Live Loved: Excerpt 1 from Max Lucado

Problems Have a Purpose

God will use whatever he wants to display his glory. Heavens
and stars. History and nations. People and problems. My dying
dad in West Texas.

The last three years of his life were scarred by ALS. The
disease took him from a healthy mechanic to a bedbound
paralytic. He lost his voice and his muscles, but he never lost
his faith. Visitors noticed. Not so much in what he said but
more in what he didn’t say. Never outwardly angry or bitter,
Jack Lucado suffered stately.

His faith led one man to seek a like faith. After the funeral
this man sought me out and told me. Because of my dad’s
example, he became a Jesus follower.
Did God orchestrate my father’s illness for that very reason?
Knowing the value he places on one soul, I wouldn’t be
surprised. And imagining the splendor of heaven, I know my
father’s not complaining.

A season of suffering is a small assignment when compared
to the reward.

Rather than begrudge your problem, explore it. Ponder
it. And most of all, use it. Use it to the glory of God. . . .
Your pain has a purpose. Your problems, struggles,
heartaches, and hassles cooperate toward one end—the glory
of God.

—It’s Not About Me

Heavenly Father, when problems and pain come my way, help
me to remember that nothing comes into my life without your
approval. Rather than complain and cry about the challenges I
face, help me consider them as opportunities to bring glory to you.
Give me the strength and patience to bear my burdens in a way
that will honor you. I will lift my eyes off the trials and keep them
fixed firmly on you, amen.

Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from
the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us.
Daniel 3:17

Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord
had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.
Joshua 21:45

Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
Psalm 34:19

“Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.
Give to him who asks you, and from him
who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.”

Matthew 5:41–42

 About Live Loved

Imagine how your life would change if you were sure God loves you!Using the same popular format as Grace for the Moment, Live Loved brings fresh, new devotionals based on the writings of Max Lucado. Included is a broad range of topics such as facing your fears, accepting His grace, and truly knowing God’s omnipresent love. Each devotional is accompanied by an ending prayer to nurture a stronger prayer life for new believers, as well as long-standing Christ followers. It’s a new devotional from one of America’s leading Christian writers that will help men and women experience life from a whole new perspective.