Imagine your life without fear. In his latest release, Lucado approaches some of the most common fears we face, from worst case scenarios to violence, from protecting family to death, from financial insecurity to dissappointing God–and in each case, he eases the fear factor with solid reasoning, backed at every angle by confirming and reassuring scripture. Lucado relates personally in every chapter, sharing anecdotes from his own life, those of familiar names like Woody Allen and David Robinson and others that make ones own fears feel normal, tangible and conquerable all at once.

I thoroughly enjoyed Fearless, at first reading it without realizing how much I needed to reflect on the truths within its pages. Each chapter met a new level of concern–for me or for someone I know. I especially appreciated Lucado’s eight worry-stoppers in chapter four, making note of the very tangible way he suggests to acknowledge and eliminate areas of worry in our daily lives. Applying this new approach to fear–praying, heading off worries, evaluating the things I worry about most and letting God be enough in the process are all perfectly timed reminders!

Fearless is almost conversational–as if it were a chat over a good cup of coffee or tea. To read it is to sit down with a counselor for a “first session,” without any of the intimidation or fear you might expect would ensue; to reach the final chapter is to determine that you will no longer fall victim to your own fears as you once did, but rather that you will lean on a new, more complete understanding of the promises and love that Christ has to offer your life. Read it. Finish it. Then claim the truth that Lucado so articulately sets free in Fearless, and step a little more lightly into the day set before you, that you might “arise, and not be afraid!” (Mt 17.7)

Fearless was reviewed in connection with Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger Program