of what kind of things a person might pray for in different situations.

I particularly liked that the book was thoroughly immersed in the Bible which is an important feature in any Christian book. Even if you yourself (like me) do not tend to worry that much, I think it is still a useful book as it helps you to think about things more clearly and also gives you constructive ways to help if you are having discussions with someone else who does worry. I think my favourite part of the book was the end on the chapter about money where it says, "After all, it's just Monopoly money. It all goes back in the box when the game is over."