You Can Be Brave: Tomorrow’s Dream Begins with Today’s Courage – The Perfect Christian Graduation Gift to Celebrate Your Grad

by Max Lucado

Fear may fill the world, but it doesn’t have to fill your heart.

This encouraging book from trusted and bestselling author Max Lucado serves as a powerful reminder that faith, not fear, can always be our default reaction to the threats of life.

Are you searching for a way to overcome fear and anxiety through faith? With his signature warmth and biblical wisdom, Max invites readers to trust God and live boldly, no matter the challenges they face. Max shares that tomorrow’s dreams begin with today’s courage. This book delivers the insight millions have come to trust from Max, in a shorter, dynamic message for busy readers seeking quick inspiration.

In You Can Be Brave, carefully curated from Max’s bestseller Fearless, we’re invited to find freedom from the fear of insignificance, to take comfort that the Lord will never leave our side, and to unleash our worries and become filled with peace.

144 pages, Hardcover

Published April 21, 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

[Jessica Ashe · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of You Can Be Brave by Max Lucado in exchange for an honest review.

Max Lucado has long been one of my favorite Christian authors, and You Can Be Brave reminded me exactly why. This book arrived at the perfect time in my life, when I needed to be reminded of what God says about me—and to me—when fear tries to take center stage.

With his signature warmth and wisdom, Max addresses fear, courage, faith, and the confidence we can have as believers. Throughout the book, he points readers back to Scripture, reminding us that we are not defined by our anxieties or circumstances, but by our identity in Christ. I especially appreciated the many biblical references woven throughout the chapters, allowing readers to not only be encouraged by Max’s words but also by God’s Word itself.

One of the things I love most about Max Lucado’s writing is his ability to tell memorable, relatable stories that bring spiritual truths to life. The illustrations he shares make complex emotions and biblical principles easy to understand and apply. Rather than offering temporary motivation, he provides lasting encouragement rooted in God’s promises.

This book was a beautiful reminder that courage is not the absence of fear—it is trusting God in the midst of it. It reinforced the truth that we are more than conquerors through Christ and that Jesus has already secured the ultimate victory through His finished work on the cross.

I would highly recommend You Can Be Brave to anyone who is struggling with fear, uncertainty, self-doubt, or simply needs a fresh reminder of who God created them to be. It is an uplifting, hope-filled read that points readers back to the unwavering faithfulness of God.

[Amy B · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this little book, You Can Be Brave, Max Lucado lists the common fears that we face throughout our life, and tackles them with glorious Scripture! I have been in church almost every week of my life, and the highlighted verses are quite familiar to me, but they fell fresh on my soul as I read them again. Max Lucado's writing is warm and wonderful, like a favorite blanket, and this book reflects that. He tells the stories of folks who have overcome their fears by remembering God's Word. I feel like I have more fuel now to face hard issues that I am going through.

This book would make a great study for small groups. I can easily envision youth gatherings with young people discussing each chapter as they gather. The book ends with thought provoking questions related to each chapter.

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to experience Max Lucado's You Can Be Brave.

[Kalen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short, encouraging read that focuses on facing everyday fears and worries through faith. Max Lucado does a strong job connecting scripture to real-life situations.

One of the things I appreciated most is how concise and easy to read it is. The format makes it very approachable, especially for younger readers who may not want to commit to something long or dense. Because of that, I plan to keep this book for my 15-year-old daughter as something she can take with her when she graduates and begins the next stage of life, whether that’s college or starting a job.

Overall, this is a great resource for building courage and perspective during transitional seasons.

This is an ARC from NetGalley and Nelson Books.

[Shuvai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Lucado’s You Can Be Brave is a heartfelt devotional that equips readers to face fear with faith. With his signature warmth, Lucado reminds us that tomorrow’s dreams begin with today’s courage. He addresses everyday anxieties—delays, disappointments, doubts—and larger fears like violence, poverty, and death, offering practical encouragement rooted in Scripture. Lucado’s message is clear: fear may fill the world, but it doesn’t have to fill your heart. This uplifting book is especially meaningful for graduates and young adults stepping into uncertain futures, making it both a timely gift and a timeless reminder that God’s grace empowers brave living.

[Amy Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max Lucado doing his Max Lucado thing! I am always uplifted when I sit down with one of his books. The timing of this book is perfect for all of the anxiety and chaos in the world and makes you remember to stop and listen, stop and not be afraid. His use of real life examples entwined with Bible verses makes this book very easy to digest and put into use. I love that I can highlight key parts and come back to them as fresh reminders. This would also make a wonderful gift. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read early!

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book and learning more about how Christians can have courage because of Christ. I think people of all ages and life stages would benefit from this book, not just graduates. While it was on the shorter side, it does have discussion questions at the end and would work for a small group/Bible study to use.

Thanks to Nelson Books and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Blessing Okwuofu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Lucado is back with You Can Be Brave. This is an inspiring read which espouses on dealing with different kinds of fears through the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus. Short, insightful with relevant yet humorous anecdotes. I recommend this book to everyone.
I got a complimentary copy of this book from Nelson Books | Thomas Nelson via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are mine.

[Janis E Hurd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Packed with lots of great ideas for facing your fears.