I Blog For Books

WestBow Press

03 October 2013

You'll Get Through This












Who can resist a book with a subtitle that offers Hope and Help?  I couldn't, and that is why I chose to review Max Lucado's You'll Get Through This.  I have been a fan of Max Lucado's work for many years - he has a way of cutting through the fluff and getting straight to the point - and I like that.  When I am having a hard time, when I am feeling down or distressed, I do not want platitudes.  Life IS rough sometimes, and no amount of sugar-coating will change that.

"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" (p. 3).  Simplistic, right? Mouthing platitudes? No.  Sometimes in life, we are going to hurt.  Sometimes that pain will last far longer than we thought it would, and longer than we think we are equipped to handle.  Remember this, please, when you want to give in - God is bigger than any problems we might have. ANY problems.

As Paul states in Second Corinthians, "Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all" (2 Cor. 4:17 NIV).  What is pain compared to the eternity that awaits us?  I am not saying that living with pain is fun. I am saying that living with pain knowing that there are far better days ahead might not be optimal, but it can be tolerable.

Wound throughout this book, Max tells the story of Joseph.  You remember Joseph, from Sunday School? The one with the cool multicolor coat? The one whose brothers hated him so much that they threw him in a pit and left him to die? He showed them, didn't he?? Rescued and eventually in a position of power, he didn't shun his brothers when they came in need.  He offered love - after he threw them in prison, made them sweat a little. He got through it. And so can you.  Remember, "your history doesn't have to be your future" (p. 105).

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”