Never Give Up b Max Lucado is fabulous. The subtitle of “ God is good even when life isn’t” piques my interest and I was not disappointed. The foundation of the book is based on the biblical account of Joseph. Mr. Lucado parallels the unfortunate trials and tribulations in Joseph’s life to the events we incur in our present day life situations. In ten chapters, he expands on the lessons in Joseph’s life and writes profound stories, making applications for the reader to consider. After each chapter, there are reflection questions. Never Give Up is a book anyone should be able to glean insights from for personal application. The format is ideal for personal development as well as for a Bible study or small group study. I’d strongly recommend it for a small group Bible study. It is excellent.

Additionally, his research is well documented in the Notes at the end of the book. Also included t the conclusion of the book is a seven day devotional . Max Lucado never disappoints! His winsome writing style encourages the reader !

Never Give Up by Max Lucado is one of the most encouraging books I’ve ever read. Filled with real stories, light humor, and reminders of God’s character, the book spoke to me on so many levels. I plan to buy copies to give to friends as gifts.

Never Give Up: God Is Good When Life Isn't is an interesting and inspiring book by one of my favorite authors, Max Lucado. While this book was compiled from Max’s previous bestseller, You’ll Get Through This, it serves as a hope filled Bible study based on the life of Joseph. Joseph’s life was not always easy and even painful at times; however, Max encourages readers to “Never give up. With God’s help you’ll get through this.”

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it for anyone going through a difficult time that could use some encouragement. Similar to Max’s other writings, Never Give Up is interwoven interesting stories, biblical truths and inspiration. The back of the book includes a seven day devotional centered on seven key scriptures from the text.

I am thankful to have received a complimentary digital copy of this book from Nelson Books via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion and unbiased review.

I have loved Max Lucado’s writing for years, and was anxious to read his newest book, Never Give Up: God is Good when Life isn’t. Thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing and NetGalley, I was able to read an ARC and give my unbiased review of the content.
The background of the book is the Biblical story of Joseph - how he was a favored, spoiled, pampered son, and his brothers who angry and jealous. The brothers threw Joseph into a pit, and then sold him into slavery. Yet Joseph never stopped believing in God’s love and goodness. The story continues with the many trials of Joseph but how God ultimately triumphed in Joseph’s life. So many lessons along the way, for Joseph and for us.
The book is written in readable chapters with study and discussion questions at the end of each chapter. It’s a book that would be perfect for a Christian book club, or a Bible study group.
Max Lucado has again demonstrated his own faith through his writing. The reader is reminded of life’s trials, and how no one is immune to trouble. But through it all, even realizing that the answers we pray for may not come even during our lifetime, we need to have faith, continue to praise God in every season of life, because ultimately, God has the perfect plan and in His perfect timing.

Max Lucado is so good at using real life stories to illustrate biblical truths in people's lives. Surrendering to God is not just about making it through hard times but also using those circumstances to grow in your faith. Using God's guidance you can find the courage to keep fighting and never give up. He tells you how to overcome adversity and build a strong faith in God. You can learn how to transform your challenges into opportunities. Thanks to @NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

Excellent book. So much wisdom and insight just when you need it.
Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.

As a child of God, I know His timing is perfect and His plans are always better than mine. But sometimes it’s hard to remember those promises. Max Lucado does an amazing job reminding us to never give up on God or ourselves or each other. No matter what we face, He knows how it’ll turn out. Like Joseph faced when he was sold into slavery by his brothers, our trials in life are a way for God to show us His blessings. We need only be still. And pray. “Waiting is a sustained effort to stay focused on God through prayer and belief.”

This book is perfect for any Christian or non-Christian but especially for those going through a difficult season. It would make an amazing gift or even a book to add to your yearly rotation - the reminders of God’s faithfulness are that good.

Never Give Up
God is Good When Life Isn't
by Max Lucado
Pub Date Apr 22 2025
Nelson Books |Thomas Nelson
Christian| Religion & Spirituality| Self-Help



Nelson Books and Netgalley have provided me with a copy of Never Give Up for review:



When you realize that God never changes, and He is always on your side, you will find hope to keep going even when times are hard.


A powerful narrative underscores the theme of relentless perseverance and God's goodness despite life's storms in Never Give Up, by trusted pastor and bestselling author Max Lucado.


Max shows how faith in a benevolent God can help us get through hard times and reach redemption and transformation in this book based on his bestseller, You'll Get Through This. This book will encourage you to keep fighting, to keep believing, and to never give up, assuring you that with God's guidance, any adversity can be overcome, leading to profound personal strength and spiritual insight. You’ll discover how to:
Finding hope in despair
Trust in God's plan
Overcome adversity
Strengthen your faith


I give Never Give Up five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

In Never Give Up, Max Lucado skillfully weaves the story of Joseph in a moving reminder that God is with us even in the most difficult circumstances. A short but powerful and insightful read which demonstrates how God works out everything for our good. I recommend this book to everyone, no matter what they may be passing through.
I got a complimentary copy from Nelson Books | Thomas Nelson via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are mine

There is a lot we can learn from the life of Joseph. From the bottom of the pit, to his rise to power in Egypt, few experienced the highest highs and lowest lows like Joseph did. This book is a short but interesting study of his life and dependence on God, with thoughtful reflection questions to direct the reader to trust God in life’s most difficult times, building faith, forgiveness, patience, and more. Additionally, seven brief devotions in the back of the book are honest and encouraging. An easy yet helpful and enjoyable read.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4 stars
Never Give Up by Max Lucado

Max Lucado has written a fantastic study on Joseph and his many trials and tribulations. Never Give Up is the perfect title as it points to Joseph's life and how I as a Christian should strive to live. I learned so much from this book and will likely re-read it again as I am sure there is more to glean from this book. I most definitely recommend as this would be good for a small group, Bible study or individual study.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the Publisher.

I have read the Biblical story of Joseph many times before, but this devotional book has added another layer to the story we all know by giving us opportunities to empathise with him. If I'm honest, this book also made me cry in places where Lucado talks about God's love for us and the way he chose us.

Lucado ties Joseph's stories in with modern day stories e.g. His father's diagnosis with ALS. From this, he shows the reader that he understands what being in "the pit" means and gives Biblical context to what he talks about.

Well worth a read, especially if you are in the pit.

I receive complimentary books for various sources, including Netgalley, Authors, and other such sources. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received compensation.

Max Lucado’s latest book, Never Give Up, dramatizes the Biblical story of Joseph while highlighting his responses to pain, loss, and adversity. He shows how Joseph is a guide and mentor for Christians facing their own hardships.

The eldest son of Rachel, Joseph is known for having an indulgent father in Jacob (also known as Israel) who gave him a coat of many colors. He had these God-given dreams that one day his family would bow down to him. (Read Genesis 37 ) Unfortunately, he ran his mouth to his brothers who already hated him with the fire of a thousand suns.

Jacob encourages Joseph to spy on his older brothers in the fields as they pasture their flocks.When they see Joseph walking in the distance, they conspire to kill him. Reuben intervenes so the brothers don’t kill Joseph, so they throw him down into a dry cistern.

Lucado begins the story here with Joseph beat up and bottomed out. He imagines the brothers above Joseph, several faces looking down at him from a bright sky above. They sell him to the Ishmaelites who are on the road to Egypt. Joseph must make the arduous journey to Egypt on foot. Joseph has to learn a new culture and language, Max said. Most people would become bitter and rail at God for their misfortune.

Joseph relies on God throughout his journey. He is sold at auction to an official of Pharaoh's, Potiphar, a captain of the guard. (See Genesis 39) Everywhere he goes, the Lord shows him favor. Everything Joseph does prospers, and his success means blessings for those around him. This is why Potiphar elevates Joseph to run his household. But then, Joseph turns down the wife’s many advances. Her pride wounded, Mrs. Potiphar accuses Joseph of rape and he's sent to the pit once more.

But God’s favor is with Joseph even then. (And reminded me of Psalm 139:7-12) He is put in charge of the prisoners. He cares for a butler (cupbearer) and a baker who one day tell him about these dreams they had. Joseph tells them God interprets dreams. In three days, the butler will return to service, while the baker will die. Joseph asks the butler to tell Pharaoh about him, but the butler forgets – for two long years. (See Got Questions? How Long Was Joseph in Prison?)

Joseph will interpret Pharaoh's troubling dreams of famine and offer solutions that will save people's lives and bring great wealth to Egypt. Pharaoh will trust Joseph and put him in charge of everything and everyone. He will save many from death, including his own family. After their father dies, his brothers fear Joseph, knowing all they did before. Joseph says, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." (Genesis 50:15-21)

Overview

If you are a longtime reader of Max Lucado like me, you’ll recognize ideas and messages from his previous works. In fact, Joseph is the topic of book, You’ll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times. I recommend this work as well as the present one.

You might ask, “Couldn’t I just read Genesis 37-50?” Yes - definitely read these passage to give you the background on Joseph from Scripture, and then return to those pages after reading Lucado's message. In my mind, Lucado is unmatched when it comes to storytelling. He revisits these Biblical heroes often, activating the theatre of a reader’s mind and heart. Daniel, for example, is also mentioned in this story. Lucado tells readers they “will get through this,” but he also has this question for the Christian: 

Is God Good Even If My Circumstances Are Not?

Never Give Up weaves stories of faith using Joseph’s narrative to provide readers with the reassurance that God is good, unchanging, and in control at all times. We can trust him like Joseph.

Key Themes

God’s Sovereignty: Lucado explores the theme of God's control over all circumstances, even when we might feel like we cannot endure life’s trials.

Endurance and Faith: The book shows how God uses personal hardships as lessons to build on in His divine classroom. Lucado draw parallels between Joseph’s story, Jesus' own narrative, and modern-day struggles of Christ-followers.

Divine Favor: Scripture shows the the fruit of the Spirit in Joseph’s life. He flourished and prospered despite his numerous setbacks and grim circumstances.

Writing Style

Lucado is a masterful storyteller, blending alliteration and wordplay to create engaging and uplifting prose. His narrative seamlessly transitions from scriptural recounting to practical applications for the reader's life.

Lucado sees us as a version of Joseph. Those pits in life will help the Christian grow, and Lucado points out that the pit also causes us to look up. Someone above us needs to help us out of the pit. Lucado reminded me what my Grandma Pringle used to say, “This too shall pass.” These trials are temporary, even if in the moment they sure don’t feel like it. And "God will use this mess for good," Max says – for our good and His glory.

Personal Reflections

Never Give Up provided a balm for moments of depression and anxiety that I've experienced of late. I have not been feeling my best. I've mentioned before I have chronic migraine and fibromyalgia. I've picked up arthritis, too, and sleep avoids me. I've found myself near tears at times. Lucado offers comfort and encouragement. He reminds me that I'm not alone, and my pain isn't unusual. I'm sure the pain has a purpose. And, yes, I need to look up and ask for help from my Father in Heaven.

Second Corinthians 4:16-17 says, “Though outwardly we are wearing out, inwardly we are renewed day by day. Our suffering is light and temporary and is producing for us an eternal glory that is greater than anything we can imagine."

Conclusion

I've included below Max Lucado's video for him new book. Never Give Up is a short yet impactful read, perfect for anyone in need of a reminder that God's plans and purposes for His children are for our good and His glory. (See Romans 8:28-30) Lucado dramatizes Biblical stories in a modern way to help readers imagine the life of times of heroes of the faith. He uses Joseph’s story as the main thread with contemporary stories of Christians who have seen God redeem their pain, tragedy, and losses. And Lucado says God can do the same for you.

Just when I think Max Lucado can’t possibly write another book that moves me like the last one—guess what? He does it again. Never Give Up takes the story of Joseph and relates it to our lives, showing how God ultimately fulfills His purpose in us no matter the circumstances. It is filled with powerful nuggets of wisdom that touch both the heart and soul. His storytelling is unmatched, drawing you in with every page and leaving you reflecting long after the final chapter. He truly has a gift for helping others grow deeper in their relationship with God. I sincerely hope he never stops writing—because the world needs more of this kind of truth and encouragement. Great book!

*Satan weaves; God reweaves.
*Make God’s presence your passion.
*Pray your pain out.

Although we all face difficult times in our lives, Max Lucado offers a reminder that God is always with us in our difficulties. He encourages us to persevere through our troubles and trust in God to help us overcome.

This was a short but powerful reminder to not lose sight of the fact that God is good regardless of one's circumstances. Using the Old Testament story of Joseph, Lucado brings home 10 points to show how God used Joseph's trials to ultimately save the world from the years of famine. It was a great reminder to anyone going through a difficult time to trust in the goodness of a God who loves them and wants their best. This came at a poignant time for me and I was super glad for the reminder. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.