Come Thirsty

Starred review from August 30, 2004
Lucado, pastor and bestselling author of more than 50 titles, extends hope to those whose souls are "dehydrated" from neglect, fear and guilt. Lucado teaches that salvation is God's work, not ours, and that we should "rink deeply from his well of grace." He encourages readers to look to God for spiritual energy, to rest in his authority or "lordship" and to wholeheartedly accept his never-ending love. Lucado's signature style—simple, easygoing, occasionally poetic—includes lots of stories that make some of the difficult truths he covers go down easy. He leaves some questions unanswered (like exactly how spiritual energy works), but also handles weighty issues (how can God be good and omnipotent, but still allow bad things to happen?) without being insincere or cavalier. While the book focuses on the grace and life God can provide, Lucado also challenges readers to live up to their faith—to pray, obey and surrender everything to God. Lucado indicates that his own heart has been dehydrated at times: "Don't you need regular sips from God's reservoir? I do.... Drink with me from his bottomless well." His writing seems to come not from the pulpit high above but from the guy next door who understands what it's like to be where readers are. (Oct. 7)

Forecast:
With 33 million books in print, Lucado continues to be one of the top authors in the CBA market.