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You'll Get Through This

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We all fear that the depression will never lift, the disappointment will never stop, the pain will never leave. Here in the pits, surrounded by steep walls, we wonder if our gray skies will ever brighten. Though these unprecedented and challenging times may bring a load of uncertainty and fear that feels too heavy to bear, God gives us this   You'll Get Through This . In  You'll Get Through This , pastor and  New York Times  bestselling author Max Lucado traces the story of Joseph as told in the book of Genesis. The Bible tells us that Joseph was tossed into a pit by his brothers, sold into slavery, wrongfully imprisoned, forgotten and dismissed. Yet Joseph's story is proof that we can flourish even in this broken world. On his darkest days, Joseph may have thought that the sun would never shine again, but God ultimately used these hardships for a greater purpose. Whether you find yourself in the pit of financial downturn, job loss, health crisis, or relationship stresses, God has a plan and a path forward designed just for you. Max reminds readers God doesn't promise that getting through trials will be quick or painless, but he does use our mess for good. In this book, Max will help Each copy of  You'll Get Through This  includes thoughtful questions for reflection designed to give you a chance to dive deeper into the hard yet hopeful story of Joseph's perseverance. 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.

6 pages, Pamphlet

First published September 3, 2013

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About the author

Max Lucado

1,193 books5,385 followers
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 604 reviews
Profile Image for Jenny.
99 reviews4 followers
August 8, 2013
This book was life changing for me. The opening phrase that is repeated three times throughout the first chapter is now on my bathroom mirror so I see it every morning and I’m reminded that I will get through each day.

Max Lucado has written a fantastic book that takes you through the journey of Joseph and the challenges he faced throughout his life. Lucado reminds us that Joseph’s story in Genesis is just a matter of chapters but it was years and years to Joseph. Lucado has changed Joseph’s story for me and I will never read that story the same way again. I feel a kinship with Joseph now and I can use his story to help me through all the hard times in life.

Lucado’s book doesn’t give you a step by step process in how to overcome life’s trials but he does give you examples of how Joseph and others have conquered their challenges with God’s help. The chapters are broken up into areas that tend to plague us all when we are down and struggling. Lucado reminds us that we must seek God in all of these areas but that we are also still human and we will have to continue to work at it. As long as we are aware, we can work on being better.

Lucado has reminded us that God will use evil for good. We have to believe that although bad things happen to us, God is still there and He will take these bad things and make something positive from it. He will always win against satan. We can rest on that promise and we can and will get through this hard time!

At the end of the book there is a section of reflection questions. I thought the book was probing but these reflection questions are amazing. I found it was great to go back and start at the beginning when I got to the questions. It made me go through the whole book again and get even more out of it.

My life has been changed from this book. I am planning on purchasing multiple copies to give to friends and family. I look forward to sharing it and seeing how it changes the lives of those around me.

Please note: This book was received as an advanced reader copy through NetGalley and the publisher Thomas Nelson.
Profile Image for Shearon.
Author 7 books8 followers
September 30, 2013
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book by Max Lucado that I didn’t like. I have always loved the writing style of Max Lucado and this book proves to be no exception. Mr. Lucado takes us on a journey to explore the life of Joseph, whose life can be easily used as a prime example of highs and lows of life. He takes the story of Joseph from the Bible and parallels it to modern life. This book is full of hope and inspiration for anyone going through tumultuous times.
Profile Image for Glen.
310 reviews94 followers
August 12, 2020
A book about crisis, about God, about the other side, an ending that will eventually come.

There is no formula, no verses taken out of content, no promises that will be a quick end to your pain.

God is in that pain. Divorce, infidelity, death, sickness, wounds, mental health issues, sexual abuse and rape. God is in these things. He uses them, He teaches with them, He strengthens you with them. He never leaves you alone to handle them. You might need to wait to be rescued from them.

Look at Job, David, Daniel and Christ. Look at the story of Joseph. Max uses the story of Joseph to show that even at the lowest points in Joseph's life, God was there. Thrown in a pit, sold into slavery, accused of attempted rape, thrown into prison, forgotten, God was there in every aspect. What was intended for evil, God has used for good.

Max also had made references to everyday people trying to manage everyday crisis.

I know God is in control of my life. I know what outcome I would like, and I pray for such, but God is sovereign and he might have a different outcome then what I desire. Simple for me, face what I am facing, taking one step at a time, like Christian, in "Pilgrim's Progress", the hardest thing is laying that burden at the feet of God, after that, "Keep Calm and Carry On".

I did not think I would like the book. I read it because it was a gift. I highly recommend this book, especially if you are looking to see where God was in the midst of your troubles.
Profile Image for Celeste.
1,199 reviews2,543 followers
March 24, 2020
Actual rating: 3.5 stars

This wasn’t profound or earth-shattering. But that’s not what I was looking for. In the crazy world we’re currently living in, I needed comfort and affirmation that this too shall pass, and that the world will make it through. Lucado presents this message of hope through the story of Joseph found in the Biblical book of Genesis. It’s a story I know forwards and backwards, but it was nice to be reminded that hope can be found in even the darkest of times, if one just remembers to look to the Light.
Profile Image for Rissa.
1,567 reviews44 followers
October 15, 2018
You’ll get through this

Life pulls us down.

“Youll get through this. It wont be painless. It wont be quick. But God will use this mess for good. In the meantime dont be fiolish or naive. But dont despair either. With Gods help you will get through this.”

First we hear of Joseph and how he got through his hardship and thrived. Then we see parallels to the authors life and seeing how he got through things and hopefully so can you.
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Profile Image for Josh Miller.
373 reviews22 followers
July 1, 2014
Absolutely loved this book. In typical Lucado fashion, he writes with humor, help, and an abundance of HOPE! From what I recall, this is the only book I have ever read based on the life of Joseph. And it did not disappoint!

Filled with both personal and historical illustrations, the author encourages the reader that no matter the "pit" he/she finds themselves in, they can find both instruction and inspiration from the life of Joseph. He, too, found himself in a horrible pit from which he was sold by his own family. Woven throughout this book is the central truth that Joseph exuded when reunited with his family, "but as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good..."

Evil. God. Good. Three constants in this life and realize that God will take the evil that comes our way and make it good, just like He did for Joseph.

On a personal note, it has encouraged me to speak (both in the pulpit and out of the pulpit) with more hope. Everywhere one turns, people are looking for words of hope. At work, at home, especially at the church house - people need hope. As Christians indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God, we ought to be bringing hope to all whom we come in contact with!

I close this review with some of the last words of the book...

"You could give up on God as well. The cemetery of hope is overpopulated with sour souls who have settled for a small god. Don't be among them.

God sees a Joseph in you. Yes, you! You in the pit. You with the family full of flops and failures. You incarcerated in your own version of an Egyptian jail. God is speaking to you.

Your family needs a Joseph, a courier of grace in a day of anger and revenge. Your descendants need a Joseph, a sturdy link in the chain of faith. Your generation needs a Joseph. There is a famine out there. Will you harvest hope and distribute it to the people? Will you be a Joseph?"
Profile Image for Linda.
1,851 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2020
I’ve never read a Lucado book I didn’t like or one that didn’t help me grow spiritually. Reading his books are like talking to a good friend. This one is written around the life of Joseph and the many difficulties he faced. Max tells us how we can have hope no matter what trial we’re facing. In all of his books he uses scripture to back up what he’s saying.
Profile Image for Sarah.
Author 46 books458 followers
November 11, 2013
Age Appropriate For: Ages 13 and up (some of the stories shared)

Best for Ages: 15 and up

This year has been a rough one for me spiritually. There have been many ups and downs, many moments of doubt and fear. I have struggled physically and emotionally, and had to make some hard decisions. This book helped me though this last week and reminded me that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Max Lucado has always been one of my favorite spiritual authors. He doesn’t take me on guilt trips, beat me over the head with the Bible, nor are his books simply warm and fuzzy. They are soothing and convicting, gentle and persuasive, inspiring without the guilt trip. Every time I read his books, my faith is strengthened, and I am challenged. This book was no exception.

I wish I could have a couple dozen copies of this book to give away. If you are going through a hard time, big or small, this book is a wonderful and powerful reminder. We will get through this, and we are not alone. Lucado shares stories both his own and others that are so encouraging. I found myself holding his book in one hand and my Bible in the other to read the passages of scripture that he quotes.

If you are in need of some encouragement and support through a rough patch, I highly recommend You’ll Get Through This.

I received this book from Thomas Nelson through BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Phillip.
240 reviews15 followers
July 1, 2019
This is a great follow-up read after the author's book It's Not About Me. For people who don't believe in the Bible's real-world relevance, this book leaves no doubt that the story of Scripture is very real and accurately appropriate to life in our modern times. Joseph could have been any man on the street in the year 2019...his story is ours and vice versa. Read through this great book to see why we "suffer" through dark times. Just like the politician saying, "It's the economy stupid!", we should shout God's worship by saying, "It's for His glory stupid." It's not about us, and it's for His glory and worship. Please read this book.
Profile Image for Sunshine Rodgers.
Author 15 books416 followers
February 19, 2022
"You'll get through this" is probably the best re-telling and perfect understanding of the Joseph story from Genesis. The chapters are short and the book is a quick read but the message makes a lasting impact. Lucado parallels the Joseph story to our own hardships and trials. Joseph was betrayed, abused, neglected and suffered grief and it was his perseverance and ultimately victory that we can learn from. Lucado uses Biblical examples, his own personal stories and historical events to validate his points. He also used real-life examples of tragedy and loss and grief to assure reader that whatever trails they are going through, God can create good out of something bad. Some of those real-life stories were hard and emotional to read. The Biblical story of Joseph shows us the righteous way on how to deal with crisis, how to forgive, how to move on and how to deal with temptations and the long waiting process. Lucado brings up how to deal with family wounds, how to watch our attitudes and how to see things from a Heavenly perspective. Lucado emphases to keep calm and carry on. My book had a ‘Questions for Reflection’ section at the end. Great book and I definitely recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amanda Geaney.
530 reviews332 followers
July 9, 2015
In Max Lucado's latest book You'll Get Through This, Max uses the life of Joseph to illustrate God's ability to see us through, or deliver us from the moments in our lives which bring us to our knees. By the way Max breaks down the events in Joseph's life, he encompasses almost any hardship you have had, are in the midst of, or may encounter in the future. Every chapter spoke to me - either as a salve for my own wounds, or a potential first aid response for a friend in need.

We live in a fallen world and occationally we need to be reminded that God does not cause our pain, however he is able shape it and use it for his plans and purposes. You'll Get Through This does a fantastic job of reminding readers that God sees the big picture, and is able to provide strength for our challenges, rest for the weary, and peace for our troubled hearts. Furthermore, it emphasizes that whether or not God reveals His reasons for allowing these trials, we should recognize and take comfort in knowing that He is in control. He has the power, ability, and desire to take something initially painful and use it for something extremely good. "God is at work in each of us whether we know it or not, whether we want it or not."

I've always enjoyed the way Max Lucado draws out life applications from the sacred text. With precision he summarizes entire chapters of Old Testament, extracting relevant points and then applying them to the topic - in this book it's overcoming hardships. I feel like he goes out of his way to create a high level of understanding for his audience, whether we are veterans of the Word or new believers. Furthermore, he has a deft ability for immersing readers in a passage of scripture by capturing events as the people involved may have experienced them. Regardless of your spiritual maturity, you will not close this book without having new weapons with which to do spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12).

I would recommend this title for anyone in the midst of a physical, emotional, or spiritual hardship. As with Lucado's previous title, Before Amen, this book offers Questions for Reflection at the back of the book which make it wonderful for a group setting (ie. Christian support groups, book clubs and small group bible studies).

4/5 Stars

**I received this book for free as a member of the Family Christian bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Kyle.
Author 2 books5 followers
May 20, 2016
Full of several points of wisdom (such as 'don't make it worse' and 'your perspective predominately underwrites your experiences') that I'm sure would help someone navigate the day-to-day difficulties of life. However, I'm concerned that the soft formula he models from Joseph's story may not have the gravitas to permanently dispel the root causes of deeply traumatic suffering, i.e. the sudden brain tumor, sex trafficking, survivor's guilt, etc. The Keep Calm and Carry On hermeneutic has value in interpreting and responding to everyday pain; with suffering that threatens one's identity, however, I'm afraid it may have limited effectiveness.
Profile Image for Melissa (Hiatus due to Death in Family).
5,130 reviews3,077 followers
January 31, 2020
Told through the lens of Joseph, Lucado's book give hope and a balm of comfort when you are going through tough times. He doesn't brush off that there are many difficult times that we go through, but encourages us to rest in the knowledge that God is there for us no matter what, and that He gives peace to the brokenhearted.


I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kim.
104 reviews
January 29, 2022
Loved this book. I started reading it before the Covid-19 pandemic started, not knowing what what coming. This book is great for someone who is going through a hard time or coming out of one. Great encouragement.
Profile Image for Wendy.
281 reviews12 followers
July 27, 2015
I love Max Lucado's writing style. As always, God gave me just what I needed, right when I needed it!
Profile Image for MK ( MaKayla).
349 reviews151 followers
July 26, 2020
If you're struggling with everything going on right now in the world or your life , I couldn't recommend reading this enough .

'You'll Get Through This ' has opened up a lot of old wounds and showed me the path to healing . It's helped me address all of the wounds and all of the problems that I can't see the purpose of . It's been a release of this frustration when I finally was able to say " God why did you allow this in my life ? Why this pain ? How could you allow them to do this ? God why this virus ." .

The author time after time redirected the reader back to the Bible showing over and over again examples of where God uses the worst possible scenarios and turns them into something incredible . If God can turn a worldwide famine into something good then He can and He WILL turn a worldwide pandemic into something good .

As my beloved friend Samwise Gamgee says ;

" In the end it's just a passing thing , this shadow . Even darkness must pass and when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer . "

" God will make good out of this mess "
Profile Image for Carrie Daws.
Author 32 books143 followers
January 17, 2018
When life hits hard, the questions about God quickly circle our thoughts: How can He be good and allow this? Can He not control what's happening or does He even care? Max Lucado walks through the life of Joseph and shows that through it all--the unconcerned father, the arrogant brothers, sold into slavery, chased by the boss's wife, falsely accused, thrown into jail, forgotten--no matter what, "In God’s hands intended evil becomes eventual good." He makes it clear in the book that not everything is good and not every instance will be beautifully redeemed in and of itself, but just like roasted beans, hot water, a filter, and some wonderful mechanics work together to make that cup of coffee you love, God is working everything happening in and around you right now together to mold it into something good.
Profile Image for Shelley Lawrence.
2,029 reviews103 followers
August 13, 2020
You’ll Get Through This is a timely, applicable, and motivational piece of non-fiction written in true Max Lucado fashion. Max has a really unique voice and writing style and approaches culturally relevant topics of the human condition with humor, truth, understanding and insight.
This book offered some impactful and practical suggestions, grounded in Biblical truth, to face with strength, grace and optimism the struggles and hardships of life.
Profile Image for Michael Heidle.
325 reviews2 followers
January 23, 2025
I'm not sure anymore why I did not complete this book when I first started reading it a year or more ago; so I started all over from the beginning again recently, and I'm glad I did!
I am not sure how many books I've read that focus on the OT patriarch Joseph, but this book stands in line with the best of them. Lucado, true to his style, focuses more on application to current life than a deep dive into the actual scriptures themselves (the main reason I give this four stars rather than five); but he does his characteristic self as a master storyteller and weaving biblical insight into the needs of life today.
Profile Image for Maria  Almaguer .
1,382 reviews7 followers
July 25, 2021
I've heard of Lucado over the years, mostly from my ex-husband who I believe read him. He's a pretty prolific Christian writer. Though he isn't Catholic, I resonated with his analogies throughout this text with Joseph (of Old Testament fame, whose brothers sold him into slavery to the Egyptians). It's a great story and his experience has a lot for us to relate to in our own trials and tribulations.
Profile Image for Jessica.
590 reviews
January 17, 2021
I liked how Max related Joseph’s story to our modern lives. He had some sweet, peaceful, inspiring words about trusting God and choosing to keep following Him by keeping the commandments and doing your best everyday. Keep Calm & Carry On, God will make up what we lack.
Profile Image for Carrie.
93 reviews
July 7, 2021
A great reminder that no matter one’s circumstances, God is in control. He is working in our lives, we must yield our plans and life to Him.
Profile Image for Emily Miller.
35 reviews6 followers
January 6, 2022
This is an excellent book if you are going through a hard time
Profile Image for Mikayla.
1,182 reviews
dnf
January 19, 2022
I love Max Lucado's books but this one did not hit right with me. I just didn't appreciate some of the points he made.
Profile Image for Rosemarie.
273 reviews33 followers
February 22, 2014
Max Lucado is an excellent writer and I've enjoyed many of his books in the past. This book is especially good because it focuses on a single Biblical story - that of Old Testament Joseph - and goes amazingly deep with it.

The Broadway version of this story is "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat" and so that's how I always think of it. But there is FAR more to this story than a multicolored coat! I've heard the story before and have probably read parts of it myself, but would never have gotten so much out of it on my own.

Joseph was abandoned by his brothers, sold in to slavery in a foreign country, and had all manner of horrible things happen to him - but came out on top in the end. Lucado's main point is that no matter what you might be going through, God has the ability and intention of making it right in the end. This may sound corny, but it's the detail of Lucado's interpretation that really makes the story come alive and drives the point home until there is no doubt in your own mind as well.

Yet, by depth, I don't mean that it's very technical and you need to be some kind of Biblical scholar to follow him. It's written very informally, as if you were just having a private conversation with Max over coffee. That's the charm and power of his writing style. This is not a long book at all and is definitely worth your time - whether you have read many similar books in the past or, perhaps, none at all!
Profile Image for PollyAnna Joy.
Author 4 books27 followers
November 29, 2018
First of all, this book is by Max Lucado, so you already know just by that it is worth reading. Secondly, it's about my favorite male character in the Bible, Joseph. (JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT is absolutely one of the best Broadway plays every!!! I so love Donny Osmond!!) So you know this book is worth reading. Thirdly, this book is about getting through turbulent times, which I've been going through, so you know it's definitely going to be a great read. Plus, the cover is pretty cool! Nothing about YOU'LL GET THROUGH THIS disappointed. Max Lucado's book delivered on all points. I can't wait to do the full Bible Study with my Sunday School class! My favorite part is that Max writes in such a way that is real and down-to-earth: "God gets us through stuff" (19). Isn't that simply fantastic?! I love it!

Just so you know, CBD (Christian Book Distributors) had this book for $5 when I purchased it.*
Profile Image for Maxine (Booklover Catlady).
1,407 reviews1,415 followers
June 23, 2014
Max Lucado has a way of weaving biblical truth and scripture in with real life stories of today to get his message across, every single one of his books are excellent. This particular book focused on how to have hope and know there is help ever present from God as you walk through tough times. I'm one of those people right now, perhaps you are too?

Using the story of Joseph from the bible, Max shows us how what others do that can harm us, God can turn that around and make it into something good, if we will let him. It challenged me on where I was at with a God and was I pressing in enough and trusting God has a great plan for me even through difficult times, it's not easy to do, but with God it's possible.

A comforting and reassuring book written in Max's easy to read style with a really good personal or group study guide at the end of the book.
Profile Image for E.G. Bella.
Author 3 books94 followers
May 5, 2021
Max Lucado just has a way of making familiar Scriptures come alive for me, and this book was no different. Reading it felt like strolling calmly with a dear friend, soaking up his wisdom. If you're in a tough place in your life right now, I definitely recommend this book for its encouragement and inspiring reminders that the same God that was with Joseph through all the trials and sufferings of His life is with us still today. There's nothing going on that He can't handle, or that He's unaware of. No matter the pain, no matter the grief, or guilt, or uncertainty, we WILL get through this - with Christ. I needed to be reminded of that right now, and if you do too, reading this book is an excellent place to start.
Profile Image for Mina.
88 reviews2 followers
June 19, 2021
Whether it was Max or the editor, God told me through the words in this book He is there. He has always been. That is a very realistic book. Pain and suffering will always be there. The reaction is our choice. God is here, not only knows about us but He is there in our midst. This book revealed to me many aspects of Joseph’s life I did not think about. The biblical stories are for us to assert God’s action along history. I hope everyone who reads this book finds comfort, encouragement and hope in its words. God bless all those who toiled to bring this book out.
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