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You Were Made for This Moment: Courage for Today and Hope for Tomorrow
Are you weary? Worn out by the bills that keep stacking, a virus that keeps raging, or a heart that keeps aching? If so, the book of Esther brings welcome Relief will come!
To be clear, you didn't ask for this struggle. You want to get past it. You don't know how much longer you can hold up. But what if God is with you in this difficult season? When life seems off the rails, remember this the minute you bow your head to pray is the moment God lifts his hand to help.
Queen Esther learned this truth firsthand. When confronted with a royal decree that would annihilate her people, she had to make some tough choices. Would she remain silent in the face of this challenge, or would she speak up? Would she blend in, or would she stand out? But after Esther spent three days in prayer and fasting, God gave her the courage to speak up. God used her to save the nation. And God can do the same with you.
In You Were Made for This Moment, pastor and New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado will help
put your hope in the God of grand reversals, trusting that God will right every wrongcultivate courage for your challenging times by leaning on the God who redeems and restoresdiscover your role in God's story by exploring how God can use your experiences and circumstances to join him in his holy workGod never promised us a life without trials, but he does promise to be with us as we walk through them. Trust that he can redeem your struggles for a mighty purpose. You, friend, were made for this moment.
To be clear, you didn't ask for this struggle. You want to get past it. You don't know how much longer you can hold up. But what if God is with you in this difficult season? When life seems off the rails, remember this the minute you bow your head to pray is the moment God lifts his hand to help.
Queen Esther learned this truth firsthand. When confronted with a royal decree that would annihilate her people, she had to make some tough choices. Would she remain silent in the face of this challenge, or would she speak up? Would she blend in, or would she stand out? But after Esther spent three days in prayer and fasting, God gave her the courage to speak up. God used her to save the nation. And God can do the same with you.
In You Were Made for This Moment, pastor and New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado will help
put your hope in the God of grand reversals, trusting that God will right every wrongcultivate courage for your challenging times by leaning on the God who redeems and restoresdiscover your role in God's story by exploring how God can use your experiences and circumstances to join him in his holy workGod never promised us a life without trials, but he does promise to be with us as we walk through them. Trust that he can redeem your struggles for a mighty purpose. You, friend, were made for this moment.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2021
425 people are currently reading
786 people want to read
About the author
Max Lucado
1,201 books5,420 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 183 reviews
March 6, 2022
This book was made for this moment. Written during the recent global pandemic, racial injustices, and general unrest, this book is very timely. It is the study of the Biblical book of Esther, my all time favorite character. Don't let the season of winter get you down. Instead trust that God is always working behind the scenes working for our own good. Am I willing to make a stand for God like Mordecai, Esther, and Daniel did? I sure want to!
September 17, 2021
4.5 stars for this latest book from Max Lucado. This book uses the Biblical story of Esther as a guide for working through your own "winter season". This was a timely read as I feel as though I am in such a season. I enjoyed the Biblical teaching, which brought out elements of the book of Esther I was previously unaware of, even though I've read a great deal about Esther. I also enjoyed the related personal modern-day stories and the take-aways in each chapter. I can always count on Max Lucado for a good non-fiction read that speaks to me where I am. While this one was not my favorite of his, it still was up to par with what I expect from Mr. Lucado and is definitely worth the read! Special thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
October 21, 2024
I love the story of Queen Esther so I couldn't put this book down. I devoured it in one day (to be honest the book isn't that long). Max Lucado has a way of making you feel encouraged. Every chapter spoke to my heart. This one is highly recommended.
April 9, 2022
I always love Max Lucado's studies. Lots to think about and discuss.
January 11, 2023
This was really good to listen to now. We’ve just come from a pandemic and the world is in turmoil. The year is fresh. Put away old habits and start new ones. Mr Lucado tells the story of Esther. He shares about her faith, her assurance that God is REALLY going to take care of her. It might not be the answer she wants but it will be the best answer God wants. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid and do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8. Do not underestimate our God. He’s got you!
February 5, 2022
This was an incredibly encouraging book- one full of hope and a constant reminder of our purpose. He makes the reader step back and see the big picture of life- what matters and why.
April 30, 2022
I was browsing my local library when this book stood out to me. I’ve been feeling the need to really embrace my faith recently. To learn more about it. To understand it. To learn it. I’ve had my fair share of trials and tribulations. So this felt perfect. Overall it’s a great book with a great message. I’ve learned from it. I actually was really enjoying it until he decides to talk about racism and Black Lives Matter. I tried to keep an open mind but after he kept going on about how racism is a massive problem in this country in a book about overcoming trials and gaining courage, I lost my respect. So, I give it a one-star review.
July 31, 2023
Un libro alentador e instructivo que enseña con mucha sencillez y de la mano de la Biblia y de diferentes testimonios, como sobrellevar los momentos abrumadores de la vida.
Definitivamente lleno de palabras de verdad que inspiran fortaleza, a la vez haciendo un llamamiento a la valentía.
Me ha gustado mucho el tono de sencillez y un minimo humor que este autor pone en su obra llena de sabiduría de Dios.
Definitivamente lleno de palabras de verdad que inspiran fortaleza, a la vez haciendo un llamamiento a la valentía.
Me ha gustado mucho el tono de sencillez y un minimo humor que este autor pone en su obra llena de sabiduría de Dios.
February 14, 2022
In the book You Were Made For This Moment, author and pastor Max Lucado, writes about the weariness of the struggles and stresses of life. It's a good book to read to help you see that God is working in your life, even when you think he is absent or silent. God is neither of those things, and Max brings this out in his book. It's very timely that this study should come out at a time when the people of the world, no matter what country we live in, are called to a decision. This book by Mac Lucado does a great job delving into scripture further regarding Esther and applying it today to our lives personally. I leaned new interesting things about the significance of her and Mordecai's actions given Persian culture, and God working for the good of His people through it all.
February 5, 2024
This is a good book it is just much shorter than I expected. A large section in the back is questions for a book club, or Small Group. Wish I’d realize that at the beginning then perhaps gone through it to enjoy the book more. I love Max Lecato‘s writing, and that is why I only gave it three stars because his other books like traveling light and you are loved are so powerful and I just felt this one didn’t measure up to the rest for me.
It is on the life of Esther, which I have done an in-depth study on, so felt like there were so many aspects. I wish you would’ve delve into in her life but that’s not what this book is for. Still a great read for a winter season or season of adversity.
It is on the life of Esther, which I have done an in-depth study on, so felt like there were so many aspects. I wish you would’ve delve into in her life but that’s not what this book is for. Still a great read for a winter season or season of adversity.
July 13, 2022
The story of Esther unpacked in a way I have never come across before. I found the whole book so relevant, easy to read and understand.
Simple truths from this book:
- God can reverse any situation or circumstance
- God restores
- what God has intended will happen with or without me
(I'd rather with than without)
Our seemingly hopeless, impossible, hard trials and struggles serve a purpose. We are encouraged to have Esther's courage to trust God and His plan.
Simple truths from this book:
- God can reverse any situation or circumstance
- God restores
- what God has intended will happen with or without me
(I'd rather with than without)
Our seemingly hopeless, impossible, hard trials and struggles serve a purpose. We are encouraged to have Esther's courage to trust God and His plan.
September 4, 2022
4.5 stars. Inspiring. I think Max Lucado is just so enjoyable to read because of his conversational style. My favorite part, that was so clearly shown in the book, was when Lucado talked about how God is a God who loves plot twists. No situation is too hopeless for God to intervene and turn around. I think that will always stick with me from reading this book about Esther.
May 23, 2022
Most of the author's books was about hope in the crisis. Through this book, the author ask us to meditate on Esther and Mordechai. It's a turbulence times, but there is always hope and its Through us.
January 30, 2025
Een hele mooie beschrijving over het verhaal van Ester. Mooi om te lezen hoe dit verhaal weer in andere vormen terug te zien is in alle tijden.
“Je hebt een goede God, met een goed plan, dat onthuld wordt in zijn goede boek. De verwarring en de crisis van vandaag zijn de overwinning van morgen.” Blz 172
“Je hebt een goede God, met een goed plan, dat onthuld wordt in zijn goede boek. De verwarring en de crisis van vandaag zijn de overwinning van morgen.” Blz 172
January 23, 2023
Wonderful uplifting and inspirational stories, that all reminds you that God is amazing and compassionate. He is always listening.
February 13, 2022
I love Max’s books! He has great illustrations and is so in love with God! Max brings heavenly things to a level we can understand.
May 9, 2025
You Were Made For This By Max Lucas ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Not a favorite of his, but I still enjoyed it. I really liked learning more about the story of Esther.
Not a favorite of his, but I still enjoyed it. I really liked learning more about the story of Esther.
September 27, 2022
Easy to read, well researched, helpful and challenging look at the Bible book of Esther.
December 23, 2022
Great new insights into the story of Esther and how those lessons can be related to our lives
April 1, 2022
It has some good messages but I can't say I learned much new from it, as I had done previous studies of the book of Esther. I found it more like a devotional book than an in-depth look at Esther. And frankly I don't find his assumption that Mordecai and Esther were compromising and worldly, prior to the crisis of Haman's edict, convincing. Maybe they were, but I have another book (by another well-known Christian writer) that seems to take an equally unquestioning stance that they were from the start people living out their strong faith, just not making Esther's Jewish background public. I'd rather a book that explored the different possibilities.
As for Max's writing style, I loved it in the first two or three books I read by him. By now I find it somewhat annoying, though I have trouble figuring out how to describe what it is that bothers me about it. I try not to let it get in the way of learning from what he says, but it does affect my level of appreciation of the book.
As for Max's writing style, I loved it in the first two or three books I read by him. By now I find it somewhat annoying, though I have trouble figuring out how to describe what it is that bothers me about it. I try not to let it get in the way of learning from what he says, but it does affect my level of appreciation of the book.
October 14, 2022
Couldn't completely finish it (on Audible) because I was having a hard time with some of his opinions.
November 19, 2025
Are omul asta așa un talent în a scrie ceva simplu și totuși poetic, plin de substanță și detalii extraordinare.
Pasajele mele preferate, cu toate ca au fost multe altele, acestea doua mi-au vorbit in mod direct 🥹
“Tatal meu si-a dat seama ca evenimentele aparent întâmplătoare din viața lui au un scop.
Dumnezeu continua sa asculte rugăciunile celor exilați si continua sa ii folosească pe cei credincioși sa ajungă la ei. Ești in nevoie sa fii salvat? Continua sa te rogi, continua sa ai încredere! Povestea ta încă nu a ajuns la capăt! Pentru ca adevarul este ca s-ar putea sa fii la distanta de doar o zi de o peripeție care să-ți schimbe complet viață. Seara asta ar putea fi seara in care Ahasveroș nu doarme si o înșiruire de evenimente sunt puse in mișcare care îți vor schimba viața pentru totdeauna. Răsturnările de situație se întâmplă, dar trebuie sa rămâi in joc. Mardoheu a rămas, Estera a rămas. Totul s-ar fi putut petrece diferit insa au ales calea credinței si din acest motiv fiecare dintre poveștile lor s-au schimbat in bine. La fel se va întâmpla si in cazul tau, prietenul meu, la fel se va întâmpla si in cazul tau!”
“Dumnezeu este un Dumnezeu al plot twistr-urilor (al rasturnarilor de situatii).
Legea data de Ahasveros nu putea fi anulata, insa plot twist, a putut scrie alta prin care iudeii se puteau apăra. Biblia te invita sa crezi intr-un plot twist viitor. Avraam si Sara erau bătrâni si sterpi intr-o zi si cu ochii cat cepele, plot twist însărcinată a doua zi. Iosif s-a dus la culcare fiind prizonier egiptean, seara următoare s-a dus la culcare ca prim ministru egiptean. Plot twist. Marea rosie era de netrecut iar un minut mai târziu, un drum uscat. Plot twist. Iosua a înconjurat mărșăluind de șapte ori cetatea Ierihon. Dupa a șasea tura zidurile încă erau la locul lor. Dupa a șaptea tura, zidurile erau făcute moloz. Plot twist. Goliat l-a înfruntat pe Israel timp de 40 zile, dar apoi plot twist, David a încărcat praștia si a doborât uriașul la pământ. Cei 450 profeți l-au batjocorit pe Iehovah, dar dupa ce Ilie s-a rugat un plot twist plin de foc a căzut din cer. In clipa asta leii voiau sa-l înfulece pe Daniel, dar o clipa mai târziu nu puteau sa-si desfacă fălcile încleștate. Simți ritmul? In mâinile lui Dumnezeu niciun scenariu nu este previzibil, niciun plan narativ nu este inevitabil, niciun rezultat nu este sigur. El este întotdeauna la o singura pagina distanta de o schimbare radicala de situație.”
Pasajele mele preferate, cu toate ca au fost multe altele, acestea doua mi-au vorbit in mod direct 🥹
“Tatal meu si-a dat seama ca evenimentele aparent întâmplătoare din viața lui au un scop.
Dumnezeu continua sa asculte rugăciunile celor exilați si continua sa ii folosească pe cei credincioși sa ajungă la ei. Ești in nevoie sa fii salvat? Continua sa te rogi, continua sa ai încredere! Povestea ta încă nu a ajuns la capăt! Pentru ca adevarul este ca s-ar putea sa fii la distanta de doar o zi de o peripeție care să-ți schimbe complet viață. Seara asta ar putea fi seara in care Ahasveroș nu doarme si o înșiruire de evenimente sunt puse in mișcare care îți vor schimba viața pentru totdeauna. Răsturnările de situație se întâmplă, dar trebuie sa rămâi in joc. Mardoheu a rămas, Estera a rămas. Totul s-ar fi putut petrece diferit insa au ales calea credinței si din acest motiv fiecare dintre poveștile lor s-au schimbat in bine. La fel se va întâmpla si in cazul tau, prietenul meu, la fel se va întâmpla si in cazul tau!”
“Dumnezeu este un Dumnezeu al plot twistr-urilor (al rasturnarilor de situatii).
Legea data de Ahasveros nu putea fi anulata, insa plot twist, a putut scrie alta prin care iudeii se puteau apăra. Biblia te invita sa crezi intr-un plot twist viitor. Avraam si Sara erau bătrâni si sterpi intr-o zi si cu ochii cat cepele, plot twist însărcinată a doua zi. Iosif s-a dus la culcare fiind prizonier egiptean, seara următoare s-a dus la culcare ca prim ministru egiptean. Plot twist. Marea rosie era de netrecut iar un minut mai târziu, un drum uscat. Plot twist. Iosua a înconjurat mărșăluind de șapte ori cetatea Ierihon. Dupa a șasea tura zidurile încă erau la locul lor. Dupa a șaptea tura, zidurile erau făcute moloz. Plot twist. Goliat l-a înfruntat pe Israel timp de 40 zile, dar apoi plot twist, David a încărcat praștia si a doborât uriașul la pământ. Cei 450 profeți l-au batjocorit pe Iehovah, dar dupa ce Ilie s-a rugat un plot twist plin de foc a căzut din cer. In clipa asta leii voiau sa-l înfulece pe Daniel, dar o clipa mai târziu nu puteau sa-si desfacă fălcile încleștate. Simți ritmul? In mâinile lui Dumnezeu niciun scenariu nu este previzibil, niciun plan narativ nu este inevitabil, niciun rezultat nu este sigur. El este întotdeauna la o singura pagina distanta de o schimbare radicala de situație.”
February 18, 2022
Most of us are experiencing the “winter of our discontent” with ever-changing health orders, lockdowns, divisiveness on all fronts, inflation, shortages, and politicians who promise much and do little. Max Lucado has written a book that is very appropriate for these times, You Were Made for This Moment. It focuses on Queen Esther in the land of Persia. Her story is found in the book of Esther in the Old Testament of the Bible. The heroine has concealed her Jewish heritage, but now her people are about to be annihilated. Esther is the only Jew with access, limited as it is, to the throne room of the powerful Xerxes.
In his book, Lucado takes us through this dramatic tale, giving background to make it very understandable and including contemporary anecdotes to point out the relevancy of this situation to crises we might find ourselves in. Sometimes they are humorous, sometimes sad, but always they are pertinent. Both the short book of Esther and You Were Made for This Moment should be on a “must read” list for all as they display how God is always working behind the scenes. Our omnipotent God has power over rulers. We need to be open to what He asks us to do in our circumstances whether the situation looms large or is seemingly minor.
Through fasting and prayer, Esther came to understand that “silence is a form of acquiescence.” Although approaching the throne room uninvited was a potential invitation to death, she followed through to save her people with the famous line, “And if I perish, I perish.” Esther was indeed called for such a time as this.
Long a fan of the courageous Queen Esther, I enjoyed revisiting her story. My faith was confirmed, my attitude refreshed, and my courage bolstered. This is an inspiring book, and Lucado, as always, is a riveting storyteller.
In his book, Lucado takes us through this dramatic tale, giving background to make it very understandable and including contemporary anecdotes to point out the relevancy of this situation to crises we might find ourselves in. Sometimes they are humorous, sometimes sad, but always they are pertinent. Both the short book of Esther and You Were Made for This Moment should be on a “must read” list for all as they display how God is always working behind the scenes. Our omnipotent God has power over rulers. We need to be open to what He asks us to do in our circumstances whether the situation looms large or is seemingly minor.
Through fasting and prayer, Esther came to understand that “silence is a form of acquiescence.” Although approaching the throne room uninvited was a potential invitation to death, she followed through to save her people with the famous line, “And if I perish, I perish.” Esther was indeed called for such a time as this.
Long a fan of the courageous Queen Esther, I enjoyed revisiting her story. My faith was confirmed, my attitude refreshed, and my courage bolstered. This is an inspiring book, and Lucado, as always, is a riveting storyteller.
October 8, 2021
You Were Made for This Moment
Courage for Today and Hope for Tomorrow
by Max Lucado
Pub Date 28 Sep 2021
Thomas Nelson--LUCADO BRAND, Thomas Nelson
Christian
I am reviewing a copy of You We’re Made For This Moment through Thomas Nelson~~Lucado Brand and NetGalley:
If you are weary from your challenges, wounded from your battles, or worried that your world is spinning out of control? Have the struggles pilfered the life out of your life? If so, the book of Esther brings welcome news: Relief will come!
Queen Esther hid her Jewish identity, letting everyone believe she was Persian, not because she wanted to, but because she had to. When a royal decree that would annihilate her people. She had to make some tough choices. Would she remain silent or would she speak up? Would she blend in or would she stand out? Esther could have refused. She could have cowered in fear. But she spoke up. She stood out. And God used her to save the nation. Her courage changed the course of history. Nor is it an overstatement to say that God can do the same with you.
You maybe staring down a seemingly impossible situation, Like Esther. What’s true for Esther is true for you, deliverance will come. God will have his victory, he will rescue his people. He will right the wrongs of this world. The question is not, Will God prevail? The question is, Will you be part of the team?
I give In You Were Made for This Moment, pastor and New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado will help you reclaim your eternal identity as a citizen of heaven,put your hope in the God of grand reversals,cultivate courage for your challenging times, anddiscover your role in God’s story.
I give You Were Made For This Moment five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
Courage for Today and Hope for Tomorrow
by Max Lucado
Pub Date 28 Sep 2021
Thomas Nelson--LUCADO BRAND, Thomas Nelson
Christian
I am reviewing a copy of You We’re Made For This Moment through Thomas Nelson~~Lucado Brand and NetGalley:
If you are weary from your challenges, wounded from your battles, or worried that your world is spinning out of control? Have the struggles pilfered the life out of your life? If so, the book of Esther brings welcome news: Relief will come!
Queen Esther hid her Jewish identity, letting everyone believe she was Persian, not because she wanted to, but because she had to. When a royal decree that would annihilate her people. She had to make some tough choices. Would she remain silent or would she speak up? Would she blend in or would she stand out? Esther could have refused. She could have cowered in fear. But she spoke up. She stood out. And God used her to save the nation. Her courage changed the course of history. Nor is it an overstatement to say that God can do the same with you.
You maybe staring down a seemingly impossible situation, Like Esther. What’s true for Esther is true for you, deliverance will come. God will have his victory, he will rescue his people. He will right the wrongs of this world. The question is not, Will God prevail? The question is, Will you be part of the team?
I give In You Were Made for This Moment, pastor and New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado will help you reclaim your eternal identity as a citizen of heaven,put your hope in the God of grand reversals,cultivate courage for your challenging times, anddiscover your role in God’s story.
I give You Were Made For This Moment five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
November 19, 2021
Eloquent and humorous as Max Lucado always is. Not super applicable, but this is also as he always is. I highly recommend buying the study guide along with it. The discussion questions at the end of the book helped -- but I wish they were at the end of each chapter because I always forgot to read them until I was a few chapters past them.
I of course didn't agree with the deterministic view that God is the "Controller of all things" (p. 102).
But there were several poignant stories, several generalizations that still made me tear up. The Holy Spirit used it. Now I just need to figure out -- as I was struggling with before reading this book and still am after reading it -- how I specifically was Made for This Moment in time.
Favorite quotes:
"He [God] has been known to intervene dramatically... Yet for every divine shout there are a million whispers. The book of Esther relates the story of our whispering God." (p. 8)
"This world gets messy, for sure. But God's solutions come through people of courage. People like Mordecai and Esther. People like you." (p. 11)
"But chances are high that you'll be tempted to compromise your beliefs or to remain silent in the face of injustice and evil. Mordecai moments are coming your way." (p. 57)
"Obey what you know to do, and be patient for what you don't." (p. 107)
"Don't measure the height of the mountain. Ponder the power of the One who made it. Don't tell God how big your storm is. Tell the storm how big your God is... Meditate less on the mess and more on the Master." (p. 156)
I of course didn't agree with the deterministic view that God is the "Controller of all things" (p. 102).
But there were several poignant stories, several generalizations that still made me tear up. The Holy Spirit used it. Now I just need to figure out -- as I was struggling with before reading this book and still am after reading it -- how I specifically was Made for This Moment in time.
Favorite quotes:
"He [God] has been known to intervene dramatically... Yet for every divine shout there are a million whispers. The book of Esther relates the story of our whispering God." (p. 8)
"This world gets messy, for sure. But God's solutions come through people of courage. People like Mordecai and Esther. People like you." (p. 11)
"But chances are high that you'll be tempted to compromise your beliefs or to remain silent in the face of injustice and evil. Mordecai moments are coming your way." (p. 57)
"Obey what you know to do, and be patient for what you don't." (p. 107)
"Don't measure the height of the mountain. Ponder the power of the One who made it. Don't tell God how big your storm is. Tell the storm how big your God is... Meditate less on the mess and more on the Master." (p. 156)
September 29, 2021
Once again Max Lucado doesn't disappoint. Just love the way this man tells a story.. He keeps it simple and so it's easily digestible. Love the play on words as well.
The topic is important. It's serious stuff. And yet, so many times I just had to smile, cause of how he's styled the story. I read this in one sitting, about an hour, but to get the most out of it, it will require I go back and go through the concepts just a little slower.
The story of Ester is both encouraging and brutal. Max helps us see that while there was a time when both Ester and Mordecai kept their identity hidden, there came a time when there was a need to step up. They were made for that moment.
The message I got out of it is that as the body of Christ, each one of us is here; in this time and place, because that's where we're supposed to be. So when we cry out asking God to do something we need to remember he created us and so we need to look to ourselves. There are many things in our hands. Perhaps we're meant to be the ones doing something?
There are questions for reflection at the back of the book to encourage introspection of the material read and the development of a deeper understanding.
I will definitely revisit this book and highly recommend it to others. It’s a wonderful, digestible, easy- read.
With thanks to #NetGalley, Thoma Nelson and the author for my free advanced reader copy to review in exchange for an honest opinion.
The topic is important. It's serious stuff. And yet, so many times I just had to smile, cause of how he's styled the story. I read this in one sitting, about an hour, but to get the most out of it, it will require I go back and go through the concepts just a little slower.
The story of Ester is both encouraging and brutal. Max helps us see that while there was a time when both Ester and Mordecai kept their identity hidden, there came a time when there was a need to step up. They were made for that moment.
The message I got out of it is that as the body of Christ, each one of us is here; in this time and place, because that's where we're supposed to be. So when we cry out asking God to do something we need to remember he created us and so we need to look to ourselves. There are many things in our hands. Perhaps we're meant to be the ones doing something?
There are questions for reflection at the back of the book to encourage introspection of the material read and the development of a deeper understanding.
I will definitely revisit this book and highly recommend it to others. It’s a wonderful, digestible, easy- read.
With thanks to #NetGalley, Thoma Nelson and the author for my free advanced reader copy to review in exchange for an honest opinion.
November 29, 2021
Recreating the chapters into dramatic playacts, the story of Esther and Mordechai became clear and to the point. In each of the main character you can see yourself.
As Xerxes, you realized how shallow you can be in your outlook and how God can still use you as part of the bigger picture.
Through Haman, you learn what an egotistical person can do if you only think about yourself and how your wish to harm another can backfire.
Esther had to adapt to a lifestyle of privilege, but when action was required, she had a choice. Either continue living a lie or step up to the plate.
Mordechai gave a new meaning to the sackcloth to ashes attitude when he made himself a public spectacle to save his people. But it also brought him the highest honor.
You were made for this moment, drives the message to the reader with crystal clear clarity, it boosts your faith and gives you the hope that your situation is not lost or that God has forgotten about you.
I really enjoyed the questions afterwards that help me identify the areas in my life and come to terms with the areas that need work in order to take a stand.
A great bible study guide that shows the way in a very comfortable storytelling way that speaks to the heart.
As Xerxes, you realized how shallow you can be in your outlook and how God can still use you as part of the bigger picture.
Through Haman, you learn what an egotistical person can do if you only think about yourself and how your wish to harm another can backfire.
Esther had to adapt to a lifestyle of privilege, but when action was required, she had a choice. Either continue living a lie or step up to the plate.
Mordechai gave a new meaning to the sackcloth to ashes attitude when he made himself a public spectacle to save his people. But it also brought him the highest honor.
You were made for this moment, drives the message to the reader with crystal clear clarity, it boosts your faith and gives you the hope that your situation is not lost or that God has forgotten about you.
I really enjoyed the questions afterwards that help me identify the areas in my life and come to terms with the areas that need work in order to take a stand.
A great bible study guide that shows the way in a very comfortable storytelling way that speaks to the heart.
May 16, 2024
Great teaching. I do disagree that Satan didn’t want Jesus to die on the cross. I believe he did everything he could from Gen. 3:15 to the crucifixion to stop Jesus from being born, to trying to have him killed in other ways by the people. The devil knows the Word of God better than any human being.
He didn’t know who the Savior was going to be, but he knew he would be. He guessed a lot , but as more books of the Bible were written, he knew of the crucifixion, how the Savior would be treated, even where He would be born. The OT is full of prophecies of the coming Victor. When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, that settled the mystery of Jesus for Satan.
The things Jesus taught was heard by Satan and he knew that Jesus was to die for sins of the world, be buried and rise again, sealing his fate. He tried to prevent this from happening in many ways. I think Satan knew he could not accomplish his desires. He failed to overthrow God and to take His place. But he had that nature after that ridiculous attempt, and could not help to try and do what he could not do.
What he could do was steal, kill and destroy. He would take as many people down as he could bc of his hatred of God and the hatred of what God most cherished in His creation. People. CathyR
He didn’t know who the Savior was going to be, but he knew he would be. He guessed a lot , but as more books of the Bible were written, he knew of the crucifixion, how the Savior would be treated, even where He would be born. The OT is full of prophecies of the coming Victor. When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, that settled the mystery of Jesus for Satan.
The things Jesus taught was heard by Satan and he knew that Jesus was to die for sins of the world, be buried and rise again, sealing his fate. He tried to prevent this from happening in many ways. I think Satan knew he could not accomplish his desires. He failed to overthrow God and to take His place. But he had that nature after that ridiculous attempt, and could not help to try and do what he could not do.
What he could do was steal, kill and destroy. He would take as many people down as he could bc of his hatred of God and the hatred of what God most cherished in His creation. People. CathyR
January 16, 2023
I liked this book as an easy, encouraging read. I didn’t know when I picked this book that it was about Esther or that it was written during the Covid pandemic.
Max has a different style of writing, sometimes very practical, sometimes humorous, and sometimes a bit elementary- which makes him very easy to understand and get his point across. Nothing really too deep but he shares the truth of scripture that can change the sinful heart.
Here’s a quote from the book that made me laugh out loud!
“Place Esther 3:5-6 against your nose,take a whiff,and see if you don’t detect the stench of Satan.
Here’s a quote I want to always remember-
Is anything too hard for God? Does he ever give up because the problem is too great? Does he ever throw up his hands and quit? Does he ever shake his head at the sound of a prayer request and say, “I cant handle that problem”? No, nothing is too hard for God.
At the end of the book there’s questions for reflection from each chapter. Good questions to make things personal to where you are for such a time as this!
Max has a different style of writing, sometimes very practical, sometimes humorous, and sometimes a bit elementary- which makes him very easy to understand and get his point across. Nothing really too deep but he shares the truth of scripture that can change the sinful heart.
Here’s a quote from the book that made me laugh out loud!
“Place Esther 3:5-6 against your nose,take a whiff,and see if you don’t detect the stench of Satan.
Here’s a quote I want to always remember-
Is anything too hard for God? Does he ever give up because the problem is too great? Does he ever throw up his hands and quit? Does he ever shake his head at the sound of a prayer request and say, “I cant handle that problem”? No, nothing is too hard for God.
At the end of the book there’s questions for reflection from each chapter. Good questions to make things personal to where you are for such a time as this!
March 17, 2025
I enjoyed the book from the standpoint of learning a few new nuances from the reading of the book of Esther. I also got a reference for a book I want to read about Vinh Chung and his family who escaped Vietnam ("Where the Wind Leads"). Plus, the end of the book has Questions for Reflection by Andrea Lucado which is very robust and should be worthwhile for individual or group study purposes. I never get tired reading Lucado. So encouraging and practical in many ways. Written coming out of Covid it appears to be spot on in getting folks to look at the story of Esther and realize that God has a plan for their life that might lead them to "such a time as this". Finally, the quote that really spoke to me: "It's a wonderful thing to restore art, antique cars, or dilapidated houses. but it is a holy thing to restore human dignity."
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