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It's Not About Me: Rescue From the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy
There really is more to this life than you've been told.
We've been demanding our way since day one ...
"I want a spouse that makes me happy and coworkers that always ask my opinion."
"I want weather that suits me and traffic that helps me and government that serves me."
Self-promotion. Self-preservation. Self-centeredness ...
"It's all about me."
They all told us it was, didn't they? And we took them up on it. We thought self-celebration would make us happy ...
But believing that has created chaos -- noisy homes, stress-filled businesses, cutthroat relationships. We've chased so many skinny rabbits, says Max Lucado, that we've missed the fat one: the God-centered life.
If you want to shift into high gear with purpose, this is it: life makes sense when we accept our place! Our pleasures, our problems, our gifts and talents ... when they're all for the One who created us, we suddenly gain what we've been missing and find what we've been seeking.
Let Max Lucado show you how to make the shift of a lifetime. How to bump your life off self-center. How to be changed and experience the meaning-charged life you were meant to have. Your discovery starts here.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2011
367 people are currently reading
5469 people want to read
About the author
Max Lucado
1,193 books5,382 followersWith more than 150 million products in print and several NYT bestsellers, Max Lucado is America's bestselling inspirational author. He serves the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy. His most recent book published in August 2024 and is titled What Happens Next.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 323 reviews
December 6, 2017
Many wonderful thoughts...but way too much wasted space.
EDIT: A rereading improved my opinion a bit...hence the higher rating.
EDIT: A rereading improved my opinion a bit...hence the higher rating.
December 6, 2017
This audiobook is well-narrated and is a faithful representation of Max Lucado's writing. However, one glaring omission stands out: Though Mr. Lucado uses different translations to make his points, this audio version never says what they are, except in the chapter "God's Mirrors". That kept this from being as good as it could have been.
June 26, 2019
This book may be a light, easy read, but it is not short on content. The author has a wonderful way of delivering a powerful message in simple, everyday language. After reading the book, I must agree, "It's not about me!" It is about becoming a mirror to reflect God and His kingdom. Success is not found in material gain, and the sweetest times with the Saviour are usually during the darkest days of our lives. What a complete 180 degree turn from what the world teaches! Definitely read this book if you are wavering in your faith or are unsure about making a decision in regard to a relationship with Jesus. You will also discover this life isn't about you.
August 1, 2013
As a Christian, periodically I need to re-read this book because I lose my perspective. So today, I am back into this wonderful book. As a human being, at times, my thoughts are focused on being "Number 1." I'm blinded by my self-centerness which comes out in what I think and say. Lucado's "It's Not About Me" book is a great wake up call, and helps to me to focus on God and His Will. Lucado's writing is easy to read and his stories reveal where you are and also plants, inside your heart, little reminders of who this is all about. The words below we're written by Max Lucado in this book.
# 1:
1 Corinthians 8:6 NLT -- There is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we exist for him.
Why does the earth spin? For him.
Why do you have talents and abilities? For him.
Why do you have money or poverty? For him.
Strengths or struggles? For him.
Everything and everyone exists to reveal his glory. Including you.
#2:
The Message is about Him --
A Euopean village priest in medieval times once gathered his church for a special service. "Come tonight," he told them, "for a special sermon on Jesus." And they did. They came. To their surprise no candles illuminated the sanctuary. They groped their way to the pews and took their seats. The priest was nowhere to be seen. But soon he was heard walking through the church toward the front. When he reached the crucifix that hung on the wall, he lit a candle. Saying nothing, he illuminated the pierced feet of Christ, then the side, then each hand. Lifting the candle, he shed on the blood-masked face and the crown of thorns. With a puff, he blew out the candle and dismissed the church.
We may do nothing more.
We may do nothing less.
#3:
Just A Moment
One phrase my daughter learned gave me pause. Jenna was nearly two years of age, just learning to speak well. With her little hand lost in my big one, we walked through the lobby of our apartment building. Suddenly she stopped. Spotting a ball, she looked up at me and requested, "Just a moment." sliding her hand from mine, she walked away.
A moment? Who had told her about moments? To date, her existence had been time-free. Toddlers know no beginning or end or hurry or slow or late or soon. The small world of a child amplifies present tense and diminishes future and past. But Jenna's phrase, "Just a moment," announced that time had entered her world.
Time had invaded her world. Life, she's discovering, is a cache of moments: measurable and countable increments, like change in a pocket. Everyone has a certain number of moments. Everyone that is, except God. God is the Everlasting King. "Before Abraham was born, I am." (John 8:58). God never says I was because He still is. He is eternal. Eternity makes no sense to us, the time bound. It's like getting a book in a foreign language that you can't read. But what if someone taught you how to read and write the language? With God's help the same is happening to you and me regarding eternity. If life was measured by the grains of sand, how would we stacked up? Need a phrase to summarize the length of your life on earth? Try Jenna's "Just a moment." as Paul said, "Our light afflictions, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." ( 2 Corinthians 4:17)
What if we took the same attitude toward life? Discouraged, some reply "what about me, life is short, get out." God's wisdom, however says, "Life is short -- stay in." God stacks all our struggles and burdens on one side of the pan scale, and places an eternal weight of glory on the other side. Endless joy. Measureless peace. An eternity of him. Watch what happens as he sets eternity on your scale.
Everything changes! The burdens lift. The heavy becomes light when weighed against eternity. If life is "just a moment," can't we endure any challenge for a moment?
We can be sick for just a moment.
We can be lonely for just a moment.
We can be persecuted for just a moment.
We can struggle for just a moment.
Can't we?
Can't we wait for our peace? It's not about us anyway. And it's certainly not about now.
# 1:
1 Corinthians 8:6 NLT -- There is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we exist for him.
Why does the earth spin? For him.
Why do you have talents and abilities? For him.
Why do you have money or poverty? For him.
Strengths or struggles? For him.
Everything and everyone exists to reveal his glory. Including you.
#2:
The Message is about Him --
A Euopean village priest in medieval times once gathered his church for a special service. "Come tonight," he told them, "for a special sermon on Jesus." And they did. They came. To their surprise no candles illuminated the sanctuary. They groped their way to the pews and took their seats. The priest was nowhere to be seen. But soon he was heard walking through the church toward the front. When he reached the crucifix that hung on the wall, he lit a candle. Saying nothing, he illuminated the pierced feet of Christ, then the side, then each hand. Lifting the candle, he shed on the blood-masked face and the crown of thorns. With a puff, he blew out the candle and dismissed the church.
We may do nothing more.
We may do nothing less.
#3:
Just A Moment
One phrase my daughter learned gave me pause. Jenna was nearly two years of age, just learning to speak well. With her little hand lost in my big one, we walked through the lobby of our apartment building. Suddenly she stopped. Spotting a ball, she looked up at me and requested, "Just a moment." sliding her hand from mine, she walked away.
A moment? Who had told her about moments? To date, her existence had been time-free. Toddlers know no beginning or end or hurry or slow or late or soon. The small world of a child amplifies present tense and diminishes future and past. But Jenna's phrase, "Just a moment," announced that time had entered her world.
Time had invaded her world. Life, she's discovering, is a cache of moments: measurable and countable increments, like change in a pocket. Everyone has a certain number of moments. Everyone that is, except God. God is the Everlasting King. "Before Abraham was born, I am." (John 8:58). God never says I was because He still is. He is eternal. Eternity makes no sense to us, the time bound. It's like getting a book in a foreign language that you can't read. But what if someone taught you how to read and write the language? With God's help the same is happening to you and me regarding eternity. If life was measured by the grains of sand, how would we stacked up? Need a phrase to summarize the length of your life on earth? Try Jenna's "Just a moment." as Paul said, "Our light afflictions, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." ( 2 Corinthians 4:17)
What if we took the same attitude toward life? Discouraged, some reply "what about me, life is short, get out." God's wisdom, however says, "Life is short -- stay in." God stacks all our struggles and burdens on one side of the pan scale, and places an eternal weight of glory on the other side. Endless joy. Measureless peace. An eternity of him. Watch what happens as he sets eternity on your scale.
Everything changes! The burdens lift. The heavy becomes light when weighed against eternity. If life is "just a moment," can't we endure any challenge for a moment?
We can be sick for just a moment.
We can be lonely for just a moment.
We can be persecuted for just a moment.
We can struggle for just a moment.
Can't we?
Can't we wait for our peace? It's not about us anyway. And it's certainly not about now.
October 26, 2011
What a fabulous little book. I was able to read it all in one sitting at Barnes & Noble. This is definitely one that I will want to own, as I can see myself wanting to read it again and again. I just love the way the Max Lucado writes. Simple. Clear. Straightforward. And yet the inspiration just oozes from the pages. There are so many little gems to be found in this book. Great stories and analogies. I love the way he weaves both Scripture and modern day living, inviting us to see how the Bible is just as relevant and powerful and profound for us today, in the midst of the hustle and bustle of modern life. This book is a call to see the absolute and abundant awe and glory of our God and to live a life that reflects the Truth of His light and love to others. I will be reading this one again!
March 16, 2018
An excellent reminder that it's God's creation and he's the center of it, not us. Our job is to reflect his glory, not ours. And we're much more likable when we do! Don't we all want to hear from him when our life on earth is done, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
October 6, 2023
Max Lucado has a wonderful way of delivering a powerful message in simple, everyday language. He writes as if I am sitting across the table from him just chatting. After reading the book, I must agree, "It's not about me!" It is about becoming a mirror to reflect God and His kingdom.
October 22, 2008
There are many times when i want to whine about life being unfair, complain about some circumstance, get a little depressed over some issue, or even get a little concerned when some health issue arises. That's when you need the reminder...
It's Not About Me serves as that reminder nicely. Despite being a New York Times bestseller, Max Lucado does a good job of taking the reader on a journey; stopping first to remind us who God is, then taking the next step to talk about what that means for you and me.
The first couple of chapters are a little too wordy, using just too many words (examples, metaphors) to get the point across. I actually took a break from this book to read another one. I was happy that this book got better the farther along i read.
Find yourself thinking too much about yourself? If you answered, "no, i'm too important to do that," then this one is for you. :-)
It's Not About Me serves as that reminder nicely. Despite being a New York Times bestseller, Max Lucado does a good job of taking the reader on a journey; stopping first to remind us who God is, then taking the next step to talk about what that means for you and me.
The first couple of chapters are a little too wordy, using just too many words (examples, metaphors) to get the point across. I actually took a break from this book to read another one. I was happy that this book got better the farther along i read.
Find yourself thinking too much about yourself? If you answered, "no, i'm too important to do that," then this one is for you. :-)
October 2, 2014
Quick and cheap. A good resource for some small platitudes about humility, but... eh. Between the bad jokes and shallow analogies, there's not much new here.
"If you're looking for a place with no change, try a soda machine. With life comes change."
Really? Oh, thank you Mr. Bearer of Profound Wisdom... aka: common knowledge. I expected more from Lucado, in general. He really could have gone deeper, making this an intense study about how God works through Bible stories and in our lives today. But this felt lazy and even formulaic.
I suppose I should give it three stars merely for the Bible verses it contains, but... frankly, I wanted something deeper and was disappointed.
"If you're looking for a place with no change, try a soda machine. With life comes change."
Really? Oh, thank you Mr. Bearer of Profound Wisdom... aka: common knowledge. I expected more from Lucado, in general. He really could have gone deeper, making this an intense study about how God works through Bible stories and in our lives today. But this felt lazy and even formulaic.
I suppose I should give it three stars merely for the Bible verses it contains, but... frankly, I wanted something deeper and was disappointed.
April 11, 2020
Just a nice, easy read during this unsettling time. It's a good reminder for me to focus on the needs of others in the midst of spending all this time alone. I feel comforted knowing that God is always in charge. I'll do my part and let Him do the rest. A book full of hope and positivity.
September 16, 2014
This would make a lovely little gift for someone who is interested in developing a relationship with Jesus, or for someone who wants a bit of a shake-up in their perspective of the Christian life, or for someone who feels like they’re drifting a little and would like to get back on track. Or even a quick reminder for yourself of basic principles of living a fulfilled life when walking with God. It is set out in 14 chapters, each quite short (about 7 - 10 small pages) which I felt made ideal pre-bed-time reading!!
The chapters address ideas that you may have known at one point and lost sight of, or that you know but have not been focusing on lately, or some may be concepts that you’ve just not really considered before now.
I found it an interesting and concise read which refreshed my faith.
The chapters address ideas that you may have known at one point and lost sight of, or that you know but have not been focusing on lately, or some may be concepts that you’ve just not really considered before now.
I found it an interesting and concise read which refreshed my faith.
June 17, 2008
I borrowed this book from the library then went and got one for my own library. Plus a writing journal to go along with it. It is excellent! Max Lucado writes this book like he was sitting right next to me, talking with me not wagging his finger at me. This book has Inspired me to start looking to God for everything. This life is about Him not me.
November 30, 2017
Once again, Lucado writes in a powerful and simple way that helps the reader understand and ask themselves hard questions. His empathy for those who suffer is evident, and his explanation of suffering is truly God-given. What a blessing this book has been for me! Highly recommend this book!!
August 14, 2016
This is a collection of meaningful, convicting lessons that glorify God and His role in our lives, while reminding us of our purpose to glorify Him. highly recommend!
December 3, 2019
The words we often don't want to hear . . . "It is NOT all about you (me)!" This short book gives Word-driven guidance to living a God-centered life and removing the false belief that we are in control.
I especially liked the statement . . . "He occupies center stage; I carry the props."
Another key phrase . . . "While you are valuable, you aren't essential. You're important but not indispensable."
Good resource book!
I especially liked the statement . . . "He occupies center stage; I carry the props."
Another key phrase . . . "While you are valuable, you aren't essential. You're important but not indispensable."
Good resource book!
June 20, 2022
|| 3.5 ⭐️ ||
A quick read with well-crafted analogies that illustrate who we are compared to and in relation to the all-powerful God. I didn’t find this book to be as meaty as some of the similarly-themed books I have read recently, but still plenty of good material that made me think and refresh my perspective.
A quick read with well-crafted analogies that illustrate who we are compared to and in relation to the all-powerful God. I didn’t find this book to be as meaty as some of the similarly-themed books I have read recently, but still plenty of good material that made me think and refresh my perspective.
October 4, 2017
Max Lucado has a wonderful way with words! Give God the glory!
March 30, 2019
It was everything I needed to read. This was a great book. It helped me see my past, my present and my future in a new way.
August 8, 2020
It’s Not About Me truly impacted my life. Max Lucado writes with such honesty and transparency. Through the pages of this book he shares many analogies and scripture that bring the Bible to life and make it so applicable to the challenges we all face today.
He redirects your attention from self and draws you closer toward an authentic and real relationship with Christ. This book will challenge your way of thinking and the me-focused world in which we live. While at the same time it will challenge you to focus on the nature of God and how we are all a reflection of His image. I highly recommend this book, it will impact your life.
He redirects your attention from self and draws you closer toward an authentic and real relationship with Christ. This book will challenge your way of thinking and the me-focused world in which we live. While at the same time it will challenge you to focus on the nature of God and how we are all a reflection of His image. I highly recommend this book, it will impact your life.
September 30, 2018
I read this awhile ago. It is such an opener. I always felt that I didn't have to do certain things that would definitely Glorify God!
Me not feeling, is not about me, or you, it's all about Father God. Everything we do, say, and think should be to Glorify Him, bring Him honor and praise no matter how we feel and what I'm going through. I have to give it to Father God. I love each chapter and the Bible verses are so very halpful. I love the style of Mr. Lucado's writing. I have read this book 3 times. I love it!
Me not feeling, is not about me, or you, it's all about Father God. Everything we do, say, and think should be to Glorify Him, bring Him honor and praise no matter how we feel and what I'm going through. I have to give it to Father God. I love each chapter and the Bible verses are so very halpful. I love the style of Mr. Lucado's writing. I have read this book 3 times. I love it!
March 9, 2019
I read this book in just a few hours, so it can be a quick read, but it’s a powerful message! I love how Max Lucado writes with descriptive imagery, and he brings well-known scripture into a new light with his commentary. This life is not about us, our purpose is to reflect God’s glory. Our message, salvation, body, struggles and success all proclaim God’s glory, lets not ruin it with our egos, insecurity, or self-pity.
Read
July 25, 2011Every book Max writes speaks to my spirit unbelievably. In this book, Max talks about how much our lives should be about being Christ-like, and in seeking God, He shall help us reconcile those who do not know him yet, to know Jesus. Very eye opening, to realize that it is NOT about me, but about what God did for me, and what I can do for others for His glory, in HIS name.
March 8, 2011
Berpindah dari pusat diri sendiri kepada sumber pusat itu sendiri.
Kesimpulan isi buku ini : Life is not about us But Life is about God.
Kesimpulan isi buku ini : Life is not about us But Life is about God.
January 22, 2024
May God grant us the ability to not be self centered thinkers. It’s not about us.
October 4, 2017
This was the first adult book of Mr. Lucado's that I have read. I was drawn to it based on the message of faith and humility, and because it looked accessible, even conversational, in its approach.
Overall, I respect the author's message here and it serves as a good reminder that the universe is not ours, not our plan, not our design, and we're not the center of things. Mr. Lucado's style is personable and friendly, a minister and coach together. I enjoyed his tone. The chapters, while thematically related, did not come together as a cohesive book for me. He admitted that the book came out of a collection of his writings over time, and that is how it felt. Kudos to him for being honest about that!
What surprised me was how regularly interspersed with scriptural references the chapters were. In fact I really dwelled on this aspect, to the point of it detracting some from the book's flow and message.
For one, the author used a range of Bible translations and wording to illustrate his message, and I wondered why he picked so many translations - was it to get just the right wording he wanted to convey his point? Or to appeal to readers using different Bibles? For someone who seemed to think that scriptural backup was important for his readership, Mr. Lucado hardly chose the most authoritative texts for some of his quotes. In fact, I couldn't help but feeling that there was some cherry-picking of verse that was meant to bolster his arguments.
In any event, while I enjoyed pulling out my Bible to check out more context for the quotes, overall they didn't add much. He had me from the book's title, really, so it all felt unnecessary. Afterall, is there something controversial here? Is the validity of this message enough in question that it needs supporting, scriptural backup? I just didn't think so.
In this modern, self-absorbed world, with billions of people and massive disparities, this book serves as a good reminder that God has more than just us on His plate and on His mind. Some stories of people in action would have been inspirational too, but don't look to this book for many concrete profiles or suggestions of service.
Overall, I respect the author's message here and it serves as a good reminder that the universe is not ours, not our plan, not our design, and we're not the center of things. Mr. Lucado's style is personable and friendly, a minister and coach together. I enjoyed his tone. The chapters, while thematically related, did not come together as a cohesive book for me. He admitted that the book came out of a collection of his writings over time, and that is how it felt. Kudos to him for being honest about that!
What surprised me was how regularly interspersed with scriptural references the chapters were. In fact I really dwelled on this aspect, to the point of it detracting some from the book's flow and message.
For one, the author used a range of Bible translations and wording to illustrate his message, and I wondered why he picked so many translations - was it to get just the right wording he wanted to convey his point? Or to appeal to readers using different Bibles? For someone who seemed to think that scriptural backup was important for his readership, Mr. Lucado hardly chose the most authoritative texts for some of his quotes. In fact, I couldn't help but feeling that there was some cherry-picking of verse that was meant to bolster his arguments.
In any event, while I enjoyed pulling out my Bible to check out more context for the quotes, overall they didn't add much. He had me from the book's title, really, so it all felt unnecessary. Afterall, is there something controversial here? Is the validity of this message enough in question that it needs supporting, scriptural backup? I just didn't think so.
In this modern, self-absorbed world, with billions of people and massive disparities, this book serves as a good reminder that God has more than just us on His plate and on His mind. Some stories of people in action would have been inspirational too, but don't look to this book for many concrete profiles or suggestions of service.
February 1, 2025
It took me a while to get into this book. I admit to being fairly self-centered and I went to this book seeking help. Part of the problem is that Lucado has a writing style which takes some getting used to. His sentences are short, often just punctuated phrases. He uses lots of metaphors. He tells lots of stories which eventually highlight the point. Some chapters felt like rambling, but I persevered. What started as a solid 3 stars, worked its way up to 5, so I settled on 4. As it turns out, the chapters which helped me the most were in the second half.
The first indication I was getting something useful was on p. 55. Lucado uses a metaphor about the scales of justice. All the struggles in life are on one side. God doesn’t take them off the scale, he balances them out with things which bring joy and peace. I agree with that.
The next “aha” came 20 pages later when Lucado talks about his father’s mechanical gift. He could fix anything, but Max could not, so his father just let him assist by passing him tools and such. The point? God knows we are imperfect. He knows we can’t solve the world’s problems. So he doesn’t give us a responsibility we can’t handle. “It’s because God loves you that it’s not about you.”
And from there it takes off for the rest of the book, whole chapters resonating. Some points include (my paraphrasing):
*We are meant to mirror God, not be God.
*Don’t make it about you by being a legalist. Salvation is God’s gift.
*Your body is God’s. How you take care of God’s house is a reflection of him.
*Just like you don’t know the company names behind famous ad slogans, don’t seek the spotlight.
*God uses our struggles for his glory.
That last chapter on God using our struggles was so good I copied it for a friend to read. So in the end, well worth it. Great material to help me tackle my self-centeredness and pride.
The first indication I was getting something useful was on p. 55. Lucado uses a metaphor about the scales of justice. All the struggles in life are on one side. God doesn’t take them off the scale, he balances them out with things which bring joy and peace. I agree with that.
The next “aha” came 20 pages later when Lucado talks about his father’s mechanical gift. He could fix anything, but Max could not, so his father just let him assist by passing him tools and such. The point? God knows we are imperfect. He knows we can’t solve the world’s problems. So he doesn’t give us a responsibility we can’t handle. “It’s because God loves you that it’s not about you.”
And from there it takes off for the rest of the book, whole chapters resonating. Some points include (my paraphrasing):
*We are meant to mirror God, not be God.
*Don’t make it about you by being a legalist. Salvation is God’s gift.
*Your body is God’s. How you take care of God’s house is a reflection of him.
*Just like you don’t know the company names behind famous ad slogans, don’t seek the spotlight.
*God uses our struggles for his glory.
That last chapter on God using our struggles was so good I copied it for a friend to read. So in the end, well worth it. Great material to help me tackle my self-centeredness and pride.
July 13, 2021
When I first picked this book up I was really biased. The most selfish man I’ve ever met had given it to me to read. I forget how long ago now, but many years. It took me that long to even want to pick it up. I tried not to let that bias color my opinion, but I’m not sure how successful I was.
I think my dad may have given it to me from a place of “you’re focused on yourself cause you’re depressed. But the reason you’re here is so much bigger than that.” Which, if that’s the case then that’s pretty sweet, albeit misguided given the content of the book. It came in the midst of conflict about how reached out to who more frequently (we are always in the midst of this conflict), so it felt like “here’s this book about how not important you are to back up the idea that you should call me more often.” And I kinda got to wonder if he ever read the book, cause, spoiler alert: it’s not about him, either.
The book was ok. It reads like a book compiled of sound bytes and one liners about leading a good, Christian life. The content seems like it would make for a better blog post than a book.
If you’re going to read this book, please be cautious with chapter 5. If you’re suffering any kind of abuse you may just want to skip it. The book doesn’t explicitly state that victims should stay in a bad situation for God’s glory, but it gets dangerously close. I could definitely see a less mature Christian or someone seeking faith misinterpreting the chapter’s message in that way. Can God redeem a terrible situation? Yes. Should you force yourself to stick it out in a terrible situation until he does? Absolutely not.
Over all it was pretty good. Had some good ideas and inspiring quotes. But that was about it. At least it’s a quick read.
I think my dad may have given it to me from a place of “you’re focused on yourself cause you’re depressed. But the reason you’re here is so much bigger than that.” Which, if that’s the case then that’s pretty sweet, albeit misguided given the content of the book. It came in the midst of conflict about how reached out to who more frequently (we are always in the midst of this conflict), so it felt like “here’s this book about how not important you are to back up the idea that you should call me more often.” And I kinda got to wonder if he ever read the book, cause, spoiler alert: it’s not about him, either.
The book was ok. It reads like a book compiled of sound bytes and one liners about leading a good, Christian life. The content seems like it would make for a better blog post than a book.
If you’re going to read this book, please be cautious with chapter 5. If you’re suffering any kind of abuse you may just want to skip it. The book doesn’t explicitly state that victims should stay in a bad situation for God’s glory, but it gets dangerously close. I could definitely see a less mature Christian or someone seeking faith misinterpreting the chapter’s message in that way. Can God redeem a terrible situation? Yes. Should you force yourself to stick it out in a terrible situation until he does? Absolutely not.
Over all it was pretty good. Had some good ideas and inspiring quotes. But that was about it. At least it’s a quick read.
January 5, 2024
This book was well constructed and had many bouts of wisdom throughout. I especially enjoyed the part where he is discussing a woman who came to him for counsel regarding her marriage and many people told her to get divorced so she could be happy. I loved his response: "All about me counsel says life is short - get out, God's wisdom says life is short - stay in." He goes on to elaborate on this point about how when we live like everything is all about us instead of Jesus, we lose sight of what really matters and make all of our decsions on the basis of if it will make us happy or not; however, when we live like the world revolves around Christ (which it does), we tend to make our decisions based on what will honor Him and bring others to Him most.
I rated this book 4 stars instead of 5 stars because although it is a good book, and I would recommend this to a friend, it was a little bit repetitive. fourteen chapters for the same message, spoken almost the same way just with different stories. But regardless, it is a good book and well deserving of the four starts. I believe Lucado was just trying to drive the point home with various examples.
I rated this book 4 stars instead of 5 stars because although it is a good book, and I would recommend this to a friend, it was a little bit repetitive. fourteen chapters for the same message, spoken almost the same way just with different stories. But regardless, it is a good book and well deserving of the four starts. I believe Lucado was just trying to drive the point home with various examples.
December 1, 2017
I would give the first few chapters five stars, but I feel like it sort of petered out on the last 3. Not that they aren't important points, but I don't feel like they really said anything in a new, memorable way that I hadn't heard before.
That said, this book is like chicken soup. It's an easy read with lots of simple-to-follow, yet fun and surprising parables and analogies. You can tell Lucado enjoys and savors his words, and you enjoy them right along with him. The book is soothing and refreshing to your mind and it helps you let go of circumstances in life that might be keeping you from having the right perspective.
I like that it's short. So many Christian nonfiction books drag on and on when I feel like they made their point in the first couple of chapters. You can tell Lucado chooses his words/phrases carefully and wisely and tries not to have a single thing in this book that isn't absolutely necessary to drive the point home. I appreciate that.
That said, this book is like chicken soup. It's an easy read with lots of simple-to-follow, yet fun and surprising parables and analogies. You can tell Lucado enjoys and savors his words, and you enjoy them right along with him. The book is soothing and refreshing to your mind and it helps you let go of circumstances in life that might be keeping you from having the right perspective.
I like that it's short. So many Christian nonfiction books drag on and on when I feel like they made their point in the first couple of chapters. You can tell Lucado chooses his words/phrases carefully and wisely and tries not to have a single thing in this book that isn't absolutely necessary to drive the point home. I appreciate that.
January 11, 2024
I haven't picked up a Max Lucado book in years, but I thought the premise of this one looked interesting. I had found his writing to be a bit stilted in the past, and this was no exception. I didn't feel like there were any big "aha" moments or any bits of wisdom to hang on to after reading. He seems to be writing for an audience of those over 70. Don't expect any amazing insights. I also find his reliance on The Message version (can't even call it a translation) annoying, as if his audience isn't bright enough to understand NIV. It's fine if you're passing the time in an airport, but I thought it was just meh.
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