Book Review: Grace

Grace: More than We Deserve, Greater than We Imagine
By Max Lucado
Thomas Nelson, 2012
English, 240pgs

Description:
Grace.

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.

Review:
I am a long time fan of Max Lucado's books. This one does not disappoint. It's a little light on theology, but very strong on Scripture, anecdotes and personal application. The chapters are quick and easy to read and there is a separate study guide in the back of the book.

My only complaint about the book is that the study guide is in a separate area. It makes it a little difficult to have to flip around the pages. It would have made more sense to just put the study/application questions at the end of each chapter. Also, the study guide has zero room for writing in your answers, so if you're going to do the questions, you may want a journal handy.

The content however is superb. The stories, both from Max's life and history, are engaging and applicable. I can see where this would make a good group study book.

I received a copy of the book from BookSneeze in exchange for a review. I was not required to write a positive review and no additional compensation has been, or will be, received.