Unbreakable Courage: Strong Faith in an Age of Anxiety, Chaos, and Exhaustion

by Max Lucado

Does a day without difficult news seem out of reach? Does this world seem topsy-turvy at best, toxic at worst? Max Lucado’s sound biblical insights and signature storytelling provide strength and encouragement amid the current chaos and exhaustion.

In Unbreakable Courage, today's headlines and the truth of Scripture intersect in compelling fashion. Max offers a fresh look at the story of Elijah the prophet, showing readers how they can stand strong day by day in the face of turbulent times, regardless of the challenging circumstances they may face.

In today’s world, we see echoes of those unsettled, contentious times Elijah endured. Radical departures from long-held truths are taking center stage. Change is evident everywhere we look—in homes, churches, schools, government, and the workplace. We often feel as if we’re swimming upstream in a downstream world. Yet the story of Elijah urges us to have hope in the one true living God. Elijah’s unswerving belief fueled his courage, and it will do the same for us.

Max provides a field manual on how to have strong faith during a time of spiritual drought, anxiety, and exhaustion. He invites us to lean in and let Elijah’s story remind us to

wait for God in solitude and silence,
pray impossible prayers,
live with an expectation of divine disruption,
turn to God during emotional lows, and
understand the spiritual battles we fight.


Elijah’s story will help calm readers’ fears and guide their steps. Faith in our unchanging God instills a capacity for living a renewed life of courage. With God’s help and following Elijah’s inspiring example, readers will discover strength to face the challenges of this life and the courage to make a difference.

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

240 pages, Hardcover

Published August 11, 2026

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

[Grandma Susan]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Max Lucado is an auto-buy and auto-preorder author for me. I have never read or listened to one of his books that I haven’t loved, and Unbreakable Courage is no exception.

One of the things I appreciated most about this book was Lucado’s focus on Elijah. I didn’t go into the book with a particularly developed picture of Elijah, and I came away feeling that I understood him much better and viewed him differently. Lucado has a wonderful gift for bringing Scripture to life and making me want to go back to the Bible and study the people and passages he discusses more deeply.

This book was also incredibly encouraging to me personally. Its messages about trusting God, leaning on Him during times of exhaustion, and especially waiting on God really resonated with me. I trust God, but sometimes I find myself giving something over to Him and then taking it right back again! This book was a wonderful reminder to lean on God more fully and allow Him to carry what I have placed in His hands.

I also loved the connection Lucado made between the struggles people experienced in Elijah’s time and those we face today. The circumstances may look different, but fear, uncertainty, exhaustion and the need to trust God are certainly not new problems. These are struggles mankind has faced throughout history, and that made Elijah’s story feel especially relevant to my own life today.

One reason I return to Max Lucado’s books again and again is his wonderful storytelling style. He is biblically knowledgeable while remaining warm, genuine, encouraging and extremely easy to understand. He has always been forthright about his own struggles, which makes his writing feel authentic. His books flow so naturally that I can become absorbed in them almost as easily as I would a novel, while at the same time gaining a deeper understanding of Scripture.

Unbreakable Courage is absolutely a book I will listen to again. In fact, I frequently re-listen to Max Lucado’s books because I find something encouraging and meaningful in them each time.

Five enthusiastic stars. Highly recommended!

I was blessed with an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

[Vicki]

I have always enjoyed Max Lucado's ability to take stories from the Bible and make them feel relevant to our lives today, and Unbreakable Courage is another wonderful example of that.

Using the story of Elijah, Lucado talks about what it means to hold on to your faith when the world around you feels chaotic, discouraging, and sometimes downright exhausting. Elijah isn't presented as someone who was never afraid or discouraged. He had tremendous faith, but he also experienced fear, loneliness, and moments when he simply felt overwhelmed.

There is so much here that feels especially meaningful for the world we are living in today. Lucado reminds us that courage doesn't mean we never struggle or question what is happening around us. It means continuing to trust God even when we don't know what comes next and why things happen as they do.

As always, Max Lucado writes in such an easy, conversational way that I never feel as though I'm being preached at. Instead, it feels like encouragement from someone reminding me that God is still in control even when the world seems anything but.

This was uplifting, reassuring, and exactly the kind of book I needed. 5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Publishing for providing me with a copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review.

[Sarah]

This is another great book by Max Lucado told in his signature style. It is a look at Elijah’s life with all of its twists and turns. Max tells the story with humor, compassion, and thoughtfulness. He also shares other stories that relate to the narrative to bring relevance to our daily lives. The back of the book has great application questions.
I received a preview copy from NetGalley.

[Jenny Lee]

Max Lucado’s books are like a gentle breeze on a beautiful spring day. Comforting, soothing and so needed in this age of anxiety and confusion.

[Sara Weather]

The Good
I. Ending with faith as the topic.

II. Learned a lot of biblical stuff- I could do to learn even more.

III. Lessons from devotional were good

IV. The reflection section that went with each chapter: There was scriptures and questions to make you reflect.

V. My daily devotional being a book vs on a screen- My devotionals could be separate from being on my phone or a computer (it wasn’t because I took too long to find post its so it was in fact on my phone). The thing with putting your thoughts down digitally is the tracking of whatever you say. There is need for privacy with devotionals so that one can fully reflect outside of others.

VI. It is a longer devotional than what I normally use so I spent more time than I usually do on reflecting each day.

VII. Following one person (Elijiah) made me think about the life of a person who believes in Christ. It is a journey, so we were able to have conversations around his faith, challenges, relationship with God, etc.

Thoughts

I. This devotional book feels masculine in a way. Does the mention of war and certain things feel masculine? What makes a devotional masculine or feminine? Is that a bad thing for a devotional to feel masculine? No.

II. Seasons: Is this the season of isolation? Or for community? What season am I in? Why is solitude considered so anti-cultural today?

III. How much time do I spend on devotional? Is it enough time?

IV. Seeing the small clouds on the horizon in a drought- do we/I look down and obsess over the sand/dirt than up at the clouds aka obsess over the negative over the positive. How do you praise in a drought? Seeing God even a drought.

V. How do we/I refresh? The power of resting and a refresh.

VI. Don’t be dismissive of feelings: There is this cloud of shame specifically in the body of Christ towards being tired, sad, angry, depressed, and just feeling feelings. There is shame put on needing and seeking help. Therapy and getting help are not antiGod actions, in my opinion.

VII. Injustice & God & love: I feel uncomfortable with the wrath/holy fire/obsession with punishment that takes over in spaces. It feels like love and softer parts are not allowed to thrive while hate is permitted to flourish. In my mind things can get more about punishment than fixing things or justice. God is justice and injustice is happening so there’s a line between these things. Is God at the root and actually present in your fight for what you feel is injustice? Is this Gods fight?



I won this book on goodreads from Thomas Nelson

[Jeff]

Unprecedented times. Do you remember that phrase? It was all over the place during the COVID outbreak that took place in the Spring of 2020 throughout that Fall. We were all begging for “precedented times”.

That was 6 years ago. By now, you would think things would calm down. Right? Not quite. Pressure seems to be mounting. People have given themselves over to extreme tribalism. If you haven’t picked a side (or even voiced an opinion about a side), then you are obviously against everybody else’s side. Stress is at an all-time high. You are probably starting to feel the anxiety mounting. Your breathing may even be a bit more shallow. The muscles in your shoulders are starting to bunch up.

What you need more than anything, right now, is a calm, reassuring voice. You need a wise statesman to speak up. Wisdom. Experience. And to be honest, even if you are not a person of faith, you wouldn’t mind someone speaking from an eternal perspective to calm your fears.

Then you hear the footsteps. You hear the throat cleared. And then you hear it. That voice. One you recognize for offering kind, reassuring, yet challenging words before. He’s speaking again. And the words are a refreshing rain on a dry, dusty, drought plagued land. America’s Pastor, Max Lucado is here with the words you (your mind, soul, and spirit) need to hear.

Welcome back, Pastor Max. Thank you for the words that settle the restless heart. The troubled mind. The ravaged spirit. You just opened up your Bible to the Old Testament and lead us through the life of Elijah. You touched on the experiences that may not read exactly like our lives, but the emotions and situations we are facing. And like the seasoned, wise sage, you spoke directly to us.

It is a pleasure to have set under your teaching, yet again.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Michelle | Simply in the Moment]

Max Lucado is a gifted author who always does a beautiful job of relating to his readers. In Unbreakable Courage, he brings to life Elijiah's journey and relates it to today's struggles, troubles, and low points. If you don't know Elijiah's story, Max tells it in a relatable way.

I'm a huge Max Lucado fan because of his ability to talk to the reader, not at them. He can take both familiar and unfamiliar stories from the Bible and teach them without preaching down to his readers. His tone is warm, welcoming, and encouraging. He can offer hope to readers even in the bleakest times. He does an amazing job at showing how Elijiah had his struggles but never wavered in his trust in God. He provided examples throughout and related them to the challenges we face in today's society.

It's so easy to dwell on the negatives, especially in this day and age, but Max offers hope when there may be little left to cling to. His writing and tone are so appropriate. He drives home the importance of prayer and of relying on it to survive the difficulties in life. He inspires readers to trust God throughout the book with personal stories as well as stories about others. He illustrates the amazing love and ability God has to help His children. God is capable of performing miracles every day.

There are so many quotes throughout the book that spoke to me, but since the book hasn't been published yet, I won't quote them here. The quotes are so meaningful, it's as though he's speaking to me directly. He speaks authentically as a true Christian, unlike others who preach it but fail to act in a Godly way.

I loved the book and would recommend it to anyone who is feeling discouraged. It will speak to you and offer you hope in difficult times when you're struggling.

Thank you to Netgalley and Nelson Books for the ARC; all opinions are my own.

[Patricia N.]

Unbreakable Courage
Strong Faith in an Age of Anxiety, Chaos, and Exhaustion
by Max Lucado

Rating: 5 star rating

I enjoyed Unbreakable Courage by Max Lucado. He uses the story of Elijah to talk about fear, anxiety, exhaustion, and what it means to keep trusting God when life feels like too much.

I liked that Lucado didn’t make Elijah seem perfect. Elijah was a strong man of faith, but he also became tired, afraid, and discouraged. King Ahab and Jezebel were against him, and Elijah often felt like he was standing alone. I think that is something a lot of us can relate to.

Lucado reminds us that we don't have to be strong all the time. God is there when we are tired, scared, or don't know what to do next. He talks about prayer, resting, listening to God, and having faith when things around us are confusing and chaotic.

This was an easy book to understand, and I liked how Lucado connected Elijah’s story to problems we face today. The main thing I took away from it is that real courage doesn't mean you never get afraid. It means trusting God even when you are afraid. I found the book encouraging and would recommend it to anyone who feels worn out or worried about what is going on in the world.

Thank you, NetGalley, Nelson Books | Thomas Nelson, and author Max Lucado, for providing me with a copy of this ebook review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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[Susan Faloon]

Do you feel as though you are living in a time of anxiety? Exhaustion dragging you down? The world around is in sheer and utter chaos? Max Lucado has written a Bible study that explores the life of Old Testament prophet Elijah who also lived in turbulent times. His strong faith and obedience can teach us to move forward in God's will for our lives.
I received an e-copy of this Bible study from Max Lucado through NetGalley with accompanying streaming video access. The study is excellent in my opinion. It is appropriate for group studies or a individual study. I haven't completed the entire study yet and find the videos to be very informative. I recommend having the actual print book because there are key points to follow along and questions to answer. There is space in the book to write your answers and thoughts. I know I've learned new things about Elijah as he represented God in dealing with King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. It took great courage for Elijah to follow God's instructions. There is an important emphasis on prayer as we communicate with God. I feel this study is appropriate for teens and adults.

[Amy B]

Would give this book 6 stars if I could! Favorite Christian author, Max Lucado, has given us a portrait of Old Testament Elijah, a prophet that I've never taken the time to give much consideration to. Max highlights aspects of Elijah's character that enable him to live a victorious life when surrounded by evil. He takes Elijah's strengths and weakness and brings them into my contemporary world, and allows me to see how Elijah can be my mentor as I approach struggles that are not really that different than his were. Max weaves in warm and wonderful stories of folks he's known through his lifetime to illustrate that our common issues can be addressed by realizing God's unconditional love and provision over us.

I am inspired after finishing Unbreakable Courage! This is a book that I'll be referring back to as the hard things appear in my life.

The book would be great to study in a group of any and all ages. The last 20% or so consists of questions to ponder and discuss.

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read and give my honest review of Unbreakable Courage.

[Erin Laramore]

Another excellent book by Max Lucado! Using the life of the prophet Elijah, Lucado gives practical guidance on how to live with strong faith and unbreakable courage. With 12 elements to the scriptural account of Elijah's life, this book is divided into 12 chapters outlining each one. Each chapter includes details of Elijah's life, stories from the author's life and additional scriptures to help the reader dig deeper. With themes of reminding us that we have an enemy, that God is bigger, and that He cares about us, this book really drives the point home that we truly can be victorious through Him no matter our circumstances. In the times we are currently living, we need books like this to remind us of the power we have on our side if we are God's children. This is one I would recommend to anyone who is feeling the anxiety, chaos and exhaustion in our times or anyone who wants to draw closer to God. 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.

[Kalen]

I’ve really enjoyed several of Max Lucado’s recent books because they felt deeply rooted in Scripture and offered a richer biblical study feel. Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite connect with me in the same way.

While Unbreakable Courage is encouraging and easy to read, it leaned much more heavily on stories and analogies than I expected. I picked this up hoping to gain a deeper understanding of Elijah and walk away feeling more immersed in his story, but by the end I honestly didn’t feel like I knew him much better.

There are still good reminders throughout about trusting God during difficult seasons, but overall this felt lighter and more devotional than in-depth. Fans of Max Lucado’s storytelling style will probably still enjoy it, but I personally was hoping for more biblical depth.

[Blessing Okwuofu]

Max Lucado is back with his inspiring way of relating Bible characters to current issues and circumstances faced by Chirstians. In Unbreakable Courage, Max Lucado uses the story of Elijah to teach about courage and faith in these times of uncertainty and spiritual drought. Written in the usual Max Lucado's style - simple, fun and relatable terms, yet with Biblical foundation, this was a very inspiring read. Recommended to everyone.
I got a complimentary copy of this book from Nelson Books | Thomas Nelson via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Tennille Marie]

Thank you NetGalley and Nelson Books for an ARC of Unbreakable Courage by Max Lucado. Max Lucad0 is such a gifted writer and pastor. I NEEDED this book! Unbreakable Courage walks through Elijah's journey and compares it to today's trials. I highlighted so many parts in my Kindle that pages and pages were highlighted because of how wonderfully they were written and how much they spoke to me. If you are struggling and feeling discouraged about everything going on in the world today this book is for you! It's a wonderful reminder that God is still in control.

[Heather]

Thank you to Goodreads for an advance reading copy of this book.

I enjoy Max Lucado's books as they are always uplifting and encouraging. This book follows the life of Elijah and gives examples of his courage in the face of so many challenges. I do feel there are great nuggets to pull from the book to help face the world today with its anxieties and uncertainty, but I wish I could have learned something new or deeper about Elijah himself. Overall a great read, especially for a newer believer who doesn't know as much about Elijah's life.

[Sue]

Unbreakable Courage is an excellent review of the life of Elijah. Max Lucado walks through the major events of Elijah’s life, pointing out how he responded mentally and emotionally, and then applying those truths to what we face in our current society. Max is a gifted author with an amazing way of turning a phrase that gets to the heart of an issue in a very relatable way.

I loved this book and would recommend it to everyone.

Thanks to NetGalley and Nelson Books. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Rachel Floyd]

Unbreakable Courage is my favorite of Max Lucado’s books so far. He brings Elijah’s story to life in a powerful, relatable way, connecting it to the struggles we face today.

Lucado has a gift for words, and this book encouraged me to trust God more deeply and draw closer to Him. It’s both inspiring and comforting—a truly meaningful read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #NetGalley

[Cristian Marrero]

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

I always enjoy Lucado's books. Taking stories from the Bible and connecting it to our real world. In this one, he touches a lot on Elijah and his struggles, battles, faith and conquest. Twelve chapters in all. A lot of reflections and questions at the end to share with your friends or Bible groups. As I continue to get older, I appreciate these lessons more and more. These definitely are unpredictable and unprecedented times.

[Kristen Bolding]

Max Lucado takes us through Elijah’s journey in the bible and relates it to today’s struggles. It is easy to read and he makes it so relatable. I read it all in one sitting!

In studying Elijah’s story we are able to see how we can overcome the storms of life. I encourage everyone who is feeling discouraged to read this!

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC.

[Heidi Foster]

Max Lucado unique, gentle, yet thorough message leading your through the Bible, focusing on Elijah. Max has a personal study of depression through his mother's life. There is compassion, grace and encouragement in this message. This book is an excellent reminder when you feel like you need a break. Rest. God understands.

[DL (Donna) Rudd]

Elijah.

Man of intent.
God used him. Even in the set apart and lonely places in life.

If you are feeling alone and lack focus and purpose - Max shares as he always does, words. Of wisdom.

It is a must read book for this day and age.

This book will sit on my read again and reference often shelf !!

Thank you Max !!

[Otis]

Max is one of my favorite authors. The way he able to draw pictures within the audience mind with words is refreshing. He able to draws you into the story. This is another great book. Unbreakable courage shows us that circumstances can heavily weigh us down. But God is faithful and trustworthy through the good the bad and the ugly. Recommended reading

[Shannon Babin (babinsbookshelf)]

Thank you to Goodreads for the giveaway win! I really enjoyed this book. Elijah serves as an inspiration for us all to stay strong in the midst of the chaos around us. This would be a great book for a small group Bible study.

[Clint & Kimberly Brickles]

I love the way Max brings the narrative of the Bible to life and weaves them together with today’s events. The story of Elijah is a promising story of faithfulness even in the midst of evil and the threat of death and harm.

[Eric]

What a gift Lucado has: presenting a simple message that helps untangle complicated issues and topics. I continue to be blessed by his books and preaching. This particular book arrives at a perfect time for me - and probably most people: being courageous in very trying times.

[Jennifer]

Excellent. This would be a great bible study resource book. Great to reference and use in a group study. Must read.

[Joey]

Listened to this one on audio. Solid, consistent, reliable Lucado. Love the message, love the story of Elijah. Time well spent.

[Erin Odom]

Another great book by Max Lucado - and it was an instant NY Times bestseller! Max’s writing style is encouraging, down-to-earth, and easy-to-digest. In this book, he takes us through the story of Elijah and compares the challenges he faced with what we face in modern day. There is a reason he has been called “America’s pastor.” If you’re looking for a read to help build your courage despite life’s troubling circumstances, this is a good one.

[Laura Maynard]

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

This was my first Max Lucado book and I was not disappointed! I loved how Elijah’s story was brought to life and made relevant to modern day struggles we all face. I liked how Lucado systematically broke down Elijah’s story and pointed each part back to God. I think that’s a valuable lesson for us to learn - God is working all things for good. Lucado showed how Elijah was not a perfect person but God always met him right where he was, as God does with us today.
The writing style was clear and simple, but profound. It was easy to understand the points Lucado was making throughout the book.

[Lance]

In Unbreakable Courage bestselling author, Max Lucado, offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the story of Elijah the prophet. As in his other works, Max combines biblical truths and his storytelling style in an easy to read and understand format. This study of Elijah’s life demonstrates how we can weather the storms of life and have courage in today’s turbulent times.

Max’s daughter, Andrea Ramsey, has prepared a “Questions for Reflection” section at the end of the book to further enhance understanding which is suitable for group or individual study. I really enjoyed reading this book as I have all of Max’s writings through the years and highly recommend it.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.