Max Lucado's 'Fearless' Message Resonates in Hard Times

By Audrey Barrick, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, October 08, 2009

Twenty-eight-year-old Zach from Chicago hates his job and is struggling with life and expectations.

While his friends seem to have it all – a good job, a marriage and kids – he fears he'll be in the same place, living with regret 20 years from now.

"What should I do?" he asks Max Lucado, prominent pastor and bestselling author.

Lucado's advice – verbalize your angst and concerns to God and to a trusted circle of God-seekers. "You needn't live alone with your fear."

That's just one of many pieces of advice Lucado has been giving ever since writing his recently published book, Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear.

Released in September, the book debuted at No. 1 on the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association October bestseller list (September sales). Fearless has also spent four consecutive weeks on The New York Times hardcover advice bestseller list and is currently at No. 10.

Christian publisher Thomas Nelson and retailers anticipated the book to be one of the biggest bestsellers of the year because of its timely message and relevance.

With slowdowns in the economy, terrorism, global warming, and disasters dominating the headlines, fear has taken hold of much of the world and many have been left with questions.

"Fearless is a message for the moment," said David Moberg, senior vice president and group publisher at Thomas Nelson. "Max's words are much needed during these challenging times."

During these tough times, Lucado challenges the public to fear less and the church to "turn folks to the one constant in a sea rolling with change."

"If quantity is any indicator, Jesus takes our fears seriously. The one statement He made more than another was this: 'don't be afraid,'" Lucado said in a statement.

"What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats? If you could hover a fear magnet over your heart and extract every last shaving of dread, insecurity, and doubt, what would remain? Envision the day when you can trust more and fear less."

To help churches relay the message of fearing less, Outreach Inc. is offering sermons, small group curriculum, and inreach and outreach tools to deepen the impact of the book.

"I hope that churches can band together to become an army of courage to enlist others to focus on God, not on fear," said Lucado. "By supporting, encouraging and loving one another, we are prepared to be bold witnesses to the world."

Lucado serves as minister of writing and preaching for the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. He has sold more than 65 million books to date.