Joel Osteen Podcast: "By This I Know" – Episode Summary

Introduction

In the December 24, 2024 episode of the Joel Osteen Daily Podcast, hosted by Joel and Victoria Osteen on SiriusXM, listeners are welcomed with heartfelt greetings and an uplifting message designed to inspire faith and confidence in God's providence. The episode, titled "By This I Know," delves into recognizing and acknowledging the hand of God in overcoming life's challenges and achieving personal victories.

Main Theme: Recognizing God's Presence in Our Lives

The central theme of this episode revolves around the affirmation, "By this, I know the Lord is on my side." Joel Osteen emphasizes that every listener has experienced moments where divine intervention played a crucial role in their lives, whether through overcoming adversity, receiving unexpected blessings, or simply surviving against the odds. These moments serve as evidence of God's ongoing support and protection.

Key Discussions and Insights

1. Personal Testimonies of Divine Intervention

   Joel and Victoria Osteen share various personal and relatable stories that illustrate how God's hand has guided and protected individuals in seemingly impossible situations. For instance, Joel recounts a harrowing car accident where divine intervention prevented a fatal outcome:

   "[25:00] Joel Osteen: ...I lost control of my car... I felt like I could reach out and touch his front grill. He was so close... But I know it was someone. He thought it was a good break. I know it was the hand of God. By this I know the Lord is on my side."

   Such testimonies underscore the belief that God's protection is ever-present, even in the most dire circumstances.

2. Biblical References and Their Modern Applications

   The episode draws heavily from biblical narratives to reinforce its messages:

   • David in Psalm 41: Joel references David's confidence in God's support despite his adversities, highlighting that God's presence gives him boldness and fearlessness against opposition.

     "[04:15] Joel Osteen: David said in Psalm 41, 'By this I know the Lord is on my side. He has not let my enemies triumph over me.' "

   • Abraham's Assistant in Genesis 24: Using the story of Abraham's servant searching for Isaac's wife, Joel illustrates how God orchestrates circumstances to fulfill His promises.

     "[12:45] Joel Osteen: Abraham said, 'You will find the right one for the Lord in whose presence I have walked will send his angel with you and make your mission successful.' "

   • The Israelites at the Red Sea: Joel contrasts the Israelites' miraculous escape from Egypt with their subsequent lack of faith, using it as a cautionary tale to encourage listeners to remember God's past deeds as a source of strength.

     "[24:00] Joel Osteen: The Israelites had a great history with God... but they forgot it and wandered the desert for 40 years."

3. The Power of Reflection and Gratitude

   A significant portion of the episode encourages listeners to reflect on their personal histories with God. By recalling instances where God provided guidance, protection, or blessings, individuals can "fuel their faith" for future challenges. Joel urges listeners to recognize that their successes and survivals are not mere coincidences but manifestations of divine will.

   "[08:30] Joel Osteen: When you look back and see how you outlasted the opposition... That's a sign the Lord is on your side."

4. Overcoming Opposition with Faith

   Joel discusses the concept of facing formidable "giants" or obstacles, reassuring listeners that with God's support, they can overcome even the most daunting challenges. He shares an inspiring story about securing the Compact Center despite overwhelming opposition, attributing the victory to divine intervention rather than luck.

   "[14:23] Victoria Osteen: ...the compact center came to you. The contract came to you. That wasn't good luck, that was a good God."

5. Encouragement to Embrace Faith Over Fear

   The episode concludes with a powerful call to action for listeners to embrace their faith wholeheartedly. Joel invites those seeking spiritual renewal to pray and open their hearts to God's guidance, reinforcing the message that God's plan surpasses human understanding and fear.

   "[27:50] Joel Osteen: By this, you will know the Lord is on your side. In Jesus' name, if you receive it, can you say Amen today?"

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "[04:15] Joel Osteen: David said in Psalm 41, 'By this I know the Lord is on my side. He has not let my enemies triumph over me.' "
• "[08:30] Joel Osteen: When you look back and see how you outlasted the opposition... That's a sign the Lord is on your side."
• "[14:23] Victoria Osteen: ...the compact center came to you. The contract came to you. That wasn't good luck, that was a good God."
• "[25:00] Joel Osteen: ...I know it was the hand of God. By this I know the Lord is on my side."
• "[27:50] Joel Osteen: By this, you will know the Lord is on your side. In Jesus' name, if you receive it, can you say Amen today?"

Conclusion

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Joel and Victoria Osteen remind listeners of the countless ways God has supported and guided them through life's trials. By reflecting on personal experiences and biblical stories, they encourage a deeper recognition of God's presence and a strengthened faith. The message, "By this, I know the Lord is on my side," serves as a powerful affirmation of trust in divine providence, offering listeners both comfort and motivation to pursue their dreams with confidence and gratitude.

For those seeking further inspiration or wishing to share their own testimonies, visiting Joel’s website at joelosteen.com is recommended. Additionally, subscribing to SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts provides access to new episodes ad-free and a week early, ensuring continued spiritual nourishment and encouragement.