Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine by Max Lucado

We talk as though we understand the term. The bank gives us a grace period. The seedy politician falls from grace. Musicians speak of a grace note. We describe an actress as gracious, a dancer as graceful. We use the word for hospitals, baby girls, kings, and premeal prayers. We talk as though we know what grace means.

But do we really understand it? Have we settled for wimpy grace? It politely occupies a phrase in a hymn, fits nicely on a church sign. Never causes trouble or demands a response. When asked, “Do you believe in grace?” who could say no?

Max Lucado asks a deeper question: Have you been changed by grace? Shaped by grace? Strengthened by grace? Emboldened by grace? Softened by grace? Snatched by the nape of your neck and shaken to your senses by grace?

God’s grace has a drenching about it. A wildness about it. A white-water, riptide, turn-you-upside-downness about it. Grace comes after you. It rewires you. From insecure to God secure. From regret riddled to better-because-of-it. From afraid to die to ready to fly.

Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off.

Let’s make certain grace gets you.

My Review:
I once heard Max Lucado speak and quickly became a fan. His straightforward ability caused me to sit still so as to not miss a bit of his important message. He writes the same way he talks. His books read as if he is speaking directly to the reader.

Each chapter contains Bible verses, Bible stories, and anecdotes from life. That alone makes the book worthwhile; however, Lucado goes to the next level--the Reader's Guide.

A unique feature about Grace is the Reader's Guide section. More than a list of questions, each chapter is thoroughly covered. There is a guide for chapter one, chapter two, etc. making the book a useful tool for personal or small group Bible study. Scripture is reviewed, life-changing questions are listed, a prayer is included, and life applications are given. This comprehensive section allows the reader to more deeply study and apply the biblical truths. I recommend this book!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishing for my copy.