Podcast Summary: Joel Osteen Podcast
Episode: Mountains Turned to Mole Hills | Joel Osteen
Date: November 16, 2025
Host: Joel Osteen, SiriusXM
Episode Overview
In this message, "Mountains Turned to Mole Hills," Joel Osteen inspires listeners to maintain faith in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Drawing on scripture, personal testimony, and real-life stories, Osteen emphasizes that what looks impossible to humans is possible for God, encouraging believers to expect mountains in their lives to be reduced to molehills by God's power and favor.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Redefining Mountains and Molehills
- Joel opens by referencing the common phrase “Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill,” but flips it, addressing real “mountains” in life—serious challenges like bad medical reports, family crises, and financial setbacks.
- Quote:
“But there are times in life that we face mountains…These are true mountains and obstacles that look insurmountable.”
—Joel Osteen (03:04)
2. Scriptural Foundation: Zerubbabel's Mountain
- Joel shares the story of Zerubbabel, who, faced with overwhelming opposition in rebuilding Jerusalem’s temple, is reassured by the prophet Zechariah:
“Who are you, O great mountain that would stand before Zerubbabel? You shall become a plain, a mere molehill.”
—Joel Osteen (03:44) - Interpretation: God is in the business of “flattening out what looks impossible” and encourages listeners to confront their mountains with faith.
3. Declaring Faith Over Fear
- Joel urges not to “talk to God about how big your mountain is,” but instead, “talk to your mountain about how big your God is.”
- Quote:
“Mountain, you cannot stay in my life…My God is a mountain mover!”
—Joel Osteen (05:00)
4. God Reveals His Glory Through Our Obstacles
- Sometimes mountains in life exist so God's power and glory can be evident to others. Osteen emphasizes this as both a test of faith and an opportunity for testimony.
- Quote:
“That mountain you’re facing is setting you up for God to show out in your life. When the hills become a plain, the glory of the Lord will be revealed.”
—Joel Osteen (10:01)
5. Testimonies of Mountains Turned to Molehills
- Story of the Triplets: A couple’s premature triplets faced life-threatening circumstances and generated $2 million in medical bills. God not only healed the children but the hospital forgave the entire debt.
— (13:21) - Osteen Family Testimony: Joel recounts his mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis—declared permanent by doctors. Her unwavering faith resulted in 40 years of perfect health.
“She always talked about how big our God is…there was no way in the natural, but our God is supernatural.”
—Joel Osteen (17:01) - Lakewood Church/Compact Center: Acquiring their current church property seemed impossible against corporate competitors but was accomplished through persistent faith and supernatural favor.
— (19:02)
6. Biblical Principles and Encouragements
-
Just a Mustard Seed of Faith
“You don’t have to have great faith…if you just have a little faith…that’s all God needs to work with.”
—Joel Osteen (19:51) -
Don’t Give Up on Delayed Dreams:
“God doesn’t abort dreams. You may have given up, but God still has every intention of bringing it to pass.”
—Joel Osteen (22:41) -
Key Scripture Citations:
7. Speaking Life and Faith
- Joel underscores the importance of what we say during trials—whether we focus on the size of the mountain or the size of our God (26:01).
8. God as Defender and Deliverer
- God becomes an enemy to what opposes His people, promising to knock down every mountain that stands in their way (28:03).
- Cites Saul/Paul’s story as an example of God overturning opposition in miraculous ways (29:01).
9. Application: Personal Declarations & Final Encouragement
- Listeners are encouraged to maintain hope, keep a positive confession, and trust God for miracles.
- Quote:
“I believe declare God’s about to deliver some knockout punches. He’s going to flatten out everything hindering you. Every mountain turn to a molehill.”
—Joel Osteen (31:01)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
"Don’t talk to God about how big your mountain is. Talk to your mountain about how big your God is."
—Joel Osteen (05:00) -
"You don’t have to have great faith. If you just have a little faith…that’s all God needs to work with."
—Joel Osteen (19:51) -
"God doesn’t abort dreams…you may have given up, but God still has every intention of bringing it to pass."
—Joel Osteen (22:41) -
"God will be the enemy to your enemies. He will bring every high thing low."
—Joel Osteen (28:03) -
"When you believe, the Creator of the universe goes to work. Angels are dispatched. Miracles set into motion."
—Joel Osteen (25:41)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [03:04] — Establishing mountains in life and scriptural context
- [05:00] — Speaking to your mountain; declaration of faith
- [10:01] — God revealing glory through obstacles
- [13:21] — Testimony: Couple with triplets and miraculous debt relief
- [17:01] — Testimony: Joel’s mother’s healing from cancer
- [19:51] — Faith like a mustard seed moves mountains
- [22:41] — God doesn't abort dreams; the story of Zerubbabel
- [24:11] — Zechariah’s proclamation: mountains will be leveled
- [27:01] — Jeremiah: God's promise to fight for His people
- [29:01] — Saul’s conversion and God overturning opposition
- [31:01] — Final encouragement: declare God’s knockout punch is coming
Flow and Tone
Joel Osteen’s language is uplifting, faith-filled, and personable. He engages listeners with relatable anecdotes, scriptural encouragement, and declarations designed to motivate listeners not to give in to discouragement or fear.
Conclusion
Osteen’s message is clear: No matter how immovable the obstacles in your life seem, God specializes in bringing mountains down to molehills. Faith—even as small as a mustard seed—invites the supernatural power of God to move in your situations. Listeners are urged to stay hopeful, speak life, and trust that the best is yet to come.
If you receive it, can you say Amen?