Joel Osteen Podcast

Episode Title: It's Just A Matter Of Time
Host: Joel Osteen
Date: November 25, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Joel Osteen delivers an inspiring message centered on the theme of a “fresh anointing”—God’s supernatural empowerment granted at each new stage of life. Using biblical examples, particularly David and Moses, as well as personal anecdotes, Joel encourages listeners not to get discouraged during waiting periods or difficult seasons. He emphasizes that, just like David, every believer is destined to receive continual anointings and new opportunities, propelling them into their God-given purpose. The message is hopeful, practical, and aims to strengthen faith for what lies ahead.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Reality of Feeling Stuck and Overwhelmed

• Many people experience seasons where challenges seem insurmountable—be it financial, health-related, relational, or professional.
• Joel recounts stories from his congregation, such as a mother overwhelmed by parenting a difficult child, noting that God anticipates these moments and prepares us for them.

Quote:

“God knew there would be these times where we feel tired, overwhelmed, where what we're up against is too much for us... So with every new challenge, with every new level, God has a fresh anointing.”
—Joel Osteen (03:20)

2. Biblical Example: David’s Multiple Anointings

• David’s Three Anointings: Joel outlines how David was anointed three times at different stages:
  • First: As a 17-year-old shepherd, when Samuel unexpectedly arrives (08:10).
  • Second: At age 30, as King of Judah after Saul’s death (11:40).
  • Third: Age 37, as King over all of Israel—the fullness of God’s promise (15:10).
• Each anointing corresponded to a new season and prepared David for greater challenges and opportunities.

Quote:

“God works in phases. He takes you from glory to glory. The anointing on your life will increase as you step into new levels.”
—Joel Osteen (12:55)

• Application: God doesn’t give us all we need for the whole journey up front. Fresh empowerment is released for each assignment.

3. Recognizing & Receiving Your Own Fresh Anointing

• Listeners are reminded not to judge their trajectory by current circumstances or delays.
• Joel encourages faith for “unexpected” opportunities—just as David didn’t anticipate Samuel’s arrival or the elders’ invitation.
• Past anointings were powerful and necessary, but new seasons require new anointings.

Quote:

“You may have seen some of what he promised, a portion of what he put in your spirit. But don't worry, the fullness is coming.”
—Joel Osteen (14:20)

4. Adversity & Favor Go Hand in Hand

• Moving into new levels won’t come without opposition. Increased anointing often means increased adversity.
• Joel coaches listeners to see themselves as strong and equipped, ordained to overcome the giants and difficult people in their lives.

Quote:

“You won't see greater favor without greater adversity... but you're anointed for the adversity. You’re anointed to bring giants down.”
—Joel Osteen (17:25)

5. Personal Story: Lakewood’s “Compact Center” Miracle

• Joel shares how acquiring the former Houston Rockets arena for Lakewood Church paralleled David’s story of capturing Jerusalem:
  • The odds were against them, powerful interests blocked the way, and there were practical obstacles.
  • God provided creative, “underground” solutions—literally building their own parking and power plant.
  • The building’s transition to “Lakewood” mirrored Jerusalem becoming the “City of David.”

Quote:

“With this fresh anointing, God’s going to cause you to capture some things that belong to you. It may have another name on it now. That's temporary. It's going to have your name on it.”
—Joel Osteen (21:50)

6. Further Biblical Example: Moses’ Call & Fresh Anointing

• Moses spent 40 years discouraged in the desert, but God’s calling is irrevocable.
• At 80, God appears to Moses and commissions him with new empowerment, despite Moses’ focus on his weaknesses.

Quote:

“You may not have that ability right now... but when you need it, it will be there. When it's time, there will be fresh favor, fresh courage, fresh opportunities.”
—Joel Osteen (25:00)

• God’s response to Moses’ self-doubt:

"'Who made your tongue? ...The God who spoke worlds into existence... Your tongue is not a problem for me.'"
—Joel Osteen, quoting God to Moses (25:45)

7. Encouragement for the Listener: Receive the Fresh Anointing

• Joel urges listeners to enter the new year expecting growth, vision, and fresh favor.
• The past is not the measure of what God can do next.

Quote:

“God never does his greatest work in your yesterdays. They're always in your tomorrows... Your greatest victories... are still in front of you.”
—Joel Osteen (26:40)

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• “With every new challenge, with every new level, God has a fresh anointing.”
  (03:20)

• “Every season in your life, when you're going to step up to a new level... God will be right there with a fresh anointing.”
  (16:35)

• “You’re anointed for the adversity. You’re anointed to bring giants down.”
  (17:25)

• “The anointing on you will cause you to go up when they're trying to push you down. God will prepare a table before you in the presence of your enemies.”
  (19:35)

• Story of Lakewood church and the “Compact Center” miracle:
  (20:30–23:10)

• “Don't get discouraged because you're in that first anointing, so to speak... You're doing the right things, but you're still out in the shepherd's fields... The good news is there's a third anointing coming.”
  (24:42)

• “God’s about to suddenly release you. You're on the verge of seeing that breakthrough you've been believing for.”
  (26:05)

• “God never does his greatest work in your yesterdays. They're always in your tomorrows.”
  (26:40)

Structure of the Episode (Timestamps)

• 00:00–02:00 - Opening, signature Bible declaration, setup for the message
• 02:00–06:00 - The need for a fresh anointing in challenging life situations
• 06:00–15:00 - The story of David’s three anointings; lessons on God’s timing and phases
• 15:00–18:00 - The pattern of adversity increasing with influence, and empowerment to overcome it
• 18:00–20:00 - Encouragement to ignore discouragement and trust God’s process
• 20:00–23:20 - Lakewood Church story: practical application of fresh anointing and God’s provision
• 23:20–25:50 - Further encouragement, parallels with Moses’ story, overcoming doubt
• 25:50–27:00 - Call to faith: receive fresh anointing, expect God to complete His work
• 27:00–end - Calls to personal faith and prayer, closing encouragement
  (Note: Promotional and giving sections have been omitted per instructions)

Takeaways for Listeners

• Don’t be discouraged by waiting or difficult seasons. Each phase of life brings its own anointing—new strength, vision, and opportunities.
• God’s timing is perfect and tailor-made for each individual—trust that what you lack now will be provided when you need it.
• Opposition is not a sign to retreat, but a signal of forthcoming favor. You’re equipped for the giants you face.
• Stay faithful where you are—honoring God and being your best. The “Samuel moment” comes unannounced, and fresh anointings cannot be forced or fabricated.
• The greatest days are ahead. Expect unexpected breakthroughs, fulfilled dreams, and the completion of long-awaited promises.

Closing Declaration

If you receive it, “can you say Amen?” (26:58)
Joel ends with a collective prayer and a call to faith, inviting listeners to welcome a new season filled with God’s best.

For more encouragement, visit JoelOsteen.com.