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.