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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 !

This needs to be gifted to every family member, friend, college and neighbor….this book is MARVELOUS! And holds so much goodness. Loved it!

There is a reason why Max Lucado is my favorite Christian writer. This book highlights that reason. He takes the story of Joseph from when he was thrown into the well by his brothers, through his journey into Egypt and full circle back to reconciliation with his brothers. In each stage of Joseph's life he is never far from God, praying to Him, depending on Him. And God walks with Him. The author shows how it in very worst times of our lives we can always depend on the presence of God. It doesn't mean everything will be great, all well and good, but you will not be alone. One of the stories that really touched me, was the author's sharing that his father had died of ALS. As an ALS clinic nurse, I found that my patients were people of great faith. As with his dad, they were not afraid to face the unknown because they knew they would not be alone. And there is the essence of this book. Never give up - you are not alone and never will be. He completes the book with seven days of devotions that he calls "statements of strength". Highly recommended reading.

Fans of Max Lucado will not be disappointed. If you've never read one of his books, what are you waiting for? This installment is a great place to start. So many are facing tough times. We have been disappointed by life or by our friends or family. Lucado gives us hope based on the Biblical story of Joseph who never gave up! If you need some encouragement, this is the book for you!

This was a quick, easy, and encouraging read. This would be a good book to give someone who is going through a hard time, because it's packed full of examples and verses on how we can still lean on God in the midst of life's hardest trials and storms.

I received a free copy from from Nelson Books via NetGalley. A positive review is not required & all opinions are my own.

Never Give Up conveys Max Lucado’s timeless message of hope: with faith in God, no trial is insurmountable. Through Scripture, reflection, and heartfelt encouragement, it reminds us that hardship may be the foundation in which strength and redemption grow. I voluntarily read this complimentary copy of this well-written, insightful book that I know I will refer to on my spiritual journey. Thank you Max Lucado for your books! I look forward to reading your next book.

Awesome, just awesome! Max Lucado has made the story of Joseph relatable to trials and tribulations of people he has known or examples that explain the meaning of all the scripture. How to be patient and things happen in God's time, not ours. This would be a great book to have for yourself or to give as a gift for someone feeling despair. It reminds me of one of my favorite songs, "God Will Make This Trial a Blessing". I was provided an Advanced Reader Copy of this book but was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions expressed are my own. Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

A refreshing reminder that even in the hardest battles, perseverance and faith carry us through. Lucado’s storytelling style is warm and uplifting, and every chapter feels like a gentle nudge to keep moving forward. A great book to read slowly and reflect on.

None of us is spared from pain, hardships, and suffering. There are those who are able to handle these staunchly but there will also be others who will collapse under the weight of their difficulties and lose hope.

Never Give Up is a beautiful, inspirational, and hopeful book that all should read but, most of all, by those who feel like they are hanging on to life by a thread. Joseph, one of the Bible’s prominent characters, is this book’s central figure. The author uses Joseph’s experiences and deftly compares them to modern day concerns — showing how God’s plans unfolded in Joseph’s life just as He is also present in the midst of our trials and challenges and will use those for good. The hardships experienced by Joseph, from the time his brothers drop him down a cistern to being sold to Egyptian traders, spending time in jail, and rising to prominence as a trusted steward of the Pharoah, show that God is able to produce good from unpleasant or difficult situations.

Waiting for God’s answer is hard; our lifetime is a mere blink in God's eyes. His time is different from ours; we need patience and trust that He is always in control. The author reassures us though that God is always around. He can produce good even out of the most challenging situations just like he did with Joseph and many other biblical characters.

One of the author’s quotes that really stood out for me was: “While you wait, God works”. There could be times when we may not be feeling His Presence but in reality, He is right there — working with, and transforming, our experiences into blessings and grace. The book has other quotable quotes sprinkled throughout the book’s pages, highlighted inside bubbles.

The story of Joseph runs through the entire book and it makes us see how God has been working in our lives from the time of Adam and Eve to our modern age today. The last chapter of Never Give Up is devoted to a week of devotionals in the form of seven statements of strength that anyone can use to stay hopeful and motivated to push through life’s challenges. Never Give Up is a book you can leave on your bedside table or desk and pick up during moments of difficulties.

If you need encouragement in the Christian life, this book is for you. Max has a writing style that is easy to read and understand. This also includes a 7 day devotional based on the book. I've never been disappointed with anything Max has written. His books have always been a help to me in my life.
This is the story of Joseph and his brothers. Through all his trials and disappointment he never gave up hope. This teaches the reader that no matter what happens in life, God is there and will be no matter what and to just trust in Him.
I received this copy from Netgalley for an honest review.

A wonderful book reminding us of the presence of God in all things. Joseph’s story is an awesome reminder of that presence. Max as always has a gentle and kind voice in his books inviting people in to stay awhile and rest

Max Lucado masterfully delivers a tapestry of wisdom and encouragement, inviting readers to press forward with unwavering faith even when the odds seem insurmountable. His words resonate like a gentle yet firm whisper from heaven, reminding us that resilience is not born of circumstance, but of conviction. There’s something profoundly moving about witnessing the strength of a soul walking boldly with the Bible in hand each step a testament to divine guidance, spiritual grit, and the quiet power of belief. Lucado doesn’t just write; he shepherds hearts toward hope.

What is amazing about the book is the reflective questions. They help the reader to realize and take to heart the application process of each chapter and the to see the truths that will give us the strength to not give up.