Book Review - "For the Tough Times"

For The Tough Times: Reaching Toward Heaven for Hope

by Max Lucado
Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2008

For The Tough Times: Reaching Toward Heaven for Hope
is one of those little books that packs a big punch. We all have hard times in life, times when we feel like God doesn't care and times when we question the whole point of it all. Max Lucado turns to scripture to try to provide some answers. He begins with a reminder that "God has always turned tragedy into triumph," and that "God has a different agenda [than we do]. He dwells in a different dimension. He lives on another plane." God loves us and wants the best for us. He sent His Son to die for us. He will never leave us. Sometimes, however, it is very hard to understand God's plan for our lives.

Perhaps the most interesting section of the book is when Lucado explains that Satan is actually under God's control. He can only do what God allows. He is a creature, created by God. He is not equal with God. Lucado maintains that God uses Satan to 1)Refine the Faithful, 2) Awaken the Sleeping, and 3) Teach the Church. He uses scripture and evidence from life to illustrate that this is true.


"For the Tough Times" is a very insightful book which brings great comfort during difficult days.

Some good quotes from this book:

It does us twice as much good to think about God as it does to think about anyone or anything else.

Would you like some peace? Then quit giving your neighbor such a hassle. Want to enjoy God's generosity? Then let others enjoy yours. Would you like assurance that God forgives you? I think you know what you need to do.

The Holy One dwells on a different level from the rest of us. What frightens us does not frighten him. What troubles us does not trouble him.