Joel Osteen Podcast: “A Masterpiece In The Making”

Host: Joel Osteen
Date: September 22, 2025
Episode Theme:
This episode centers on the idea that every individual is a “masterpiece in the making.” Joel Osteen encourages listeners to be patient with themselves during the process of personal growth and transformation, drawing on Biblical metaphors and stories to stress that God, as the Creator, is continually shaping and refining us, flaws and all. Rather than living under constant pressure or being weighed down by feelings of inadequacy, listeners are inspired to approve of themselves as God already does, and to trust Him to complete the work He began.

Main Ideas & Key Discussion Points

1. Accepting Yourself in the Process

• Opening Metaphor: (03:44) Joel uses the Biblical image of God as the potter and us as clay, emphasizing that self-acceptance is vital even while God is still molding us:
  • “The scripture says God is the potter and we are the clay… When we change, how fast we change. The key is to accept yourself while God is in that process of changing you.” – Joel Osteen (03:44)
• Enjoying the ‘Glory’ You’re In:
  • Listeners are encouraged to appreciate where they are now, not just their end goal.

2. The Pitfalls of Self-Criticism

• Living with Internal Criticism: (05:31) Joel highlights how constant negativity towards oneself is spiritually and emotionally draining:
  • “But the problem with not liking you is you can never get away from you… If you don’t like yourself, life is going to be miserable.” – Joel Osteen (05:38)
• Perfectionism Slows Growth:
  • Pressure to change in our own strength is counterproductive.
  • Acceptance and grace accelerate transformation.

3. God Is the Author and Finisher

• God Approves You Before You ‘Perform’: (09:40) Using Jeremiah’s calling, Joel points out:
  • “Before Jeremiah ever did anything good… God said, ‘I approved you and I’ve accepted you.’” – Joel Osteen (10:04)
• Notable Quote:
  • “He’s not waiting for you to get better, then He’s going to accept you. He knew every shortcoming… He said, ‘I still approve you.’” – Joel Osteen (10:28)

4. Look Away from Distractions—Fix Your Eyes on God

• Focusing on Flaws Distracts from Purpose: (11:45)
  • “Looking away from all that will distract [and] looking to your maker.”
• God Can See the Finished Product:
  • Metaphor of artwork: the Mona Lisa and Michelangelo’s David needed a creator. We are God’s masterpiece not by our effort, but by His craftsmanship.

5. Biblical Examples of Imperfect Masterpieces

• Jeremiah:
  • Despite his protests about being too young or insecure, God reminded him He would provide everything needed.
  • “I’m the potter. I don’t ask you to do things and then not give you what you need to do it. I’ve already approved you.” – Joel Osteen (12:47)
• Peter:
  • Despite impulsiveness and flaws, Jesus called Peter, declaring not just who he was (“Simon”) but who he would become (“Peter” – the rock).
  • “Jesus said to him, ‘Follow me and I will make you.’” – Joel Osteen (17:29)
  • Transformation happens as you walk with God, not as a prerequisite.

6. Personal Story: Joel’s Own Calling

• Facing Insecurity: (24:55)
  • Joel shares how he struggled with feeling inadequate when stepping into his father’s role as pastor.
  • “Voices would whisper in the night: ‘You’re not qualified.’ I learned to say, talk to my maker.” – Joel Osteen (25:53)
• Message: Trust God to complete what He started. Do your best; trust God for the rest.

7. The Master’s Perspective

• God Values You Above All Creation: (22:50)
  • When God created the universe, He called it “good.” But with humanity, He said “very good,” underscoring human value and uniqueness as God’s masterpiece.
  • “When He created you, He thought, wow, there’s a real masterpiece.” – Joel Osteen (23:16)

8. Call to Action: Acceptance and Trust

• Relieve the Pressure:
  • Stop striving in your own strength and let God shape you.
  • “Do your best and then rest. He’s the potter.” – Joel Osteen (13:55)
• Blessing & Declaration: (28:28)
  • “This is a new day. Things that have hindered you in the past will hinder you no more. You will become the masterpiece God created you to be. In Jesus’ name.” – Joel Osteen (28:21)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “If you don’t like yourself, life is going to be miserable. …You have to live with you. …The good news is you’re not a finished product. God is still working on you.” – Joel Osteen (05:38)
• “God approves you. Why don’t you approve yourself?” – Joel Osteen (10:22)
• “It’s not up to you to become a masterpiece. That’s your maker’s job.” – Joel Osteen (14:34)
• “You think you’re a mess, but what you can’t see is you’re a masterpiece.” – Joel Osteen (18:50)
• “Do your best and trust God to take care of the rest.” – Joel Osteen (27:12)
• “You can’t make yourself into a masterpiece. That’s your maker’s job.” – Joel Osteen (25:44)

Segment Timestamps

• [01:40] – Begin: Joel introduces today’s theme with light humor and sets the tone for encouragement.
• [03:44] – The Potter and the Clay: Accepting the process of change.
• [05:38] – Living with Yourself: The importance of self-acceptance and avoiding internal criticism.
• [09:40] – God’s Approval: The story of Jeremiah, pre-approval, and purpose.
• [11:45] – Looking Away from Flaws: Refocusing attention on God, away from self-doubt.
• [12:47] – Jeremiah as Example: God’s supply for what He calls you to do.
• [14:34] – You Are God’s Masterpiece: Human value and God as master designer.
• [17:29] – The Story of Peter: Transformation isn’t instant or self-produced.
• [22:50] – God’s “Very Good”: Human beings as God’s greatest work.
• [24:55] – Joel’s Own Journey: Overcoming self-doubt and trusting God’s process.
• [27:12] – “Do your best; let God do the rest.”
• [28:21] – Blessing & Declaration: Final encouragement and prayer.
• [28:33+] – (Begin closing/ads/promotions – content summary ends here)

Conclusion

Joel Osteen’s “A Masterpiece In The Making” is an uplifting message for anyone struggling with feelings of inadequacy or impatience in their personal growth. Joel uses relatable examples, both from Biblical stories and his own life, to reinforce that transformation is God’s work, not ours to force. He affirms the unique value of each listener, insisting that God’s approval comes before personal improvement—and that learning to accept and like oneself now is key to unlocking your future potential. The episode encourages a posture of grace, patience and trust in the hands of the Master Artist.