Joel Osteen Podcast - Episode: "Necessary Endings" | Released June 23, 2025

In this inspiring episode of the Joel Osteen Podcast, hosted by Joel and Victoria Osteen, listeners are guided through the profound concept of "Necessary Endings." Drawing from personal anecdotes, biblical narratives, and practical wisdom, Joel emphasizes the importance of embracing endings as essential steps toward fulfilling one’s destiny.

1. Introduction to Necessary Endings

Joel opens the discussion by acknowledging that life often presents unexpected endings—be it in careers, relationships, or personal dreams. These abrupt closures can lead to feelings of confusion, disappointment, and questioning of God’s presence.

Joel Osteen [02:15]: "We all have times when things come to an end that we weren't expecting… It’s easy to get discouraged. God, where were you?"

2. Understanding God’s Role in Endings

Joel reassures listeners that God orchestrates these endings not as arbitrary occurrences but as strategic moves to elevate them to new heights of their destinies. He underscores the nature of God as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, highlighting His sovereign control over every aspect of life.

Joel Osteen [05:47]: "God is the author and the finisher. When He closes a door, it's part of His plan to open another."

3. Biblical Examples Illustrating Necessary Endings

To illustrate his points, Joel references several biblical stories:

• The Israelites and the Manna (Exodus): For 40 years, God provided manna to sustain the Israelites. As they approached the promised land, the manna ceased, symbolizing the end of their wilderness journey and the beginning of a new chapter.

  Joel Osteen [10:30]: "The manna’s ceasing wasn't a bad break. It was a necessary ending to push them into the fullness of what He had in store."

• Elijah and the Brook of Cherith (1 Kings 17): Elijah was sustained by ravens at the brook until the brook dried up, signaling his transition to a new phase in his ministry.

  Joel Osteen [20:45]: "When the ravens quit coming, it was a necessary ending that led him to his true calling in Zarephath."

• Ruth and Orpah: While Orpah returned to her homeland after the loss of their husbands, Ruth chose to stay with Naomi, leading to her significant role in biblical history.

  Joel Osteen [25:10]: "The people who are meant to stay with you won't leave you, and those meant to leave, you can't make them stay."

4. Personal Story: Joshua’s Journey

Joel shares a poignant personal story about his early career at Lakewood Church. When a seasoned producer decided to leave, Joel was initially devastated. However, this departure became a catalyst for his growth, teaching him to step into his potential.

Joel Osteen [15:55]: "Had that door not closed, I would have never stepped into my potential. It was a necessary ending that allowed me to fulfill my purpose."

5. Practical Applications for Listeners

Joel provides actionable insights on how to handle necessary endings:

• Acceptance Over Resistance: Emphasizing the importance of letting go rather than fighting against closed doors.

  Joel Osteen [18:20]: "Don’t stay where God was. Go where God is."

• Embracing New Opportunities: Encouraging listeners to trust in God’s promise that every ending paves the way for better beginnings.

  Joel Osteen [22:35]: "God never brings things to an end without having something better coming—new relationships, new dreams, new mountains to climb."

• Maintaining Faith During Transitions: Highlighting that faith should remain steadfast even when immediate circumstances suggest otherwise.

  Joel Osteen [26:50]: "Trust Him. With your closed doors, He controls the seasons."

6. Conclusion: Stepping into Your Promised Land

In wrapping up, Joel reinforces the theme that necessary endings, though challenging, are integral to moving into one's promised land—a life of abundance, fulfillment, and divine purpose. He encourages listeners to maintain a positive outlook, trusting that God’s plans are always for their ultimate good.

Joel Osteen [28:10]: "When God puts an end to things in the natural, sometimes it will look like it's done. But God was setting up something greater."

Key Takeaways

• Endings are Divine Ordinances: Recognize that endings are orchestrated by God to transition you into a more fulfilling phase of life.

• Biblical Lessons Offer Guidance: Stories from the Bible provide timeless lessons on handling life's transitions with faith and trust.

• Personal Growth Through Letting Go: Embracing necessary endings can lead to personal and spiritual growth that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

• Maintain Trust and Perspective: Even when immediate sense isn’t found in the endings, maintaining trust in God’s greater plan is crucial.

Inspirational Quotes

• Joel Osteen [12:05]: "Don’t go by what it looks like. God is doing things that you can’t see in the natural."

• Joel Osteen [19:40]: "God is the author and the finisher. He has something better in store for you."

• Joel Osteen [24:15]: "It’s not random. It’s a necessary ending."

This episode serves as a heartfelt reminder that while endings may bring temporary pain and uncertainty, they are often the gateway to greater blessings and divine purposes. Joel Osteen’s uplifting message encourages listeners to embrace these transitions with faith, knowing that God is steering them toward their ultimate destiny.