Podcast Summary: Joel Osteen Podcast – "Awaken Your Great Faith"
Episode Title: Awaken Your Great Faith
Host: Joel Osteen, SiriusXM
Release Date: March 10, 2025
Introduction
In this inspiring episode of the Joel Osteen Podcast, Joel Osteen delves deep into the transformative power of great faith. Titled "Awaken Your Great Faith," the episode serves as a motivational guide for listeners to elevate their faith beyond the ordinary, enabling them to overcome life's biggest challenges and realize their dreams.
The Power of Great Faith
Joel begins by addressing the common hurdles that prevent individuals from pursuing their dreams—big aspirations and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. He emphasizes that "God wouldn't have put the dream in your heart if he didn't have a way to bring it to pass" (02:30) and underscores the pivotal role of faith in this divine process.
Biblical Illustrations of Great Faith
1. The Disciples in the Storm (05:15)
Joel recounts the story of the disciples facing a fierce storm while at sea. Despite witnessing Jesus perform miracles, their faith wavered in the face of adversity. Joel highlights Jesus' frustration with their "little faith", urging believers to trust in God's limitless power even when circumstances seem dire.
Joel Osteen: "Why do you have such little faith? You've seen what I can do. Why are you still stuck at that low level of faith?" (05:30)
2. Ezekiel and the Dry Bones (10:45)
Transitioning to the Old Testament, Joel discusses Ezekiel's vision of a valley filled with dry bones—a metaphor for dead dreams and lost hope. God challenges Ezekiel to believe that these bones can come back to life, symbolizing the resurrection of unmet dreams through faith.
Joel Osteen: "Do you believe that these dead bones can live? Do you believe you can get well?" (11:00)
3. The Centurion's Remarkable Faith (19:20)
Joel highlights the story of a Roman centurion whose unwavering faith amazes Jesus. Despite not being a follower, the centurion believes that Jesus can heal his servant with just a word, showcasing a profound trust in God's authority and power.
Jesus: "I have not found such great faith even in Israel." (19:45)
Real-Life Stories of Faith
1. Healing of the Daughter's Fingers (12:30)
Joel shares a heartfelt story of a father whose faith led to a miraculous healing of his daughter's severed fingers. Despite medical professionals declaring it impossible, the father's steadfast belief "God can restore my little girl's finger and make them normal once again" resulted in a miraculous recovery after a simple skin graft.
Joel Osteen: "I'm not saying to deny reality, but I am saying that God has the final say." (13:00)
2. The Doctor's Healing Prayer (25:50)
Another compelling narrative involves Joel’s friend, a medical doctor who prayed for a young man barely responsive after an accident. Despite his own doubts, his prayer led to the young man's miraculous revival, illustrating how great faith can invoke extraordinary outcomes.
Joel Osteen: "That's one of those greater works. That's what God wants to do for you." (26:30)
3. The Woman's Bleeding Disorder Miracle (24:10)
Joel recounts the story of a woman suffering from a chronic bleeding disorder for twelve years. Her decision to seek out Jesus amidst severe illness and societal obstacles exemplifies the essence of great faith. Her unwavering belief "when I get to Jesus, I will be healed" culminated in a miraculous recovery.
Jesus: "Daughter, your faith has made you whole." (27:15)
Overcoming Limitations with Great Faith
Joel emphasizes that great faith is not about intellectual prowess or religious knowledge but about a deep-seated belief in God's omnipotence. He challenges listeners to "break out of that box" of limited thinking and embrace a faith that "causes God to marvel."
Joel Osteen: "Great faith gets God's attention." (22:45)
Encouragement to Awaken Faith
Joel urges listeners to "awaken your great faith", assuring them that it's inherently within them. He encourages practical steps such as aligning oneself with God, believing in the Scriptures, and stepping beyond comfort zones to activate divine favor and miracles in their lives.
Joel Osteen: "Believe in what God can do through you. On your own, you may be limited." (26:00)
Conclusion
In wrapping up, Joel reinforces the message that "whatever level your faith is at, it's time to step it up", urging listeners to embrace great faith to unlock their full potential and witness God's greatness unfold in their lives. He offers a heartfelt invitation for listeners to pray and make Jesus the Lord of their lives, promising transformative blessings and an abundant future.
Joel Osteen: "Dead bones are about to come back to life. A new level of favor, promotion, healing, breakthroughs, the fullness of your destiny in Jesus name." (28:00)
Key Takeaways
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Great Faith vs. Little Faith: Great faith empowers believers to overcome significant challenges and realize their dreams, whereas little faith limits potential and fosters complacency.
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Biblical Examples as Guides: Stories from the Bible, such as the disciples in the storm, Ezekiel's vision, and the centurion's faith, serve as powerful illustrations of the impact of profound belief.
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Real-Life Miracles: Personal testimonies, like the healing of the daughter’s fingers and the doctor’s miraculous prayer, demonstrate how great faith can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
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Call to Action: Joel encourages listeners to awaken and elevate their faith, aligning themselves with God's plans to experience miraculous transformations and live abundantly.
Notable Quotes
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Joel Osteen: "Why do you have such little faith? You've seen what I can do." (05:30)
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Joel Osteen: "Do you believe that these dead bones can live?" (11:00)
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Jesus: "I have not found such great faith even in Israel." (19:45)
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Joel Osteen: "Great faith gets God's attention." (22:45)
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Joel Osteen: "Dead bones are about to come back to life." (28:00)
Final Thoughts
Joel Osteen's episode, "Awaken Your Great Faith," serves as a powerful reminder of the limitless possibilities that faith can unlock. Through biblical teachings and real-life stories, listeners are inspired to elevate their belief, overcome obstacles, and embrace the abundant life that God has envisioned for them.
For more inspiring messages and to stay connected, visit JoelOsteen.com and subscribe to the Joel Osteen Podcast on SiriusXM.
