Book Review: You are Never Alone by Max Lucado

You are Never Alone: Trust in the Miracle of God’s Presence and Power is a book that has been in my ‘to be read’ pile for a while. It made it to the top because I want to meet my challenge of reading 6 books on ‘trust’, my word of the year, before the end of 2022. I think this is number 5, so expect one more – though I’m sorely tempted by others!

Light yet powerful

In You are Never Alone, Lucado opens each chapter with a personal story – either his own or one of someone he has encountered. Then the chapter turns to one of the miracles of Christ recorded in John as a demonstration of the power and care that God has for his children. While so much of trusting God tends to be focused on the tough parts of life, Lucado seems to address them without that weight and even with a touch of humor.

The power of Jesus in his miracles carries the reader with hope throughout this book. It remains light yet powerful in rendering God approachable, caring, loving and ever present. Lucado shares his own struggles and pains yet draws us out of that dark funk into the trustworthy arms of God, encouraging us to trust evermore in Jesus, his power and love.

life and hope in prayer

I appreciated the look at Mary’s prayer to Jesus during the wedding at Cana. ‘They have no more wine’, she says. This is her prayer. She doesn’t try to tell him how or what to do, she states the need. Much as children simply ask from their parents, Mary asked Jesus for wine because it had run out. How often do we beg or give reasons for God to answer us? We say he is a good father, that he did certain things in the past we know he will repeat them. Yet Lucado makes the point that God responds to each of our situations as individual, unique problems with individual, unique solutions.

Another chapter addresses when we are stuck and how Jesus challenges us. Another the waiting, when we pray and wait for an answer. We pray and we do not know how the prayer will be answered, sometimes it is not the way we expected. Even with 'yet-to-be-answered’ prayers, we know that God is always present and never too busy for you.

Encouragement for believers and strugglers

Lucado exhorts readers to turn to God in all circumstances and to lean on his word for our every need. This exhortation however does not leave us without work to do according to Lucado. ‘Row the boat and bail the water, but above all bid Christ to enter your sinking craft,’ (p. 66). God wants you to know him and in the storms of life, it is a perfect time to come near.

From storms, times of lack, struggles with illness, wrestling with doubts, standing in the gap, waiting for an answer, Lucado offers the hope of Christ in us and with us who loves us, cares for us, and responds in power to our needs. From turning water to wine through to the cross and resurrection, trusting in the miracle of God’s presence and power is almost easy once you finish reading.

5/5 stars for ‘You Are Never Alone’

The book draws on scripture that showcases God’s love through his power to meet our needs and walk with us always. The personal stories shared are meaningful and relatable for all ages and genders and the draw (not charge) to trust God is irresistible in You Are Never Alone.