Fearless by Max Lucado

I finally finished this book when I set my mind to it. Had had the book for at least a couple weeks and read only a chapter or 2 of the fifteen chapters in the book. Read the 13-14 chapters in a matter of a little over 3 hrs. Amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it and am undistracted with children and other things.

The language of Fearless is consistent with how Lucado normally writes. He brings Biblical scenarios and mixes them with modern terminology and settings to perhaps help the reader be able to relate more. He also relays personal stories of "Fear" in his own life, as well as gives examples of how other people have either succumbed to fear or risen above fear to walk in faith & victory in Jesus Christ.

As usual, I read with a highlighter and could write a super long review with the things I thought were important. What I love about Lucado, and this book is no exception, how he comes up with short little, very powerful sayings. "Feed your fears, and your faith will starve. Feed your faith, and your fears will."

Throughout the book he has quotes Scriptures & their references of how God worked, what Jesus did with fear, His interactions with people & fear. He gives practical advice on what we can do with fear, overcoming it. It all begins with a resolve in our minds and wills to redirect our attention.

In each chapter, the various fears he talks about:

• Fear of Insignificance
• Fear of Disappointing God
• Fear of Running Out/Not Enough
• Fear Regarding Our Children
• Fear of Overwhelming Challenges
• Fear of Worst Case Scenarios
• Fear of Violence
• Fear of the Seasons in Our Lives
• Fear of Life's Final Moments
• Fear of the Future
• Fear That God Isn't Real
• Fear on a Global Level
• Fear of God Not Being Who We Want Him To Be

This really is a boatload of fears, but in each chapter, Lucado gives wonderful examples on how to combat each of these. One of the ones that speaks to me regarding "Worst Case Scenarios". So many of those things have happened to me and much worse, but as I practice the presence of God, delve in His Word, pray, surround myself in godly Community, this really dispels and replaces fear with courage and faith.

This book was encouraging for me. Though it was a quick read, he does sort of go on in some areas where he could've been more succinct. However, my favorite things are his poignant little sayings that are so clear & concise. It speaks to me right now in what I'm going through.

Oh, when I began some of the chapters thinking a particular fear wasn't an issue for me, I found out I was wrong as he gave examples or elaborated on these fears. The true simplicity of the message of this book is as you commit yourself to living in the Presence of the Almighty God, this evil fear cannot be present. The only fear we ought to have is a reverential fear of Him.

Lastly, at the end of the book is a good Discussion Guide, if you want to do this book as a study.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”