“You’re stronger than you think because God is nearer than you know.”

A thought by Max Lucedo from his book, You Are Never Alone (p.6). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

Oh, we need to believe that, don’t we?

Max says, “Jesus touched wounds. He spoke words of hope. Lives were improved. Blessings were bestowed. There was a message in his miracles: ‘I am here. I care.’

“Had Jesus wanted just to make a case for his divinity, he could have materialized a flock of birds out of thin air and caused trees to uproot and float away. He could have turned creeks into waterfalls or rocks into bumblebees. Such deeds would have demonstrated his power. But Jesus wanted us to see more. He wanted to show us that there is a miracle-working God who loves, cares, and comes to our aid.”

He goes on, “Do we not need this message today?

“This book is a child of the quarantine. I completed it during the days of coronavirus. When I began writing it, some months ago, Covid-19 was unknown to most. Phrases like ‘social distancing’ and ‘shelter in place’ may have been found in manuals, but not in our street vocabulary. But that’s all changed. As of this writing, millions of people are hunkered and bunkered in apartments, houses, huts, and cabins.

“This crisis exacerbated an already rampant epidemic of isolation and depression. One study found that loneliness is as dangerous to one’s health as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day. It can lead to dementia or Alzheimer’s, heart disease, a weakened immune system, and a shorter life span.”

Max later says, “The apostle John wanted us to know that Someone cares. He wanted us to believe, to set our weight fully upon the strength of this loving God.

“When life feels depleted, does God care? 

“If I’m facing an onslaught of challenges, will he help? 

“When life grows dark and stormy, does he notice? If I’m facing the fear of death, will he help me?

“If I’m facing the fear of death, will he help me?”

Good questions!

He then says, “The answer in the life-giving miracles in the gospel of John is a resounding yes. Do you know these miracles? Do you believe in a Jesus who has not only power but a passionate love for the weak and wounded of the world? Do you think he cares enough about you to find you in the lonely waiting rooms, rehab centers, and convalescent homes of life?”

This is where this new book by Max Lucedo is headed. And we need it don’t we?

Yes, yes