Episode Summary: "Kiss It Goodbye" | Joel Osteen Podcast

Introduction

In this uplifting episode titled "Kiss It Goodbye," hosted by Joel Osteen and Victoria Osteen on the Joel Osteen Podcast, listeners are encouraged to release past hurts, disappointments, and negative emotions to embrace new beginnings and fulfill their divine destinies. The episode intertwines biblical narratives, personal anecdotes, and practical advice to inspire and motivate listeners to let go of what holds them back and move forward with faith and confidence.

1. Setting the Tone: Emphasizing Positive Speech

Joel opens with a humorous story about a senior citizen speeding to avoid a state trooper, leading into a broader message about the power of words and mindset. He states:

"Say it like you mean it. 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." [01:17]

This sets the foundation for the episode's central theme of affirming positivity and faith.

2. Biblical Inspiration: The Story of Naomi

Joel delves into the biblical story of Naomi from the Old Testament to illustrate the importance of letting go:

• Naomi's Journey: Naomi left Bethlehem with her husband and two sons due to a famine, relocating to Moab where they initially thrived. However, tragedy struck when her husband died, followed by the untimely deaths of her two sons, leaving Naomi widowed and bereft.

• Decision to Return: After a decade, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem, urging her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, to start anew elsewhere. Ruth chooses to stay, while Orpah decides to leave.

• Symbolic Goodbye: Instead of harboring bitterness towards Orpah, Naomi kisses her goodbye, symbolizing the release of broken dreams and disappointments. Joel reflects:

  "By that kiss, life has thrown me a curve. It hasn't been fair, but I'm at peace. I know God is still in control." [04:30]

Key Takeaway: Letting go of disappointments and releasing bitterness paves the way for new blessings and fulfillment.

3. Personal Reflections: Overcoming Adversity

Joel shares personal stories to reinforce the message:

• Loss and Healing: He recounts the loss of his father and a close friend, expressing how holding onto grief could have hindered his progress. Instead, he chose to move forward, trusting in God's plan.

  "If I would have brought all the hurt, the questions, the self-pity, I wouldn't be where I am." [12:15]

• Business Setback: Joel narrates an experience where he and Victoria missed out on purchasing a property for their ministry. Initially disappointed, Victoria encouraged him to maintain faith, leading to the acquisition of a better property six months later.

  "God is directing your steps. It was either not the right time or because He has something better." [22:50]

Key Takeaway: Embracing setbacks as redirections helps in achieving greater success and fulfillment.

4. The Story of Samuel and Saul: Embracing God's Will

Joel introduces the narrative of the prophet Samuel and King Saul to highlight the importance of trusting God's decisions:

• Samuel's Investment: Samuel mentors Saul to become the next king of Israel, investing years into his development.

• Saul's Downfall: Despite Samuel's efforts, Saul makes poor decisions, ultimately losing the throne and failing in his responsibilities.

• God's Counsel to Samuel: Instead of dwelling on disappointment, God instructs Samuel to move forward:

  "How long are you going to mourn over Saul?" [18:40]

Key Takeaway: Accepting God's decisions and letting go of futile mourning allow us to embrace new opportunities and fulfill our true purpose.

5. Practical Application: Letting Go in Daily Life

Joel provides actionable advice for listeners to apply the "Kiss It Goodbye" philosophy:

• Release Negative Emotions: Let go of bitterness, grudges, and self-pity. Holding onto these only drains energy and hinders progress.

  "Don't bring bitterness into a new year. Don't bring self-pity, a chip on your shoulder." [24:10]

• Embrace New Relationships: Recognize when relationships no longer serve your growth. Gradually distance from those who hinder your progress and welcome those who support your destiny.

  "If someone is not adding value to your life, making you better, pushing you toward your destiny, you need to make a change." [26:45]

• Affirm Positive Identity: Reinforce your self-worth by acknowledging that you are uniquely created and favored by God.

  "You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are a masterpiece. You have been crowned with favor." [27:30]

Key Takeaway: Actively choosing to let go of the past and embracing positive affirmations fosters personal growth and aligns you with God's plans.

6. Inspiring Transformations: From Failure to Success

Joel shares inspiring examples of transformation through letting go:

• Friend's Business Failure: A friend who faced business failure chose to start a consulting firm after deciding to "kiss it goodbye." This new venture flourished, surpassing his previous success.

  "If one dream dies, get back up and dream another dream. He got his passion back and started a consulting business." [20:05]

• Joel's Ministry Expansion: The delayed acquisition of property for their ministry led to an even better opportunity, reinforcing that God's timing is perfect.

Key Takeaway: Turning failures into new beginnings by letting go opens doors to unprecedented success and fulfillment.

7. Encouragement to Embrace the Present and Future

Joel emphasizes the importance of living in the present and trusting in God's ongoing work:

• God's Continuous Presence: Reminding listeners that God is the "Great I Am," always active in the present, working behind the scenes to fulfill their destinies.

  "God is the Great I Am, making ways, opening doors, turning things in your favor." [29:00]

• Future Optimism: Encourages maintaining faith and optimism for what lies ahead, assuring that new blessings and opportunities await those who let go of the past.

Key Takeaway: Trusting in God's present actions and future plans ensures continual growth and alignment with one's true purpose.

8. Call to Action: Embrace Change and Faith

Towards the end of the episode, Joel and Victoria invite listeners to take concrete steps:

• Prayer Invitation: An invitation to make Jesus the Lord of one's life, reinforcing commitment to faith.

  "Just say, Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins. Come into my heart. I make you my Lord and Savior." [28:00]

• Resource Promotion: Promotion of Joel's book "He Is I Am" and related spiritual resources to deepen one's understanding and commitment.

Key Takeaway: Taking active steps in faith solidifies the journey of letting go and embracing a divinely guided future.

Conclusion

In "Kiss It Goodbye," Joel Osteen delivers a powerful message about the necessity of releasing past hurts, disappointments, and negative emotions to make room for God's better plans. Through biblical stories, personal anecdotes, and practical advice, listeners are inspired to let go of what no longer serves them, embrace new opportunities, and trust in God's perfect timing. The episode serves as a motivational guide to achieving personal growth, fulfillment, and aligning one's life with divine purpose.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "Say it like you mean it. 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 [01:17]

• "By that kiss, life has thrown me a curve. It hasn't been fair, but I'm at peace. I know God is still in control." — Joel Osteen [04:30]

• "If I would have brought all the hurt, the questions, the self-pity, I wouldn't be where I am." — Joel Osteen [12:15]

• "How long are you going to mourn over Saul?" — Joel Osteen [18:40]

• "Don't bring bitterness into a new year. Don't bring self-pity, a chip on your shoulder." — Joel Osteen [24:10]

• "You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are a masterpiece. You have been crowned with favor." — Joel Osteen [27:30]

• "God is the Great I Am, making ways, opening doors, turning things in your favor." — Joel Osteen [29:00]

By embracing the principles discussed in this episode, listeners can transform their lives by letting go of the past and stepping confidently into their God-ordained futures.