You'll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times

by Max Lucado

You’ll get through this. It won’t be painless. It won’t be quick. But God will use this mess for good. Don’t be foolish or naïve. But don’t despair either. With God’s help, you’ll get through this. You fear you won't make it through. We all do. We fear that the depression will never lift, the yelling will never stop, the pain will never leave. In the pits, surrounded by steep walls and aching reminders, we Will this gray sky ever brighten? This load ever lighten? In You'll Get Through This , pastor and New York Times best-selling author, Max Lucado offers sweet assurance. "Deliverance is to the Bible what jazz music is to Mardi bold, brassy, and everywhere." Max reminds readers God doesn't promise that getting through trials will be quick or painless. It wasn't for Joseph--tossed in a pit by his brothers, sold into slavery, wrongfully imprisoned, forgotten and dismissed--but his Old Testament story is in the Bible for this to teach us to trust God to trump evil. With the compassion of a pastor, the heart of a storyteller, and the joy of one who has seen what God can do, Max explores the story of Joseph and the truth of Genesis 50:20. What Satan intends for evil, God redeems for good.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Self Help, Religion, Audiobook, Faith, Christian Non Fiction

240 pages, Hardcover

Published September 10, 2013

About the author

With more than 150 million products in print and several NYT bestsellers, Max Lucado is America's bestselling inspirational author. He serves the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy. His most recent book published in August 2024 and is titled What Happens Next.

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Reviews

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

You’ll get through this. It won’t be painless. It won’t be quick. But God will use this mess for good. In the meantime, don’t be foolish or naive. And don’t despair. With God’s help, you’ll get through this.

Using the story of Joseph as his guide, Lucado gives us hope for turbulent times. Sold into slavery by his brothers, scandalized by his master’s wife, thrown into prison by his master, forgotten by those who said they’d help. Joseph went from all of these trials and tribulations to the second most important figure in Ancient Egypt. From the prison to the palace, from a prisoner to Prime Minister…

If God can take the evil things done to Joseph and work them out for good, he can do the same for us!

So whether we experience marital problems, stress at work, an unwanted health crisis, a tragedy, or a mixed bag of traumatic slice of life experiences that afflict our everyday, just remember:

You’ll get through this!

[Riah Reads :D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A helpful story that is encouraging me to continue to fight and helping me get through this hard time in my life.

[Sara Rieland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few of my notable takeaways: 1) “This season in which you find yourself may puzzle you, but it does not bewilder God. He can and will use it for his purpose.” 2) “Rather than ask God to change your circumstances, ask him to use your circumstances to change you.” 3) “Don’t see your struggle as an interruption to life, but as preparation for life. No one said the road would be easy or painless. But God will use this mess for something good.”

[Hannah Rasmussen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I’ve never read a book by Max Lucado before so maybe this is how he typically writes but it was so good! Love how he puts in personal stories, stories from the Bible, and has application.
Lots of highlights and great parts to this. I will definitely keep it and read it again and my husband enjoyed it as well and he doesn’t often read.
I’m excited to read more by Max Lucado!

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely amazing and heartwarming in the midst of a storm. From the detailed description of God’s character, the explanation of “why bad things happen to us”, to the dialogue about healing from your past through/with God; this book is a great reminder of how amazing our God is - no matter our situation. If you’re struggling in life, no matter how light or heavy the weight is, I highly recommend you read this book. And for those who are in a good season of your life - still read this book! Let it prepare your heart and provide you with wisdom for your storms.

[Hailey Schabo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was hard for me to change my mindset into reading this type of book after not reading these for a while. The book wasn’t necessarily bad, good messages, but I just couldn’t get into it

[Margie B’s Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for Christians no matter what you are facing.

[James Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!!!
I am a pastor with five earned seminary graduate degrees. If anyone should have an understanding of the life story of Joseph, you would think it would be me. However, I learned so much about the man with coat of many colors from reading this book. Moreover, I learned so much about myself. With his unique style, Max Lucado places the reader in the story. You will see your life story in Joseph's and come away encouraged. If you need hope in these dark days, you need to read this book. It will change your life.

[Jay Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucado walks you through the Genesis chapters covering Joseph. Naturally, he supplements his work with other relevant quotes. Joseph teaches us to persevere life’s hardships and push forward. Lucado weaves an excellent lesson together that whatever life throws at you, rely upon God to get you through it. Since all persons suffer from hardship, this lesson is applicable. Lucado doesn’t lose you in theology but gives a simple and understandable lesson.

[Liz Hatcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another excellent book by Max Lucado. Shows the many similarities between Joseph's problems thousands of years ago and the problems you may be having today. Offers advice on how to get through your problems by following how Joseph, with God's help, got through his. It has certainly helped me get through my many problems, and, believe me, they certainly weren't as bad as Joseph's were!

[Laura Zarsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the best biblical books I've read! is God still good when bad things happen? it's a question we all will someday ask as we face trials in this life. But as believers, we know God turns ashes to beauty for our good.

[Sheila Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audible. Listening to Ben Author read Max Lucado’s book is like a reassuring hug from a wise friend.

[Kirby Fink · Rating 5 out of 5]

This booked help me through my divorce and recovery! Highly recommended!

[Marion Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Life turns every person upside down. No one escapes unscathed. Not the woman who discovers her husband is having an affair. Not the businessman whose investments are embezzled by a crooked colleague. Not the teenager who discovers that a night of romance has resulted in a surprise pregnancy. Not the pastor who feels his faith shaken by questions of suffering and fear.”

This paragraph comes from the last chapter of inspirational writer and pastor Max Lucado’s book, You’ll Get Through This nails down the realities of life. Life can be hard. Very hard for some people. Everyone’s life journey faces its own roadblocks and pitfalls. No one escapes it. No matter your financial status. No matter your ethnic background or gender. As my mother used to tell me as a child, life will teach you, just keep on livin‘. Indeed.

Max uses the biblical tale of Joseph from the Book of Genesis in the Old Testament to show how this figure went from being Jacob’s favored son to being a Hebrew slave in Egypt. However, Joseph eventually becomes the second most influential figure in Egypt, a journey influenced by a dream given to him by God as a child. From a theological standpoint, Joseph is considered a forerunner to Jesus, and his narrative has been used by many preachers to illustrate this connection.

While I appreciate Joseph’s narrative, the review’s opening paragraph’s wisdom struck me more deeply. Here’s another nugget of Lucado’s wisdom from the book:

“Forgiveness has fits and starts, good days and bad. Anger intermingled with love. Irregular mercy. We make progress only to make a wrong turn. Step forward and fall back. But this is okay. When it comes to forgiveness, all of us are beginners. No one owns a secret formula. As long as you are trying to forgive, you are forgiving. It’s when you no longer try that bitterness sets in.”

I have never read forgiveness described in such a manner. Forgiveness, especially in modern evangelical Christianity, often portrays the forgiver as having completely erased the offense from their memory. That never felt true. Forgiveness in the way Max wrote is actually what really happens. From his perspective, God is okay with your honest feelings about forgiving someone who has hurt you, as long as you trust in His strength and rely on Him to help you through it.

There are several more nuggets of Lucado wisdom that make You’ll Get Through This a very good and much-needed inspirational read. Life inevitably presents challenges and difficulties to all individuals; however, those who have faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior are assured of a source of strength and guidance during times of hardship. You should know that He will stand with you and guide you through this, offering support and direction every step of the way.

[Juan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "You'll Get Through This," Max Lucado uses the story of Joseph from the Book of Genesis to illustrate key lessons about overcoming adversity. Here’s a summary of the review and the lessons learned from Joseph's life:

### Review Summary:
Lucado’s book provides a reassuring message that regardless of the trials we face, we can endure and emerge stronger. He emphasizes that life’s difficulties are temporary and that God’s presence and purpose can guide us through the darkest times. The narrative is filled with relatable anecdotes, biblical insights, and an encouraging tone that inspires hope.

### Joseph's Lessons:
1. **Betrayal and Forgiveness**: Joseph faced betrayal from his brothers, which teaches us about the pain of hurtful relationships. Yet, he ultimately forgives them, showing the power of forgiveness in healing and moving forward.

2. **Faith in Adversity**: Despite being sold into slavery and later imprisoned, Joseph maintained his faith in God. This teaches us the importance of holding onto our beliefs even when circumstances seem dire.

3. **God's Sovereignty**: Joseph’s journey—from the pit to the palace—illustrates that God can use our hardships for a greater purpose. Lucado emphasizes that what seems like a setback can be a setup for something greater.

4. **Preparation for Purpose**: Joseph’s experiences prepared him for leadership during a famine. This highlights that our struggles can equip us for future challenges and roles, often in ways we cannot foresee.

5. **Hope for the Future**: Joseph’s story ends with reconciliation and restoration. Lucado reminds readers that hardships can lead to hope and new beginnings, encouraging us to look forward to what God can do in our lives.

Overall, Lucado’s insights encourage readers to trust in God’s plan and to find strength in their struggles, with the assurance that they will get through tough times. If you need more specific details or themes, feel free to ask!

[Jennifer Mclucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’ll Get Through This by Max Lucado is a deeply hopeful and comforting book, especially when read in the midst of grief. I read it in the wake of my father’s death, and it met me exactly where I was, raw, uncertain, and searching for reassurance that pain would not have the final word.

Lucado centers the book around the biblical story of Joseph, one of my favorite characters in Scripture, and examines his life through the lens of trial and suffering. Rather than rushing past Joseph’s hardships, Lucado thoughtfully explores the long arc of betrayal, injustice, waiting, and eventual redemption. This perspective was both sobering and reassuring, reminding me that God’s work is often unfolding even when circumstances feel painfully stagnant or unfair.

What I found most meaningful was the way Lucado connects Joseph’s story to our own seasons of loss and confusion. He doesn’t offer shallow platitudes or quick fixes. Instead, he gently invites the reader to trust that God is present in the middle of suffering, not just at the resolution of it. That message felt especially powerful during a time when answers were scarce but hope was desperately needed.

Overall, You’ll Get Through This is a compassionate, faith-filled reflection on endurance, trust, and God’s faithfulness in hard times. It is a book I would recommend to anyone walking through grief, loss, or uncertainty, particularly those who find comfort in Scripture and in the reminder that even the longest trials are not the end of the story.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book if you are in a dark place and needing some encouragement in your walk with God. I loved how this book analyzed the story of Joseph. It’s such a familiar story, to most of us I think, yet the author’s analyses of it really helped me see it in a new and helpful light. One of the most helpful things the author reiterates in this book is Joseph’s response to his brothers’ fear towards him, after realizing he’s the brother they thought they’d killed. He says, “You meant evil against me, but God used it for good” (Gen. 50.20). The author’s analyses of this response and the rest of Joseph’s story, helps the readers see that no matter what hardships may befall them in this life, that God will always have the final word. God takes the things that were meant to harm us and uses them for good.

[Kacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read this twice in the span of a few days and I'll probably read it again before it's due back at the library. I really enjoy reading Max Lucado because he writes in a way that feels very conversational. This topic was something I needed, and his style made the material feel relatable.

No matter how many times I can study something in the Bible, I always enjoy learning something new. This book put Joseph's story into a new perspective for me. I think Lucado made a good point that Joseph's story seems to fly by when we read it, but the experience spanned decades. It was an important thing to keep in mind, both in terms of understanding Joseph's story better and in relating it to my own turbulent times.

A part of me wishes this book wasn't so short, but I also think it says what needs to be said.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You'll get through this. It won't be painless. It won't be quick. But God will use this mess for good."

I always turn to the writing of Max Lucado to put things into perspective. He reminds us that God has all things under control, even when we don't understand. He uses the Biblical story of Joseph to demonstrate that even after enslavement and imprisonment, God used him to save people from famine.

I can't say enough about his writing, especially this book.

[Sivon · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this book as a family. Dad is struggling with dementia, myself and my kids going through some other grieving in addition to dads dementia. This book was perfect for all of us. Max is so good at writing.

Max, if you ever ready this - my dad clung to each word read to him out of this book despite the dementia really trying to push him out of his own head. Thank you so much for writing this.

[Kristianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short little book, but it packs a punch! Each chapter, told through the structure of Joseph's story, gave me fresh perspective on how God uses our pain for His purposes. It doesn't make it less painful, but it does make it easier to bear.

Mr. Lucado has such a way with words and descriptions that really pulls you in...and I found myself chuckling over some of the humor.

Recommend this to any Christian going through a tough time.

[Alicia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve never read Max Lucado’s books and consider yourself a Christian then check it out. It mostly centers around Joseph (it seemed like) but he gives plenty of real world examples or references of biblical times with a modern twist. The book did end suddenly it seemed like with no clear conclusion. Unless I was just too much into it!

[Aimee Gibb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max is a great author, but I had a hard time getting into it. Maybe a little too wordy and I lost interest. I really enjoyed his discussion on Joseph though and how this applies to our suffering. I might have gotten more out of this if it were done in a group study. There are some extension questions on each chapter toward the back of the book.

[Marilyn Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick read. It helps you process some of what you are going through and to think about it in a different way. It is not a quick fix, and it even mentions that in the book. It is very religious and talks about Joseph and Jesus. Very good book and what my soul needed right now.

[carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

v hopeful & helpful read, esp for the tumultuous year i had. i am extremely grateful for the person who lent/recommended this to me <3

the last two pages were a bit… interesting… but the rest of the book was stellar.

[Allison Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's probably been 20+ years since I read Max Lucado. Back when I worked at Dightmans Bible Book Center (a job I loved). I've been trying to get closer to God again, getting back into devotional time. This book gives so much hope for tough times and telling of the life of Joseph.

[Vincent Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another insightful and heartfelt book by Max Lucado. This book helped change my personal perception of my circumstances. I now see my situation in a different light and I am more confident that God will use the bad for good.

[Lauren Jahnke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Lucado has a way of writing where it is so insightful, inspiring, and full of humor at the same time. Life has its ups and downs - but God uses all things for his glory. I loved the in depth study of the story of Joseph - so inspiring!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You'll get through this. it won't be painless. It won't be quick. But God will use this mess for good. In the meantime don't be foolish or naive. But don't despair either. With God's help you will get through this."

[Jen Nasser · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book. Based on the life of Joseph, but with many other references to biblical, historical, and modern day examples of those who were faithful during times of hardship and abundantly blessed. A nice, easy read, yet content that is rich and deep.