Joel Osteen Podcast: "Going From Believing To Expecting"
Host: Joel Osteen
Release Date: December 6, 2024
Platform: SiriusXM
Introduction
In the episode titled "Going From Believing To Expecting," Joel Osteen dives deep into the transformative power of shifting one's mindset from mere belief to active expectation. Opening with a light-hearted anecdote about a woman succumbing to temptation, Joel sets the stage for a motivational discourse on faith, action, and anticipation of God's promises.
Main Message: Waiting with Expectancy
Joel emphasizes the distinction between believing and expecting, advocating for a proactive approach to faith. He underscores that while belief is foundational, expecting crystallizes faith into tangible actions and positive anticipation.
Key Points and Discussions
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The Nature of Waiting
- Scriptural Foundation: Joel references James 5:7 to highlight the importance of patience and active waiting. He notes, “Here in James 5:7, be patient as you wait. Notice it doesn't say if you wait. It says, as you wait” ([04:30]).
- Expectant Patience: Drawing parallels with a farmer waiting for crops, Joel explains that waiting should be marked by hope and preparation, not passivity or despair.
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Believing vs. Expecting
- Defining the Difference: Believing is having faith in a possibility, whereas expecting entails preparing and acting as if that possibility is assured.
- Practical Example: Joel shares a humorous yet insightful story about waiting for a dress to disappear from a window display, illustrating the folly of passive expectation ([03:50]).
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Faith in Action
- Putting Belief into Practice: Joel stresses the necessity of coupling faith with actions. He states, “We can't stop there. You've got to go from believing to expecting” ([17:20]).
- Real-Life Stories:
- Young Man Aspiring for College: Overcoming self-doubt by applying and touring campuses ([11:45]).
- Preparing for an Uncertain Future: Securing a new location for the compact center despite legal challenges, demonstrating trust in divine intervention ([23:10]).
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Overcoming Obstacles and Negative Thoughts
- Scriptural Encouragement: Joel cites Isaiah 40:31, emphasizing that those who wait on the Lord will soar on wings like eagles, symbolizing strength and resilience ([25:00]).
- Personal Anecdotes:
- Tamara and the Rabbits: A young girl's unwavering determination in acquiring rabbits despite her father's initial refusal, showcasing persistent faith ([20:15]).
- Restoring Relationships: A couple's steadfast faith leading to the reconciliation with their estranged son after seven years of hope and preparation ([27:40]).
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The Role of Positive Preparation
- Making Preparations: Joel likens preparing for God's promises to setting a table for an expected guest, emphasizing proactive steps like cleaning, buying flowers, and cooking ([09:30]).
- Examples of Preparation: From furnishing a nursery to preparing for weight loss, Joel illustrates how small, consistent actions reinforce one's expectation of positive outcomes.
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Dealing with Setbacks and Loss
- Maintaining Faith Amidst Trials: Joel shares the poignant story of his father's unwavering faith even in the face of terminal illness, highlighting the essence of expecting God's best despite personal losses ([28:25]).
- Encouragement Over Despair: He advises listeners to transfer their disappointments to God, trusting in His greater plan even when immediate results aren't visible.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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On Expectancy:
“We have to wait with expectancy. We're not supposed to sit around discouraged, negative thinking.”
— Joel Osteen [07:45] -
On Faith and Action:
“Faith without corresponding actions is dead. In other words, we can believe one way, we can talk one way, but if we're not putting the right actions behind our faith, it's not going to do any good.”
— Joel Osteen [12:30] -
On Overcoming Obstacles:
“When you have nothing to stand on in the natural, but you start acting like God's word is true, you start talking like it. You're positive, you're hopeful. You're putting actions behind your faith.”
— Joel Osteen [19:00] -
On Persistent Hope:
“Keep the vision in front of you and stay hopeful. I know this couple. They had become estranged from their son... today I see that young man in church all the time. You know what he's carrying? A Bible.”
— Joel Osteen [29:00]
Practical Applications
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Active Preparation:
Listeners are encouraged to take tangible steps towards their goals, much like preparing a house for a guest, ensuring they are ready to receive God's promises. -
Positive Affirmations:
Using the Bible to reinforce identity and purpose, Joel advises holding up one's Bible and declaring affirmations to foster a mindset aligned with God's word ([05:00]). -
Persistent Faith:
Through stories like Tamara's persistence for rabbits and the couple's unwavering hope for their son, Joel illustrates the power of relentless faith and expectation. -
Overcoming Negative Narratives:
Joel advises dismissing negative reports and focusing on God's promises, akin to Jesus ignoring the news of the girl's death to maintain focus on healing her.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Joel Osteen wraps up the episode by reaffirming the importance of moving beyond belief to active expectation. He urges listeners to:
- Water Their Seeds: Continuously nurture their faith through positive actions and attitudes.
- Make Preparations: Take proactive steps towards their dreams, demonstrating readiness for God's promises.
- Maintain Hope: Stay positive and hopeful, trusting that God's timing is perfect and His promises will not be delayed.
Joel closes with an invitation for listeners to solidify their faith through prayer, emphasizing the transformative power of making Jesus the Lord of one's life.
Final Thought:
"Put some actions behind your faith. We cannot be passive and have God's best. When we're really expecting, we're on the lookout for opportunities. We're doing everything we can to make our own dreams come to pass."
— Joel Osteen
This episode serves as a powerful reminder that faith must be accompanied by action and anticipation. By transitioning from merely believing to actively expecting, listeners are empowered to unlock God's promises and live a life filled with hope, preparation, and unwavering faith.