There has yet to be a book penned by Max Lucado that I haven't enjoyed. My home is filled with his books. I go back to them over and over again. I don't think you could find one that I have not highlighted great insights and written notes from my heart. From each and every one I have learned valuable lessons that bring me closer in my walk with the Lord.
In this latest release, "You'll Get Through This", Max Lucado brings another message of hope through giving us a close up look into the life of Joseph. Throughout this book we see this phrase.
"You'll get through this. It won't be painless. It won't be quick. But God will use this mess for good. Don't be foolish or naive. But don't despair either. With God's help, you'll get through this."
These words are soothing to my soul. If we are not going through a turbulent time right this moment, we will be one day. Most likely if you are like me, you have been through many valleys and know that without a doubt you made it through by the grace and strength of our Savior.
This is one of the most beautiful books that I have been blessed to read. The cover captures what is held inside the pages. Notice how the cracks make a cross? The clover pushing it's way up through the crack. A beauty where one would least expect. This is the handy work of God. This is what He does in those valleys. Out of our mess He creates beauty.
"What is coming will make sense of what is happening now. Let God finish His work. Let the composer complete His symphony. The forecast is simple. Good days. Bad days. But God is in all days. He is the Lord of the famine and the feast, and He uses both to accomplish His will."
You know the feeling of being mesmerized as the Holy Spirit is opening your eyes? This is how I felt as I read this book. Max is gifted at bringing life to the pages before us. His center never leaves the Word of God. This is his focus. From the Word he brings us the story of Joseph. The good, the bad and the ugly. He walks us through and gives us a descriptive look into how God moved in his life. There isn't a moment that God wasn't present. There wasn't one single moment God wasn't able to use.
"Does He not have the authority to do so? He is the potter; we are the clay. He is the Shepherd; we are the sheep. He is the Gardener; we are the branches. He is the Teacher; we are the students. Trust His training. You'll get through this. If God can make a prince out of a prisoner, don't you think He can make something good out of your mess?"
Max also shares stories of his life with us. Personal stories of his and of others who have impacted his life. I love his transparency. If we count the pages of chapters this is quite a short book at 162, but it doesn't end there. In the back of the book is a great study guide that follows each chapter. (If you follow the link to Thomas Nelson you can see that a study book, video and more are also available.) This is a powerful book. One of my favorite chapters is chapter 14 where Max shares his time spent in New York just after 9/11. I was brought to tears by his powerful experience. This is what I love and admire about Max Lucado. He is so real. He shares from his heart and isn't afraid to open himself up.
This is a life changing book. One that has surely blessed me.
This book was a gift from Thomas Nelson for sharing my review with you.
