Podcast Summary: "It's a Simple Thing" | Joel Osteen Podcast
Podcast Information:
- Title: Joel Osteen Podcast
- Host/Author: Joel Osteen, SiriusXM
- Description: Joel & Victoria Osteen inspire people to reach their dreams, find fresh beginnings, and live their best life. Both reside in Houston, TX. More information at joelosteen.com.
- Episode: It's a Simple Thing
- Release Date: January 1, 2025
Introduction to the Message
In the episode titled "It's a Simple Thing," Joel Osteen delivers an inspiring message aimed at encouraging listeners to maintain faith during challenging times. He emphasizes that what may seem impossible to humans is often a "simple thing" for God. Joel draws upon biblical stories and real-life examples to illustrate how divine intervention can transform dire situations effortlessly.
God's Perspective vs. Human Perspective
Joel begins by contrasting how humans perceive problems versus God's view of those problems. While humans might see obstacles as monumental and insurmountable, God perceives them as straightforward and manageable.
Joel Osteen [15:20]: "It's easy to get discouraged and think about how it's never going to work out. But we need to keep the right perspective. God already has the solution. Nothing you're facing is a surprise to God."
Biblical Examples Illustrating "Simple Things"
1. David and Goliath (00:02:34)
Joel recounts the story of David, a young shepherd who defeats the giant Goliath with just a slingshot. Despite lacking military training and armor, David's faith and simple tool were sufficient for victory.
Joel Osteen [02:34]: "All God needed was a slingshot. A simple thing. That slingshot helped David to not only defeat Goliath but it eventually put him on the throne of Israel."
2. The Four Lepers (00:08:15)
He shares the tale of four lepers who, despite being surrounded by enemies, walk towards the enemy camp. God miraculously multiplies the sound of their footsteps, causing fear and confusion among the enemy, thus saving their city.
Joel Osteen [08:15]: "The sound of their footsteps, a simple thing. Those lepers not only saved their lives, they saved the entire city of Samaria."
3. Feeding of the Five Loaves and Two Fish (00:12:50)
Joel highlights the miracle where Jesus feeds thousands with a minimal amount of food. This act serves as a testament to divine provision from seemingly insufficient resources.
Joel Osteen [12:50]: "Jesus took five loaves of bread, two fish, a simple thing. A little boy's lunch. He prayed over it. It multiplied and fed the thousands."
4. Peter and the Fish (00:16:30)
When Peter needed money for taxes, Jesus instructed him to fish. The first catch provided enough money for both their needs, illustrating divine timing and provision.
Joel Osteen [16:30]: "Catching a fish, a simple thing. We think, how am I ever going to get out of debt? Let me tell you how. A simple thing."
5. Mordecai and Haman (00:21:05)
The story of Mordecai demonstrates how a single good deed and a favorable word can alter one's destiny, despite adversarial circumstances.
Joel Osteen [21:05]: "One simple thing, the king reading the right thing about Mordecai. One person putting in a good word for you can take you where you could never go on your own."
6. Jehoshaphat and the Valley of Water (00:25:40)
Joel explains how King Jehoshaphat and his army, facing drought and imminent threat, received unexpected divine assistance. Despite no signs of rain, the valley was miraculously filled with water, leading to their victory.
Joel Osteen [25:40]: "He said, Elisha, this is my Bible. I am what it says I am. I can do what it says I can do. Today I will be taught the Word of God."
7. The Army Captain's Faith (00:28:00)
A captain's unwavering faith in Jesus' ability to heal his loved one without Jesus physically visiting underscores the power of belief in divine simplicity.
Joel Osteen [28:00]: "Jesus said, I haven't seen this great a faith in all of Israel. You can go home. Your loved one has been healed."
8. Israelites in the Desert (00:29:30)
Joel recounts how God provided quail for the Israelites, transforming their dire situation into one of abundance without conventional means.
Joel Osteen [29:30]: "God thought of home delivery way before dominoes. But sometimes we think, Joel, this situation's never going to change. God is asking you to believe in His simple solutions."
9. The Discovery of Goshen Stone (00:32:10)
A modern example where a young man discovers valuable stone on his property, demonstrating unexpected and significant blessings emerging from simple actions.
Joel Osteen [32:10]: "You know what that is? Water without rain. God increasing you in unusual ways beyond your salary as was expected."
Practical Applications for Listeners
Joel transitions from biblical narratives to practical applications, urging listeners to adopt a mindset that recognizes and expects God's simple solutions in their lives.
Facing Financial Challenges
Whether it's debt, lack of employment opportunities, or financial instability, Joel encourages believers to trust that God has straightforward solutions.
Joel Osteen [10:45]: "You don't have to have the most talent, the most experience, the most qualifications. One touch of God's Favor."
Health Issues
In times of illness or health struggles, Joel emphasizes faith in God's ability to heal and restore.
Joel Osteen [16:50]: "Jehovah Rapha, the Lord, our healer, is restoring health back into you."
Relationship Problems
Be it personal relationships or professional conflicts, Joel reassures that God can effortlessly mend and improve these aspects.
Joel Osteen [22:15]: "One simple thing and you'll defeat your Giants. One simple thing and your health will turn around."
Career Obstacles
From lack of recognition to career stagnation, Joel advises maintaining faith that God will provide the necessary breakthroughs.
Joel Osteen [27:20]: "Your camp is filled with quail. In other words, you meet the right person. Like the young lady with the scholarship or somebody puts in a good word for you like Mordecai."
Personal Faith
Joel stresses the importance of cultivating a strong, unwavering faith that recognizes God's omnipotence and readiness to assist.
Joel Osteen [26:10]: "All power is in your hands. You control the universe. So I'm not going to go around worried, upset, wondering if it's going to work out."
Conclusion: Embracing God's Simple Solutions
Joel wraps up the message by reiterating the transformative power of faith. He encourages listeners to let go of negative mindsets and embrace the belief that God’s solutions are not only possible but also simpler than perceived.
Joel Osteen [27:50]: "Now, I believe and declare simple things are coming your way. Supernatural breaks, opportunities, provision, healing, restoration."
He concludes with a prayer, inviting listeners to affirm their faith and open themselves to God's blessings.
Joel Osteen [28:29]: "Your hearts, you're setting the tone for a blessed day and a victorious year. This devotional calendar will help you get your mind going in the right direction so you can live in faith expecting the goodness of God."
Key Takeaways
- Perspective Shift: Understanding that what seems complex to humans is simple for God can transform how we approach challenges.
- Faith Over Fear: Maintaining unwavering faith can lead to divine interventions that resolve problems effortlessly.
- Biblical Assurance: Numerous biblical stories reinforce the idea that God provides simple yet powerful solutions to seemingly impossible situations.
- Practical Faith: Applying faith in everyday life can lead to breakthroughs in finances, health, relationships, and personal growth.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
On God's Solutions:
"Nothing you're facing is a surprise to God. It may look complicated to you, but to him it's a simple thing."
— Joel Osteen [05:10] -
On Faith and Action:
"You don't have to have the most talent, the most experience, the most qualifications. One touch of God's Favor."
— Joel Osteen [15:45] -
On Overcoming Obstacles:
"One simple thing and you'll defeat your Giants. One simple thing and your health will turn around."
— Joel Osteen [22:30] -
On Divine Provision:
"This is my Bible. 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 [17:00] -
On Embracing Blessings:
"It's a simple thing for our God. He can bring water without rain, you may be in a desert, in a dry place."
— Joel Osteen [26:45]
Final Encouragement
Joel and Victoria Osteen conclude the episode by reinforcing the message of hope and faith, urging listeners to embrace the new year as an opportunity for new beginnings and divine blessings.
Victoria Osteen [28:29]: "It's a new year, an opportunity for a fresh start. Time to forget the struggles of the past and make room for new blessings."
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