Outlive Your Life

Max Lucado is a bestselling author because he has a way of taking biblical concepts and stories and helping the average, everyday person relate to them. In his newest book, Outlive Your Life, he does it again. He begins by reminding us that each of us is an individual. No one else in the world has all of the same characteristics, thoughts, or genetics. We are individuals with differing loves, abilities, and desires. But this is part of God's plan. We cannot be replaced.

The second thought running throughout this book is the idea that the current generation of individuals are commissioned by God to use those unique traits to help with human suffering. God wants us to outlive our life by making a difference in the lives of others, and He equips us with everything that we need to be able to do that.

Throughout the book, Lucado uses characters from the Bible to demonstrate how God used ordinary individuals to help others in their times of need. He demonstrates that one person can make a difference when following God's lead. Then he asks us to think about where we are called to make that difference. God loves all people, and each of us is designed to care about people as well. Lucado asks us to consider with whom we feel we can most easily relate, and for whom do we feel compassion. Using these desires that are given to us by God, we need to ask what God wants us to do. Because sometimes the needs are so overwhelming, we must follow God's prompting. We pray for those people and we are able to act because God provides.

Lucado reminds us that God is moved by a humble, prayerful heart. And that when we choose to listen to Him, and truly listen to those we are called to help, a way will be revealed. God always gives us the resources and tools to follow the path He calls us to.

In this book, Lucado once again tells Bible stories to support his points, and he is a master at relating those stories to today's society. He talks to the reader as if he is a friend sitting in the room sharing a cup of coffee. His style of writing makes for an easy read, but his message is challenging. He combines stories that are easy to understand and relate to, with deep biblical concepts that require a response from the reader. His ability to merge these two is what makes him a bestselling author.

This book is to the point and I would recommend it to all who struggle with their purpose or feel too small to accomplish what they desire to accomplish. It is encouraging while challenging and worth reading over and over.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.”