Joel Osteen Podcast: "Even Now Faith" – Detailed Summary

Episode Overview In the February 12, 2025 episode of the Joel Osteen Podcast titled "Even Now Faith," hosts Joel and Victoria Osteen delve into the transformative power of unwavering faith during seemingly impossible circumstances. Drawing inspiration from biblical narratives and real-life testimonies, they encourage listeners to maintain faith even when faced with daunting challenges. The episode emphasizes the importance of believing in God's ability to perform miracles and resurrect what appears dead in one's life.

Introduction to "Even Now Faith"

Timestamp: [01:15] Victoria Osteen opens the episode with a heartfelt greeting, expressing gratitude to listeners for their support. She transitions into the main theme by sharing a humorous anecdote about a scientist challenging God's existence by attempting to clone humans. This story sets the stage for the discussion on the significance of true faith and reliance on God's power.

Notable Quote:

"I am what it says I am. I have what it says I have. I can do what it says I can do." — Joel Osteen ([00:24])

Biblical Foundation: The Story of Martha and Lazarus

Timestamp: [05:00] Victoria recounts the biblical story of Martha and Lazarus to illustrate the essence of "even now faith." Lazarus's severe illness and subsequent death test Martha's faith in Jesus. Despite her initial despair and questioning of Jesus's timing, Martha ultimately affirms her belief in God's power to resurrect the seemingly dead.

Key Points:

• Delayed Response: Jesus's evident delay in responding to Martha's urgent plea underscores the unpredictability of divine intervention.
• Martha's Transformation: From despair to declaration of faith, Martha exemplifies how belief can transform hopelessness into hope.

Notable Quote:

"Even now, God, whatever you ask, God will do it for you." — Victoria Osteen ([15:45])

Real-Life Testimonies: Examples of "Even Now Faith"

Timestamp: [10:30] The Ostens share several inspiring stories that highlight the application of "even now faith" in modern-day situations:

1. Vanessa's Healing Journey:

   • Background: Vanessa, a medical doctor, suffered from a debilitating joint condition inherited from her family lineage.
   • Faith in Action: Despite multiple surgeries and grim medical prognoses, Vanessa maintained her faith, declaring, "Even now, in spite of how long it's been, in spite of what I've been told, I know you have the final say."
   • Outcome: Gradual improvement led to Vanessa achieving complete health, free from pain and dependency on a cane.

2. Overcoming Depression and Addictions:

   • Encouragement: Listeners are urged to declare their faith over personal struggles, believing that God can provide strength, joy, and freedom beyond their circumstances.

3. Financial Restoration:

   • Scenario: Experiencing financial hardships and setbacks.
   • Faith Declaration: "Even now, you can prosper me. Even now, you're opening up new doors. Bringing opportunity."

4. Achieving Dreams Against Odds:

   • Example: A young man repeatedly failing the bar exam felt defeated until he embraced "even now faith," ultimately passing on his third attempt.

Notable Quotes:

"Even now, faith, God will move heaven and earth to do what he promised." — Victoria Osteen ([18:20])

"If you dare to pray bold, God made things happen that we could never make happen." — Victoria Osteen ([25:10])

Practical Steps to Cultivate "Even Now Faith"

Timestamp: [20:00] Victoria outlines actionable steps for listeners to foster and sustain their faith during challenging times:

1. Affirmations of Faith:

   • Encourage daily declarations like "Even now, God, I believe you can heal me" to reinforce trust in divine intervention.

2. Addressing Past Failures:

   • Example: Rolling away the stone of past disappointments to reignite passion and belief in God's plan.

3. Dealing with Bitterness and Bitterness:

   • Emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and letting go of grudges to free oneself for God's miracles.

4. Maintaining a Positive Attitude:

   • Stresses that attitude during trials can either hinder or facilitate the manifestation of God's promises.

5. Returning to Faith in Times of Delay:

   • Encourages revisiting and strengthening faith when progress seems stalled, much like Jesus later arrives to resurrect Lazarus.

Notable Quote:

"When you have this even now, faith, God is saying, I can still bring them to pass. I can still restore the relationship." — Victoria Osteen ([22:15])

Encouragement Through Personal Stories

Timestamp: [25:30] Victoria shares personal anecdotes illustrating how embracing "even now faith" can lead to unforeseen blessings:

• Lakewood Auditorium Expansion:

  • Challenge: Initial property purchases fell through despite initial faith in divine provision.
  • Breakthrough: Persistence in faith led to acquiring a prime location free from construction, greatly benefiting the church community.

• Foreclosure Miracle:

  • Scenario: A single mother attending a foreclosure auction prayed for a miracle.
  • Outcome: A stranger purchased her home, absolving her from financial burden and restoring her homeownership.

Notable Quote:

"Even though medical science says there's nothing they can do, even though Daddy had it and grandmother had it, this is a new day." — Victoria Osteen ([27:40])

Theological Insights: Understanding Divine Timing

Timestamp: [28:00] Victoria delves into the theological aspects of why God may delay answering prayers:

• Purpose Behind Delays:

  • Tests of faith to strengthen believers.
  • Preparation for greater blessings that surpass original requests.

• God’s Sovereignty:

  • Asserts that God has a grander plan that humans may not immediately comprehend.
  • Encourages trust in God's timing, acknowledging His omnipotence and benevolence.

Notable Quote:

"Sometimes God will delay in your life on purpose, not only so that you will know that it's his favor but so that all of your critics, friends, relatives, they won't be able to deny the great thing God did in your life." — Victoria Osteen ([28:45])

Conclusion: Embracing "Even Now Faith"

Timestamp: [29:00] Victoria wraps up the episode by reinforcing the central message: maintaining faith during trials leads to miraculous outcomes. She urges listeners to adopt bold prayers, believe in God's impossible power, and expect divine interventions that elevate their lives beyond ordinary expectations.

Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to embrace "even now faith" by:

• Declaring their faith over dire situations.
• Letting go of past disappointments and bitterness.
• Persisting in prayer and positive declarations despite setbacks.

Notable Quote:

"Like Martha, I believe and declare God is about to resurrect what you thought was dead. He's going to breathe new life into your health, your dreams, your finances, your relationships." — Victoria Osteen ([29:15])

Final Thoughts

The "Even Now Faith" episode serves as a powerful reminder of the limitless possibilities that faith in God can unlock. Through biblical stories, personal testimonies, and practical advice, Joel and Victoria Osteen inspire listeners to hold steadfast in their beliefs, trust in divine timing, and expect miracles even when circumstances seem insurmountable.

Note: This summary focuses solely on the content-rich segments of the podcast, omitting advertisements, promotions, and non-content sections to provide a clear and comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the episode.