Max on Life: Answers and Inspiration for Today's Questions

I'm glad to be given this opportunity to review Max on Life: Answers and Inspiration for Today's Questions. This book is a collection of questions-172 day-to-day questions that covers topics from parenting quandaries to financial challenges,from difficult relationships to God's grace, from church, heaven to hell! I could relate to most of the questions. I have thought about them on days when things weren't good as I think. As I read on the questions, I see in them a reflection of myself that I have to stop once in a while and think "Wait a minute, I ask God about this. This is the answer that  I've been looking for!" Wouldn't it be a relief to finally find answers to your questions? Wouldn't it be great to finally pass along to a friend helpful ideas that may serve as answers to their questions?

God keeps track of us in our troubles. Sometimes God's help comes to us through a teacher, through our parents, through friends or even through books written by inspired people of God like Max Lucado. I like the way Max answered the questions- simple, easy-to-grasp truths , humorous and biblical in a way that it doesn't sound judgmental to those who's still seeking the truth about God and not condemning for those people who are not yet in Christ. A special addendum includes Max’s advice on writing and publishing. This is a great resource for those who wanted to be a professional writer .

Everyday, I read one question, savor the truth, share the blessings and enjoy the blessing of having one question in my life being answered one at a time. For now, let me ponder on this question:

Question #54 WHEN PRAYERS AREN’T ANSWERED AND CALAMITIES HAPPEN, IS GOD SITTING ON HIS HANDS? WHY DOES GOD SOMETIMES OPT FOR SILENCE EVEN WHEN I’M SCREAMING MY LOUDEST?

How did Max answer?

Your question proposes two responses from God in difficult times:

God can not.

God will not.

Can God do anything when faced with disasters and calamities? The book of Daniel states: “[God] does as he

pleases among the angels of heaven and among the people of the earth. No one can stop him or say to him,

‘What do you mean by doing these things?’” (4:35 NLT). The Bible declares clearly that God can. As Paul wrote, “God . . . is the blessed controller of all things, the king over all kings and the master of all masters” (1 Tim. 6:15 PHILLIPS).Jesus can too. “The Son is . . . sustaining all things by his powerful word” (Heb. 1:3).

God made it all. He holds the instruction manuals to everything. He knows how they work. God is unlimited in his power. He can respond, and you can trust his strength. Now, will God do anything when we need him to? Trickier question. I can’t answer that. I would be God. That answer must trust his love and wisdom. God rescues those he wishes to rescue. He heals those he wants to heal. “I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act” (Isa. 48:10–11 NASB).

He may respond, and you must trust his sovereignty. Sometimes silence from God may be the best response.

When you scream at God, do you really want him to scream back? Mountains shake before the Lord. When someone screams at me, I find the best response is silence. Peace begets peace. Anger stirs anger. Be glad God is silent at times like that.

Although God may not speak when we want him to, he is working, silently, behind the scenes, bringing the best possible solution to the situation. So always remember:

God can get it done, and God’s will will be done!

The only thing I wanted to really enjoy this book is to receive it in print form. Unfortunately, this was available only as e-book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”