Joel Osteen Podcast — "A Nevertheless Person" Episode Summary

Date: September 17, 2025
Host: Joel Osteen
Podcast: Joel Osteen Daily Podcast

Episode Overview

In this motivating episode, Joel Osteen explores the concept of becoming "a nevertheless person"—someone who maintains faith and perseverance even when circumstances seem impossible. Using biblical stories, personal anecdotes, and practical applications, Joel encourages listeners to add "nevertheless" to their mindset in the face of adversity, and to not let a "no way" mentality keep them from experiencing God's best for their lives.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Foundation: What Is a "Nevertheless Person"?

(03:40 – 06:30)

• Joel introduces the idea through the biblical story of Peter (Luke 5), who fished all night with no success. Despite exhaustion and discouraging circumstances, Peter responded to Jesus:

  "We've caught nothing. Nevertheless, at your word, we'll go back and try again." (Joel Osteen, 06:00)

• Joel explains the importance of not denying facts or difficulties but instead choosing to operate with faith and obedience.

2. Logic Versus Faith

(06:30 – 10:15)

• Joel talks about how practical people who only focus on logic can miss miracles.

  "If you don't learn to become a nevertheless person, you won't reach the fullness of your destiny." (Joel Osteen, 10:00)

• Faith begins when self-effort ends. God puts dreams in our hearts that are too big for us so that we rely on Him.

3. Biblical Examples of "Nevertheless"

(10:15 – 15:30)

• David and Goliath: David didn’t ignore the reality that Goliath was a giant, but he added “nevertheless” to his faith.
• Abraham and Sarah: Despite their old age, Abraham believed God would give him a child, choosing to say:

  "Yes, it's impossible. Nevertheless, God can do the impossible." (Joel Osteen, 14:10)

• Message: Don't stop with the facts; add the nevertheless.

4. Personal Application: Don't Prophesy Defeat

(15:30 – 18:40)

• Joel warns against having a "no way" mentality and describes how this attitude can self-sabotage dreams.
• Instead, choose to declare:

  "I don't see how I could ever get out of this problem. Nevertheless, God always causes me to triumph." (Joel Osteen, 17:40)

5. Old Testament Lesson: The Israelites and the Promised Land

(18:40 – 21:05)

• Joel recounts how the Israelites, facing giants in the land, accepted the negative report of the ten spies and failed to add a “nevertheless.”
• Emphasizes missed opportunities:

  “If they would have added the nevertheless, the same God that parted the Red Sea… would have helped them defeat those giants.” (Joel Osteen, 20:35)

6. Testimonies of Faith and Perseverance

(21:05 – 26:00)

• Personal Story: Joel shares how his wife, Victoria, had a “nevertheless” attitude about living in a better home, in contrast to his “no way” mindset. One year later, their situation changed in a miraculous way.

  “Her attitude was, yes, it’s impossible right now. Nevertheless, with God all things are possible.” (Joel Osteen, 23:55)

• Elizabeth Blackwell: The first female physician in the U.S. applied to medical school 29 times before being accepted.

  “Not Elizabeth Blackwell. She was a nevertheless person.” (Joel Osteen, 25:00)

7. Practical Encouragements: Add "Nevertheless" to Your Life

(26:00 – 28:30)

• In the daily struggles—health, finances, relationships, dreams—Joel advises listeners to always answer discouragement or negative reports with a “nevertheless.”
• Scriptural encouragement from Psalm 3:

  “Lord, how are they increased that trouble me… But thou, O Lord, art a shield unto me.” (Joel Osteen, paraphrasing David, 27:05)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Faith Over Facts:

  “You may have the facts... Nevertheless, my God is much bigger.” (Joel Osteen, 12:45)

• On Taking Action:

  “Don’t talk yourself out of what God put in your heart. Start adding the nevertheless.” (Joel Osteen, 15:10)

• On Mindset:

  “God is not looking for no way people. He’s looking for nevertheless people.” (Joel Osteen, 17:10)

• On Hope for the Future:

  “You haven’t missed it. It’s not too late. If you’ll have this nevertheless mentality, God will lead you into favor, into healing, into abundance…” (Joel Osteen, 25:45)

• On Adversity:

  “Don’t let the enemy have the last word. Always add the nevertheless.” (Joel Osteen, 27:30)

Segment Timestamps

• 00:01–01:38 — Ad breaks, intro, opening humor (skip)
• 01:40 — Joel Osteen begins main message
• 03:40–06:30 — Peter’s "Nevertheless" story
• 06:30–10:15 — Logic vs. faith/Practical people & miracles
• 10:15–15:30 — Stories of David, Abraham, and Sarah
• 15:30–18:40 — No-way mentality vs. nevertheless mentality
• 18:40–21:05 — The Israelites and the promised land
• 21:05–23:55 — Personal story: Joel and Victoria's house
• 23:55–26:00 — Story of Elizabeth Blackwell
• 26:00–28:30 — How to practically apply "nevertheless" in daily challenges
• 28:30–End — Prayer and closing remarks (calls to faith, skip advertisements)

Tone & Style

The tone is warm, hopeful, and conversational, with Joel using a blend of humor, relatable stories, and scriptural principles. He often repeats key phrases for emphasis, making the message accessible and memorable.

Useful Takeaways

• The "nevertheless" mentality is not denial, but faith in the face of facts.
• Great biblical figures and modern examples achieved breakthroughs by insisting on faith even when the natural outlook was bleak.
• Every setback or impossibility is an invitation to trust God more deeply and to expect Him to act on your behalf.
• The right mindset can position you for unexpected opportunities and blessings.

Final Encouragement

Joel concludes with a challenge for listeners: "Shake off the no way mentality. Have this nevertheless mentality... Be a nevertheless person." (Joel Osteen, 28:00)

He leads a brief prayer for those wanting to connect with faith and experience transformation, reinforcing his core theme: add "nevertheless" to your life and see what God will do.