Joel Osteen Podcast: "It's Not What You Think"
Release Date: March 2, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "It's Not What You Think," Joel and Victoria Osteen delve into the profound idea that apparent setbacks and disappointments in life are often preludes to unexpected blessings and divine interventions. Through biblical narratives, personal anecdotes, and practical advice, they encourage listeners to maintain faith and trust in God's unseen plans, even when circumstances seem bleak.

Main Message: Trusting in God's Unseen Plans

Joel Osteen opens the discussion by addressing common life challenges that make individuals feel like their dreams are unattainable. Whether it's struggling with fertility, facing financial hardships, enduring relationship breakdowns, or battling health issues, Joel emphasizes that these setbacks are not the end of the story. Instead, they are opportunities for God to work behind the scenes in ways that surpass human understanding.

Notable Quote:
"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 [01:36]

Biblical Illustration: The Story of Joseph

To illustrate his point, Joel recounts the biblical story of Joseph, the favored son of Jacob. Joseph's journey from being cherished to being sold into slavery by his jealous brothers serves as a powerful testament to God's overarching plan.

1. Favor and Betrayal:
   Jacob's favoritism towards Joseph, symbolized by the "coat of many colors," incited jealousy among Joseph's brothers. Their envy led them to plot against him, ultimately selling him into slavery in Egypt.

   Notable Quote:
   "When God favors you, sometimes other people can't handle it."
   — Joel Osteen [10:15]

2. Adversity and Purpose:
   Despite Joseph's hardships—ranging from slavery to false accusations and imprisonment—he remained steadfast. Joel highlights that these trials were instrumental in positioning Joseph to fulfill his destiny as Egypt's prime minister, thereby preserving his family during a severe famine.

   Notable Quote:
   "Your spirit is going to be revived as you see the greatness of our God."
   — Joel Osteen [21:45]

3. Divine Restoration:
   After 22 years, Joseph's brothers unknowingly come before him during a famine, leading to a poignant reunion where Joseph reveals his true identity. This restoration underscores the theme that what seems like an ending is often a setup for a new beginning orchestrated by God.

   Notable Quote:
   "Your jubilant caravan is on the way. Your time is coming."
   — Joel Osteen [27:30]

Application to Personal Life

Joel transitions the biblical narrative to everyday life scenarios, encouraging listeners to view their challenges through a lens of faith and optimism.

1. Health Challenges:
   Joel reassures those battling illnesses that God's plan for healing may be underway, even when medical reports suggest otherwise.

   Notable Quote:
   "There's another report that says God is restoring health back to you. That sickness is not how your story ends."
   — Joel Osteen [11:50]

2. Financial Struggles:
   For those facing financial difficulties, Joel promises that abundance and prosperity are on the horizon, urging believers to break free from generational limitations.

   Notable Quote:
   "Abundance is coming. Overflow is coming. God is going to give you the power to get wealth."
   — Joel Osteen [17:20]

3. Relationship Breakdowns:
   Joel emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and resilience in relationships, highlighting that even seemingly irreparable marriages can be restored through faith.

   Personal Story Highlight:
   Joel shares the story of a woman who, after a 40-year marriage ended in divorce due to infidelity, found restoration. Through a chance encounter at a church service, both she and her ex-husband experienced a spiritual breakthrough, leading to remarriage and a stronger bond.

   Notable Quote:
   "God is a God of restoration and how it's not over until God says it's over."
   — Joel Osteen [23:45]

4. Overcoming Obstacles:
   Drawing parallels to the story of Sarah and Abraham's miraculous birth, Joel encourages listeners to believe in the impossible, reinforcing that God's capabilities exceed human limitations.

   Notable Quote:
   "Don't focus on the deadness of what you have. Focus on the greatness of our God."
   — Joel Osteen [25:10]

Personal Anecdotes: Stories of Restoration

Joel enriches his message with real-life accounts of individuals whose lives were transformed despite dire circumstances.

1. Divorced Couple's Restoration:
   A woman recounts how her 47-year marriage, marred by infidelity and unforgiveness, was miraculously restored. Inviting her ex-husband to a church service led to a powerful encounter where both realized the need for forgiveness, resulting in remarriage and renewed commitment.

   Notable Quote:
   "Chains of unforgiveness were broken in their mind. Strongholds came off their spirit. God began to restore the love, the passion, the joy."
   — Joel Osteen [28:00]

2. Accidental Injury Story:
   Joel shares a humorous yet insightful story of a woman named Sarah who believed she was shot but was actually struck by an exploding can of Pillsbury biscuits. This story serves as a metaphor for how the enemy often deceives us into believing the worst, reinforcing the episode's central theme.

   Notable Quote:
   "The enemy always tells you the worst-case scenarios. It's not what you think."
   — Joel Osteen [29:15]

Victoria Osteen's Contribution: Promoting the Abundance Mindset

Victoria Osteen concludes the episode by introducing Joel's new book, The Abundance Mindset, which aims to help individuals transform their negative self-perceptions into a vision of blessings and success.

Key Highlights:

• Changing Mental Pictures:
  Victoria emphasizes the importance of altering one's internal narrative to align with God's promises, facilitating real-world positive changes.

  Notable Quote:
  "If you'll change those negative pictures, start seeing yourself blessed, healthy, rising high or accomplishing dreams, then things will begin to shift in your favor."
  — Victoria Osteen [28:46]

• Special Offers:
  Listeners are encouraged to request a free copy of the book and a mindset journal, designed to support daily spiritual growth and alignment with God's abundant plans.

Conclusion: Embracing Faith in Unseen Realities

Joel and Victoria Osteen wrap up the episode by reiterating the core message: what appears to be an ending in one's life is often the beginning of something greater orchestrated by God. They urge listeners to maintain faith, let go of what seems impossible, and remain open to the miraculous twists that God has prepared.

Final Notable Quote:
"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
— Joel Osteen [30:10]

Key Takeaways

• Maintain Faith Amidst Adversity:
  Trust that God is working behind the scenes, even when circumstances suggest otherwise.

• Embrace God's Favor:
  Recognize that divine favor is intrinsic and cannot be taken away by others.

• Seek Restoration:
  Believe in the possibility of restoring broken relationships, health, and dreams through faith.

• Transform Your Mindset:
  Adopt an abundance mindset to align your inner vision with God's promises for your life.

• Stay Open to Divine Surprises:
  Be prepared for unexpected blessings and opportunities that defy logical expectations.

Additional Resources

• Book: The Abundance Mindset by Joel Osteen
  Available through Joel’s website and special promotional offers mentioned by Victoria Osteen.

• Mindset Journal:
  A companion journal to accompany the book, aiding in daily reflection and spiritual growth.

Closing Remarks

Joel and Victoria Osteen express their heartfelt prayers and support for listeners, encouraging them to stay connected through various platforms and join the Lakewood family in person. They leave listeners with a powerful affirmation of God's unwavering faithfulness and the assurance that their dreams are still alive, waiting to be fulfilled in ways they could never have imagined.

Visit Joel’s website at joelosteen.com for more resources and information.