Podcast Summary: Joel Osteen Podcast | "Hearing The Heavenly Cheers" (November 24, 2025)

Episode Overview

In this inspiring episode titled "Hearing The Heavenly Cheers", Joel Osteen encourages listeners to live purposefully, drawing strength from the biblical "heroes of faith" and loved ones who have gone before. He paints a vivid picture of a heavenly grandstand filled with ancestors and spiritual predecessors, all cheering us on as we run our own race of faith. Through personal stories and imaginative vignettes of biblical figures, Joel motivates listeners to persevere, aim higher, and realize they are not alone on their journey.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Power of Being Cheered On

• Joel opens with a personal story from his athletic youth, emphasizing how encouragement from others can propel us to greater achievement.
  • “I acted like I was embarrassed, but really I liked it. … I ran that day like I was Forrest Gump. … That day I won the race.” (05:05)
• He connects this concept spiritually, drawing from Hebrews 11-12: believers are "surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses"—the saints and ancestors in heaven cheering us on.
  • "You're not running your race alone. All of heaven is pulling for you." (06:55)

2. Generational Purpose and Fulfillment

• Joel explains that God's work is generational. Many of the promises and dreams of past generations are fulfilled through their descendants.
• He recalls his father’s dream of purchasing the Summit, a dream realized through Joel’s generation.
  • “Sometimes God will put things in your spirit that are for the next generation. You may see further than you’re going to go… God works generationally.” (09:40)

3. The Encouraging Presence of Heavenly Witnesses

• Joel offers assurance that deceased loved ones and ancestors don’t just "float around in heaven," but are actively supporting and rooting for us.
  • “They had their time. Now, this is your time.” (08:45)
• Their unfinished assignments are carried forward, and their reward involves the triumphs of those who come after.

4. Imaginative Illustrations From the “Grandstands”

• Joel brings to life biblical figures as if they could address listeners directly from heaven, sharing encouragement tailored to real-life challenges:

  • Moses reminds us: It’s never too late to accomplish your dreams.

    • “I was 80 years old, thought I was done… God came to me in a burning bush… The best part of your life is still in front of you.” (18:20)

  • Moses’ Mother assures: God will protect your children.

    • “I put baby Moses in a basket and sent him down the Nile River… God is faithful. He will protect your children.” (21:12)

  • Job testifies: God brings double for your trouble.

    • “I know my redeemer lives… Double is coming. God is going to make the enemy pay.” (24:03)

  • Joseph shares: Divine detours lead to your destiny.

    • “I had a lot of detours, delays… God is faithful. Trust him when you don’t understand.” (26:18)

  • Lazarus celebrates: God can bring dead things back to life.

    • “I was dead… but Jesus showed up… Get ready. A resurrection is coming.” (26:48)

5. Your Life Impacts Generations

• Joel inspires listeners to view their efforts as meaningful not just for themselves but for generations past and future.
  • “You’re not just living unto yourself. You’re affecting those that will come after you. And you’re honoring those that have gone before you.” (10:52)
  • “Your loved ones dreamed of this day… The baton is in your hand. Moses is done running… Now all of heaven is watching you. … Make sure you know it too.” (27:33)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The people in the grandstands are the saints of old. These heroes of faith are looking down, cheering us on.” (07:52)
• “It’s going to take boldness, not letting fear hold us back. … Your loved ones are counting on you.” (09:25)
• On personal family legacy:
  • “My grandfather was orphaned … He worked at the Exxon refinery for almost 40 years and never missed a day of work… He fulfills his purpose. He played his part … Now, he’s in the grandstands of heaven.” (13:30)
• “When you hear those cheers from the grandstands … you’ll draw strength and inspiration that will help you to believe bigger, go further, accomplish more.” (15:36)
• To those from broken families:
  • “You wouldn’t be hearing this if there wasn’t someone in your family line that honored God. You may have never met them, but can I assure you, they know you. They see you and they are cheering you on. You’re making them proud.” (14:54)
• Job’s voice:
  • “I know it’s been rough, but can I tell you? Double is coming. God is going to make the enemy pay.” (24:56)
• On present-day application:
  • “All of heaven is cheering for you. I can see Joseph step out of the grandstands. He said, I had a lot of detours, delays. ... God is working all things for your good.” (26:18)

Major Segments and Timestamps

• Joel’s anecdote on encouragement (Track & Field): (03:45 – 05:30)
• Hebrews 11–12: Cloud of witnesses explained: (06:15 – 07:50)
• Generational purpose and his father’s unfulfilled dream: (09:15 – 11:05)
• Personal family example (grandfather’s faithfulness): (13:20 – 14:30)
• Addressing listeners without a faith background: (14:45 – 15:25)
• Imagined “grandstand” conversations:
  • Moses (Never too late): (18:20 – 20:10)
  • Moses’ Mother (Protecting children): (21:12 – 23:40)
  • Job (Double for trouble): (24:03 – 25:30)
  • Joseph (Divine detours): (26:18 – 26:48)
  • Lazarus (Resurrection power): (26:48 – 27:20)
• Closing charge: Hearing heaven’s cheers for you: (27:20 – 27:50)

Final Encouragements

• “You’re not in this race alone … All of heaven is cheering for you. The baton’s in your hand. Now all of heaven is watching you. The good news is they know you have what it takes.” (27:34)
• Joel prays a blessing over listeners, encouraging them to step into their destiny empowered by generations before.

Summary Takeaway:
Joel Osteen’s “Hearing The Heavenly Cheers” invites listeners to see themselves as part of a great continuum of faith, cheered on by generations of saints and loved ones. Through vivid stories and encouragement, Joel exhorts us to persevere, believe bigger, and realize that our victories are shared and celebrated beyond what we can see.

For more messages like this, subscribe to the Joel Osteen Podcast or visit joelosteen.com.