Joel Osteen Podcast – "Change Your Name"

Host: Joel Osteen
Date: October 21, 2025
Episode Theme: How to shed negative labels and embrace the identity and destiny God has given you

Overview

In this episode, Joel Osteen explores the profound impact of the names and labels we accept for ourselves. Through scripture, real-life stories, and personal anecdotes, Joel challenges listeners to reject labels placed by others—such as "average," "not good enough," or "addicted"—and to instead embrace the identity God gives: "blessed," "victorious," and "masterpiece." The message centers on the biblical power and importance of names, and how redefining ourselves according to God’s truth can unlock our full potential.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Power of Names and Labels

• Negative Naming:
  • People, circumstances, and even our own thoughts can label us with limiting and negative identities.
  • "As long as we're wearing these names, believing the lies that people and circumstances have told us, it's going to keep us from our potential." (06:20, Joel Osteen)
• Example from Thailand:
  • Joel shares a story about a shop offering a "Born to Lose" tattoo, underscoring how mindsets precede outward expressions:
    • "Before, tattooed on body, tattooed on mind." (07:10, Tattoo Shop Owner via Joel)

2. Biblical Examples of Name Changes

• Jacob Renames Benoni to Benjamin:
  • Rachel names her son "Benoni" (Son of Sorrow) as she dies, but Jacob immediately changes it to "Benjamin" (Son of Strength, Power).
    • "No, that is not his name. No matter what's happened in the past... His name is Benjamin." (09:50, Joel Osteen)
  • This name change alters the baby's destiny—he becomes a great leader.
• Abraham & Sarah:
  • God changes Abram ("exalted father") to Abraham ("father of many nations") and Sarai to Sarah ("princess") to align their identities with His promises.
    • "Every time someone said, 'Hello, Abraham,' they were saying, 'Hello, Father of many nations.' They were speaking faith into his destiny." (22:50, Joel Osteen)
• Zechariah and Elizabeth Naming John:
  • Despite family pressure to name their son after his father, they insist on the name given by God, "John."
    • "Your heavenly father is the only one that has the right to name you." (25:48, Joel Osteen)

3. Personal and Modern Stories

• The Man with “Average” Label:
  • Told by a counselor to aim low, believed he was unremarkable for decades, only to later discover his genius-level IQ and thrive after he changed his mindset.
    • "He worked at the local factory and stayed at the lowest level position... One day... his score came back at a genius level." (14:35, Joel Osteen)
    • "You are not what people call you. You are what you answer to." (16:42, Joel Osteen)
• Erwin McManus:
  • As a child, Erwin's grandfather gives him a new name, "Erwin," representing strength, honor, and genius, shaping his self-view, leading to success as a pastor, author, and filmmaker.
    • "That was the only time he'd ever heard anyone say he was going to do something great." (18:50, Joel Osteen)

4. Joel’s Personal Reflection

• Bullied with the nickname "Peanut" for being small, Joel never let it define him:
  • "I may have been 4ft 11 on the outside, but on the inside I stood 7ft tall." (17:40, Joel Osteen)
  • Emphasizes not letting others' perceptions override God’s truths about us.

5. Practical Application

• Rejecting Negative Labels:
  • Don’t “answer to” negative descriptors—reject them and claim God’s name for you instead.
  • "When thoughts say, 'Hello fearful, hello depressed,' you must not be talking to me. That's not who I am." (16:52, Joel Osteen)
• Adopting God’s Names:
  • Claim names like "Blessed," "Talented," "Overcomer," and "Masterpiece" for yourself.
  • "Your new names are blessed, prosperous, well able, forgiven, talented, one of a kind, a masterpiece." (21:34, Joel Osteen)
• Persistence:
  • It may take time to see change, but keep affirming your God-given identity.
  • "You have to call yourself blessed before you'll ever be blessed. You have to call yourself healthy while you're still fighting the illness." (23:30, Joel Osteen)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• "You are not what people call you. You are what you answer to."
  (16:42, Joel Osteen)
• "The principle is, your heavenly father is the only one that has the right to name you."
  (25:48, Joel Osteen)
• "Don't let the they's name you, let God name you."
  (25:16, Joel Osteen)
• "God is changing your name. Your new names are blessed, prosperous, one of a kind, valuable child of the most high."
  (26:20, Joel Osteen)

Key Segments and Timestamps

• Opening and Theme Introduction: 00:45
  • Joel introduces “Change Your Name” and explains the dangers of letting others’ negative perceptions define us.
• Tattoo Shop Story: 07:00
• Biblical Story of Benjamin: 08:45
• Modern Story - The Genius Factory Worker: 14:35
• Practical Advice on Rejecting Negative Names: 16:35
• Personal Story – Joel as "Peanut": 17:40
• Erwin McManus Story: 18:35
• Abraham and Sarah Name Change: 22:35
• Practical Steps to Name Change: 23:30
• Zechariah and Elizabeth Naming John: 24:58
• Summation and Call to Accept God’s Names for Us: 26:20
• Closing Prayer: 27:20

Conclusion

Joel closes with encouragement to tune out negativity and accept the names God has given—blessed, prosperous, redeemed, and victorious. He prays for listeners to step into their true identity and see lives transformed as a result.

"If you'll do this, I believe and declare: Strongholds that have held you back are being broken. You are about to step up to who you were created to be. New levels of influence, favor, restoration, healing, the fullness of your destiny in Jesus' name."
(26:57, Joel Osteen)

Key Takeaway:
You are not defined by what others have called you or by your past. Embrace the identity God has spoken over you and step confidently into your unique destiny.