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.