Cómo sobrevivir a un divorcio no deseado: Una guía bíblica y práctica para sanar y dejar el pasado atrás

by Lysa TerKeurst, Jim Cress (Primary Contributor), Joel Muddamalle (Primary Contributor)

Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and Licensed Professional Counselor Jim Cress, hosts of the Therapy & Theology podcast, help readers understand what the Bible says about how to survive the death of a marriage while pursuing wholeness and healing.

Divorce brings grief, shock, anger--and many soul-deep questions. When New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst experienced the painful and unwanted death of her marriage after nearly thirty years, she didn't know who to turn to or what would actually help her move forward. She needed to get her bearings on what the Bible really says about marriage and divorce. She also needed the tools to get to the other side and see that life doesn't end when your marriage ends.

Now, in Surviving an Unwanted Divorce, Lysa, alongside theologian Dr. Joel Muddamalle and Licensed Professional Counselor Jim Cress, offers that resource to readers, answering the toughest questions people have about the journey through divorce such as

Does God actually hate divorce?What Scriptures do I need to know and correctly interpret as I process the death of my marriage?How will I know when it's time to make the painful choice to get a divorce?How can I let go . . . and still hold myself together?What do I do about my fears, sadness, and loneliness?How can I come to a place of wholeness and healing so my brokenness doesn't trickle out to other relationships?How do I move forward? 

No matter where readers find themselves in their journey--whether they are contemplating divorce, in the middle of one, or still trying to recover years after--this is the book they've been looking for. Surviving an Unwanted Divorce offers biblically based, practical strategies for growing in faith and self-awareness as one season of life ends . . . and another hope-filled season begins.

160 pages, Paperback

Published November 11, 2025

About the author

Lysa TerKeurst is president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and the New York Times best-selling author of Univited, The Best Yes, Unglued, Made to Crave, and 18 other books. Her newest book, It’s Not Supposed to be This Way, is scheduled for release in November of 2018. Lysa was recently awarded the Champions of Faith Author Award and has been published in multiple publications such as CNN and Fox News online. Additionally, she has appeared on the Today Show as one of the leading voices in the Christian community.

Each year, Lysa is a featured keynote presenter at more than 40 events across North America, including the Women of Joy Conferences and the Catalyst Leadership Conference. She has a passion for equipping women to share their stories for God's glory through Proverbs 31 Ministries' annual She Speaks Conference and writer training program, COMPEL: Words That Move People.

Connect with Lysa on social media @lysaterkeurst or at http://lysaterkeurst.com/.

Reviews

[Melissa Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would double the rating if I could. I have no words to describe the peace and strength this book gave me.

[Cheri Swalwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book. So full of theological and psychological information for those going through a divorce. Written from a very conversational tone which makes the information more easily retainable. Definitely gave me a better understanding of God's view of marriage and my response to those going through such a horrible time in their lives.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from netgalley. All opinions are solely mine. I was not required to write a review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

My divorce was 3.5 years ago, and I still find this book helpful now. If it had been available in the first or second year after my divorce, it would have been even more useful. Lysa's words are so validating - she understands exactly how you think and feel. I like how she compared an unwanted divorce to a traumatic accident, for which you would need emergency surgery. That's exactly how it felt for me, yet no one other than other divorced people understood that. She doesn't sugarcoat anything, but gently guides you into clearer, saner thoughts in the middle of your horrible trial. I appreciated Joel's explanations of Bible passages that can be challenging to read when the heaviness of divorce crushes your heart. They helped me see God's truth in new, encouraging ways. Also, Jim's tender counseling provided insight and practical guidance, especially in starting to forgive. In my current stage of divorce recovery, the motives for forgiveness that Lysa provided spoke to me and provided an action plan. This is an excellent resource for women going through divorce, and also a great gift for someone experiencing divorce. It would be a good resource for Christian counselors and divorce care ministries.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surviving an Unwanted Divorce: A Biblical, Practical Guide to Letting Go While Holding Yourself Together, as a great resource for anyone affected by the loss of a marriage. We all know someone who has walked this path, maybe a friend, family member, or even ourselves, and this book is filled with so much content relevant to theological and psychological information, as it pertains to divorce. The three authors give a wide view of the impacts of divorce, the biblical view of divorce, and the need for community and support while going through the trauma lived and the ramifications of even post-divorce issues that can crop up. I especially loved the theological aspects of what God says about abuse and breaking covenant in a marriage. So much has been misconstrued in the "church" and religious circles, and this content is very validating and encouraging.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishers and NetGalley for the advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Laura Meiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a female pastor in an evangelical space, I'm grateful for such a well constructed resource for those going through an unwanted divorce. The paring of Lysa TerKeurst's personal experience and empathy, Joel Muddamale's skillful yet approachable biblical exegesis, and Jim Cress's counseling expertise create a space for guidance and healing in the midst of a traumatic life experince. Much damage has been done within the capital "C" church related to what God's word says or doesn't say about divorce, much to the detriment of the well being and safety of many women and in part, this book speaks to those thought processes. The direct but compassionate language in this book coupled with practical methods of processing such an event is helpful. Whether you are in the midst of an unwanted divorce, know someone who is, or simply want to understand more, this book is for you. Highly recommend!

[Katherine Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book helpful in answering some of the questions and helping name some of the feelings I have had while walking this path.

The book is written in a friendly style that makes it easy to read. The added content from Jim and Joel really add to Lysa's narrative as she guides you through the chapters.