Podcast Summary: Joel Osteen Podcast – "Grow Through It" Release Date: June 30, 2025

Introduction: Embracing New Beginnings

In this inspiring episode titled "Grow Through It," Joel Osteen delves into the transformative power of overcoming life's challenges. He emphasizes that difficulties are not mere obstacles but opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. Throughout the episode, Joel shares biblical stories, personal experiences, and practical advice to encourage listeners to embrace their struggles and emerge stronger.

Main Message: Growing Through Adversity

Joel Osteen begins by addressing the common frustrations and discomforts that everyone faces, such as difficult coworkers, challenging parenting, or delayed dreams. He asserts that these uncomfortable situations are not just random hardships but intentional tests from God designed to foster growth.

• Key Insight: "God uses difficulties, delays, and inconveniences to do a work in us. And if the situation is not changing, maybe God is using the situation to change you." (08:45)

Joel encourages listeners to shift their perspective from merely enduring hardships to actively growing through them. He highlights that personal growth often occurs not during good times but through the trials we face.

• Notable Quote: "Don't just go through it. Upset, bitter, offended. Grow through it." (12:30)

Biblical Illustrations: Lessons from Joseph and David

To illustrate his points, Joel recounts the biblical stories of Joseph and David, showcasing how their perseverance and faith during challenging times led to their ultimate success and fulfillment of God's promises.

Joseph's Journey

Joel narrates Joseph's story, from being sold into slavery by his brothers to rising as the prime minister of Egypt. Despite facing betrayal, false accusations, and imprisonment, Joseph remained steadfast in his faith and continued to do the right thing.

• Notable Quote: "He wasn't just going through it. He was growing through it." (18:20)
• Insight: Joel emphasizes that Joseph's unwavering integrity and positive attitude during adversity prepared him for his destined role.

David's Preparation

Joel also discusses David's early life, highlighting his time as a shepherd despite being anointed to be king. David's commitment to his responsibilities, even when unappreciated, exemplifies the importance of proving one's character before receiving greater blessings.

• Notable Quote: "You can be anointed before you're appointed, like Joseph. You can have the dream, but there will be a time of testing." (24:50)
• Insight: David's experiences teach that preparation and enduring hardships are essential steps toward achieving one's divine destiny.

Personal Story: Overcoming Legal Challenges

Joel shares a personal anecdote about the challenges he faced when expanding his church's facilities. After successfully securing a new auditorium, a lawsuit threatened to derail the progress. Despite initial setbacks and prolonged legal battles, Joel maintained his faith and continued to do the right thing.

• Notable Quote: "I believe, I declare like Joseph. You're going to see God vindicate you and suddenly turn things around." (26:15)
• Insight: Joel's story underscores the episode's central theme—trusting in God's timing and using adversity as a catalyst for personal and communal growth.

Application: Practical Steps to Grow Through It

Joel provides actionable advice for listeners facing their own challenges:

1. Change Your Approach: Instead of merely enduring hardships, actively seek ways to grow from them.

   • Quote: "Instead of trying to pray away the difficulty, why don't you pray God help me to do the right thing?" (25:40)

2. Maintain a Positive Attitude: Stay optimistic and faithful, even when circumstances are tough.

   • Quote: "It's not going to come without testing, without proving that you have the character, the integrity, the fortitude to handle it." (20:10)

3. Trust in God's Plan: Believe that every challenge has a purpose and is part of a larger divine plan for your life.

   • Quote: "God has not forgotten about you. He sees you doing the right thing when it's hard." (27:50)

Conclusion: Embracing the Victory Ahead

Joel Osteen wraps up the episode by reaffirming that enduring and growing through challenges will lead to immense blessings and fulfillment of one's destiny. He encourages listeners to remain faithful, trust in God's timing, and use every difficult situation as an opportunity to strengthen their character and faith.

• Final Inspiration: "Don't just go through it, grow through it. It's doing something on the inside of you. It's getting you prepared for something greater." (28:45)

Joel concludes with a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners to open their hearts to Jesus and embrace the transformative journey ahead.

Key Takeaways

• Embrace Challenges as Growth Opportunities: Difficulties are intentional tools for personal and spiritual development.
• Biblical Examples: Stories of Joseph and David exemplify the rewards of perseverance and faithfulness.
• Practical Application: Change your approach, maintain a positive attitude, and trust in God's plan to grow through adversity.
• Faith and Trust: Sustaining faith during tough times leads to ultimate victory and fulfillment of God's promises.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "Don't just go through it. Upset, bitter, offended. Grow through it." (12:30)
• "He wasn't just going through it. He was growing through it." (18:20)
• "You can be anointed before you're appointed, like Joseph. You can have the dream, but there will be a time of testing." (24:50)
• "I believe, I declare like Joseph. You're going to see God vindicate you and suddenly turn things around." (26:15)
• "Instead of trying to pray away the difficulty, why don't you pray God help me to do the right thing?" (25:40)
• "It's not going to come without testing, without proving that you have the character, the integrity, the fortitude to handle it." (20:10)
• "God has not forgotten about you. He sees you doing the right thing when it's hard." (27:50)
• "Don't just go through it, grow through it. It's doing something on the inside of you. It's getting you prepared for something greater." (28:45)

Conclusion

In "Grow Through It," Joel Osteen masterfully blends biblical wisdom, personal anecdotes, and practical advice to inspire listeners to view their challenges as stepping stones to greater things. By shifting perspectives and embracing the growth that comes from adversity, individuals can align themselves with their destiny and experience profound personal and spiritual transformation.