In his latest book, Max Lucado emphasizes the importance of hope and faith during current turbulent times.
Bestselling author says that having clarity about the future gives courage for the present.
This narrative explores the topic of suicide. In case you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, kindly contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Max Lucado, a pastor and bestselling author from San Antonio, Texas, stated in an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital that there is a heaviness in society today. However, he also emphasized that there is a solution to this problem, which is highlighted in his latest book.
The suicide rate among teenagers is increasing, resulting in a lack of hope, according to him.
"The suicide rate is at its highest since World War II, leaving us feeling trapped and uncertain. My experience has shown that having clarity about the future can provide the courage to face today's challenges."
The purpose behind writing his latest book, "What Happens Next," is to disclose its underlying theme and the steps that everyone, regardless of their faith or life stage, can take.
Lucado has always been intrigued by the Bible's teachings on the end times.
Recently, I have become obsessed with understanding what is about to happen. I believe there are two reasons for this.
"To be quite honest, you just start wondering."
He stated that his upcoming birthday in January would necessitate 70 candles on the cake. However, he was unsure if he would have a fire extinguisher to put out all the candles or not, while grinning.
As he grew older, he began to wonder about the afterlife. He had more friends in heaven than on Earth, so he pondered, "Where do we go when we die? What is it? What is God's plan for how this world gets wrapped up?"
"Accelerated by all the things going on in the world today, common questions among older people have been," he said.
Many people find the study of "end times" to be "intimidating and frightening."
"Jesus told His followers, and He tells us, 'Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God."
But Lucado believes that such a position is "unfortunate."
According to the Bible, what happens next should be a source of great encouragement and hope. Jesus reassured all who may feel troubled that they should trust in God and in Him. He told His followers that in His father's house are many mansions, and if it were not so, He would not have told them. He is going there to prepare a place for them.
Jesus encourages us to face the future with faith, using these words and others like them.
I believe that focusing on hope is extremely beneficial because it allows us to endure challenging times, conquer our fears, and know that these hardships are only temporary. We can pray for strength and guidance during these moments.
When you experience anxiety or watch the news and feel overwhelmed, pray and remain open to discovering what is to come.
"We can all explore this. And through that confidence, we find courage to face the future."
Lucado related an anecdote from his growing-up years as a real-life analogy.
As children, my father would take us on extended camping excursions. My brother and I were thrilled, and he would describe in detail the sights we would encounter, even though we had never been to New Mexico, Colorado, or Utah. He would provide us with all the information.
"And we got so excited because we trusted my father.
"God is trustworthy and exciting, just like the future. In this book, I explore the mysteries of paradise and what heaven will be like for those who believe in Christ, especially for our loved ones who have already joined Jesus in heaven."
I've tried to be equally honest and discuss the tragedy that awaits those who reject Christ. However, I believe we can all explore this topic. Through our confidence, we can find the courage to confront the future.
The Bible contains over 300 references to the return of Jesus, according to Lucado.
The Christian way of life is to live with caution and anticipation of the return of Christ. We believe in the possibility of His return at any moment, which gives us hope and joy.
As his daughters were young, Lucado recounted, "their tiny hands would leave smudges on the window near the front door. I would enter the house through the front door and they would excitedly announce, 'Dad's coming home!' They would gather at the window, eagerly waiting for my arrival."
"I was eagerly anticipated by them as they searched for my return home."
According to Lucado, the Bible promises a blessing for those who eagerly await the return of Christ. We can start and conclude each day with the prayer, "Lord, come today, Lord, come today."
According to Lucado, the ultimate solution to the hardships and pain in the world is not attainable in this existence, but rather in the afterlife.
Max Lucado hosts a town hall discussing the end times, now streaming on Fox Nation.
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