Joel Osteen Podcast: Episode Summary – "Recognize What You Have"

Episode Details:

• Title: Recognize What You Have
• Host: Joel Osteen
• Release Date: December 26, 2024
• Platform: SiriusXM

Introduction

In the "Recognize What You Have" episode of the Joel Osteen Podcast, Joel and Victoria Osteen delve into the powerful theme of acknowledging and utilizing the resources and blessings already present in one's life. Emphasizing the importance of faith and perception, the Ostens encourage listeners to shift their focus from what they lack to what they possess, illustrating how God can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Opening Anecdote

Joel begins the episode with a humorous yet insightful story about a new pastor who leaves his business card with a scripture reference, only to have it returned with a different verse from the Bible. This anecdote sets the tone for the episode, highlighting the importance of understanding and interpreting what one already has rather than seeking something beyond reach.

Notable Quote:

• "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." [01:33]

Main Theme: Utilizing What You Have

Joel elaborates on the central theme by urging listeners to recognize and leverage the resources and opportunities already within their grasp. He emphasizes that God's blessings are often found close to us and that by valuing and using what we have, we can achieve remarkable outcomes.

Key Points:

• Faith in the Ordinary: God often uses the ordinary to accomplish extraordinary tasks.
• Proximity of Blessings: The solutions and opportunities we seek are frequently right in front of us.
• Divine Multiplication: When we act with faith using our existing resources, God multiplies our efforts beyond our expectations.

Biblical Examples

Joel reinforces his message by referencing several biblical stories where God used simple tools to achieve greatness.

1. David and Goliath:

   • Example: David used a slingshot and five stones to defeat Goliath.
   • Insight: Despite seeming unprepared, David's faith in his simple tools and God’s power led to victory.
   • Notable Quote: "David recognized what he had. He knew those stones, that slingshot. Even though they were ordinary, when he placed them in God's hands, they would become extraordinary." [04:15]

2. Moses and the Stick:

   • Example: Moses held up a simple stick to part the Red Sea.
   • Insight: By using what he had, God performed a miraculous act.
   • Notable Quote: "If you'll do the ordinary, then God will do the extraordinary." [07:45]

3. Samson and the Jawbone:

   • Example: Samson used the jawbone of a donkey to defeat 1,000 Philistines.
   • Insight: Even with minimal resources, Samson's faith empowered him to overcome formidable odds.
   • Notable Quote: "With the anointing of the most high God, you will go further than someone that has exceptional talent." [12:30]

Personal Stories and Testimonials

Joel shares inspiring stories of individuals who achieved greatness by recognizing and utilizing their existing resources.

1. Friend’s Business Journey:

   • Story: A friend faced rejection from 31 banks when seeking a loan for his business. Undeterred, he used his limited funds to start the business, secured a significant contract from his first client, and eventually obtained the needed funding from a bank after proving his concept.
   • Outcome: The business grew into a multimillion-dollar enterprise.
   • Notable Quote: "He defeated a giant with less equipment by recognizing what he had and taking steps of faith to use it." [18:20]

2. Scrap Metal Business Family:

   • Story: A family involved in scrap metal discovered that their inexpensive batteries contained valuable silver. This unexpected find transformed their modest business into a highly profitable venture.
   • Insight: Sometimes, the treasures we seek are hidden within what we already possess.
   • Notable Quote: "What God has given you is not lead, it's silver. It's going to thrust you to a new level." [23:10]

3. Attorney Turned Sports Agent:

   • Story: An attorney without connections in the sports industry expressed his dream of becoming a sports agent. Through a chance conversation at the gym, he connected with a key individual whose nephew was a top college basketball player, leading to his successful career as a leading sports agent.
   • Insight: The right people are often already present in our lives, waiting to be recognized and utilized.
   • Notable Quote: "God has placed people in your life that he's ordained to be instrumental." [20:45]

Lessons and Encouragement

Joel distills the shared stories into actionable lessons for listeners:

• Focus on Present Resources: Instead of yearning for what you don't have, assess and appreciate what is already available to you.
• Act with Faith: Taking inspired action using your current resources can lead to divine multiplication and unexpected blessings.
• Recognize Divine Opportunity: God's plans often involve using what you have in your possession to fulfill your destiny.

Notable Quote:

• "Everything you need to fulfill your destiny is within reach." [26:00]

Conclusion and Affirmation

Concluding the episode, Joel reinforces the power of recognizing and utilizing one's current resources. He encourages listeners to rise above excuses, embrace their God-given tools, and step confidently into their destinies with faith.

Final Affirmation:

• "Like David, you will defeat giants with less equipment. You're going to overcome obstacles that look insurmountable. You're going to accomplish dreams that you thought were impossible." [28:30]

Joel invites listeners to pray and commit to their faith journey, emphasizing that with God’s support, they can achieve extraordinary things using what they already possess.

Call to Action:

• Embrace and utilize your existing resources.
• Maintain faith in God's ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
• Recognize and connect with the right people and opportunities already in your life.

Additional Content

Towards the end of the episode, Victoria Osteen introduces the "More to Imagine 2025 Planner," designed to help listeners document their dreams, goals, and daily inspirations. Joel and Victoria also express gratitude for listener support and encourage continued engagement through various platforms, including online services and the new Joel Osteen streaming television network.

Overall Summary: In "Recognize What You Have," Joel Osteen eloquently conveys that true success and fulfillment stem from appreciating and leveraging the resources already available to us. Through biblical stories, personal testimonials, and motivational insights, Joel inspires listeners to shift their perspective, act with faith, and trust in God's ability to amplify their efforts, ultimately achieving remarkable outcomes with what they already possess.