MoonglotexasWhen picking up a Max Lucado, you are guaranteed to have relatable, real-life stories entwined with Biblical truths and “You Are Never Alone” is no exception. The timing of the release of this book feels God-ordained, it has been birthed in the midst of COVID-19 when loneliness and depression are at the highest levels in years and anxiety is everywhere. I picked it up because it’s Max and he doesn’t avoid the hard questions or the suffering.
The book is built around the gospel of John and Max unpacks belief and trust in God’s presence and provision. My anxiety has skyrocketed through this time of COVID-19 and it’s raised old hurts afresh as well as agonising doubts for my faith in God. Max reassures readers who feel as I do with paragraphs such as
“For some of you the answer is no. Your faith is sequoia strong, deep rooted, and shade giving. Others of us, however, have to work through it. We have legitimate questions concerning Christianity. We seek answers that will satisfy our quest for an honest faith. If this describes you, let me welcome you to the Society of Seekers. Let me assure you, it is permissible to have doubts.”
From “You Are Never Alone” by Max Lucado
He also shares deeply traumatic experiences from his past. I am always amazed by his courage and his candidness. I heard in his prose a reassuring “I get the pain you’re in because I’ve walked this road” and when you’re world is spinning, it instills a glimmer of hope.
One of my triggers is death and so I battled to enjoy some of the stories, even when they intended to be light-hearted, and I wanted this book to be a fix. Instead, it was the beginning of a journey I am still walking. Before writing this review, I reread segments of the book and opened my Bible to John again. I am feeling stronger than I was when I first read these passages and more able to appreciate them. This is a book designed to pull you closer to God and into His Word.
I can’t but highly recommend “You Are Never Alone”, it is moving and hopeful. It gives you a fresh stream of thought to calm an anxious mind and mostly, it says “Me too, but God is here.” It’s five out of five on the enJOYment scale.
From the back cover:
When life feels depleted, does God care? I’m facing an onslaught of challenges, will God help? When life grows dark and stormy, does God notice? I’m facing the fear of death, will God help me? The answer in the life-giving miracles in the Gospel of John is a resounding yes.
In You Are Never Alone, Max will help you:
- Realize that Jesus is walking with you and lifting you out of your storms.
Dwell in the grace of the cross, the miracle of the empty tomb, and the assurance of restoration power. - Believe that God is your ever-present source of help.
- Recognise that you are never without hope or strength because you are never, ever, alone.
Today, take courage that you are stronger than you think because God is nearer than you know.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
