Joel Osteen Podcast: "Time To Try Again" – Detailed Summary

Episode Overview
Title: Time To Try Again
Host: Joel Osteen
Release Date: April 13, 2025
Platform: SiriusXM
Description: In this empowering episode, Joel and Victoria Osteen delve into the theme of resilience and the importance of giving ourselves another chance after facing setbacks. Through biblical narratives, personal anecdotes, and inspirational messages, they encourage listeners to embrace new beginnings and continue striving toward their dreams despite past disappointments.

Main Message: Embracing the Opportunity to Try Again

Joel Osteen opens the episode with a relatable contemplation about feelings of futility and isolation in one's efforts. He introduces the central theme: the necessity and power of trying again after experiencing failures or setbacks.

Key Insights:

• Setbacks Are Not Final: Joel emphasizes that just because something hasn't worked out yet doesn't mean it won't in the future. He reassures listeners that persistence is crucial in reaching one's destiny.

• Divine Planning: He underscores the belief that God has accounted for every mistake and setback, turning them into stepping stones for future successes. This perspective encourages a shift from dwelling on failures to anticipating future victories.

Notable Quote:
Joel states, “For every setback, he's already planned to come back. For every loss, a new beginning. For every closed door, an open door.” [Timestamp: 21:15]

Biblical Examples: Learning from David and Zerubbabel

Joel recounts two significant biblical stories to illustrate the power of perseverance and seeking divine guidance when attempting to try again.

1. David and the Ark of the Covenant

Story Summary:

• Initial Attempt: King David sought to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem with great enthusiasm but failed due to improper handling, resulting in tragedy and David's initial disappointment.

• Lesson Learned: David realized his mistake—he tried to replicate the Philistines' approach instead of following God's prescribed method. This led to his decision to seek God's guidance and do it the right way.

• Outcome: Upon realigning his approach with divine instructions, David successfully brought the Ark to Jerusalem, transforming his initial failure into a monumental victory.

Notable Quote:
Joel reflects, “If David would have looked back at the Torah, he would have seen the ark can’t be carried by animals. It’s the priests who have to carry it.” [Timestamp: 17:45]

2. Zerubbabel and the Rebuilding of the Temple

Story Summary:

• Initial Effort: Zerubbabel led a massive effort to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, facing opposition and delays. After 16 years of stagnation, his project seemed destined to fail.

• Divine Intervention: The prophet Zechariah encouraged Zerubbabel to try again, assuring him that the rebuilding would now be empowered by the Spirit of God, ensuring success through divine support.

• Outcome: With renewed faith and proper guidance, Zerubbabel completed the temple, demonstrating that God honors persistence aligned with His will.

Notable Quote:
Joel conveys, “What God starts, he's going to finish. You may give up, but God doesn't give up.” [Timestamp: 25:10]

Personal Stories and Testimonials: Real-Life Applications

Joel and Victoria share heartfelt testimonials that exemplify the episode's theme, showcasing individuals who overcame significant obstacles by choosing to try again.

1. Achieving Dreams Later in Life

Story Summary:

• An 86-year-old woman fulfilled her lifelong promise to earn a college degree, overcoming years of excuses and societal expectations. Her determination to honor her mother's wish exemplifies that it's never too late to pursue one's dreams.

Notable Quote:
Joel encourages, “Are you going to miss something God put in your heart because you never tried again?” [Timestamp: 23:50]

2. Overcoming Professional and Personal Failures

Story Summary:

• Joel recounts his father's journey from losing his marriage and resigning from his church to founding Lakewood Church. Despite being written off by denominational leaders and facing personal devastation, he persevered, demonstrating that human setbacks do not define one's destiny.

Notable Quote:
Joel asserts, “What will the world miss if you don't try again? That mistake didn’t stop your purpose. God knows how to work all things for your good.” [Timestamp: 27:30]

Conclusion: Stepping into a New Window of Grace

Joel wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of persistence and faith. He assures listeners that by choosing to try again, they enter a "window of grace" where divine provision and support are abundant.

Key Takeaways:

• Divine Empowerment: Embracing a second chance aligns one with God's plans, enabling achievements that were previously unattainable.

• Letting Go of Guilt: Joel emphasizes the importance of leaving past mistakes behind, learning from them, and moving forward with renewed purpose and wisdom.

Call to Action:
Joel invites listeners to take actionable steps toward their goals, reinforcing that persistence coupled with faith leads to ultimate success and fulfillment.

Notable Quote:
Joel declares, “This time, you’re going to do it the right way. Because you inquired of the Lord. God is going to give you wisdom, insight, clear direction.” [Timestamp: 28:45]

Final Encouragement and Invitation

To conclude, Joel and Victoria encourage listeners to embrace their second chances, reinforcing that God is actively working to turn their disappointments into triumphs. They urge everyone to remain steadfast, learn from past experiences, and seize the new opportunities that lie ahead.

Closing Thought:
Joel affirms, “You’re never alone. The Great I Am is behind the scenes, making ways, opening doors, turning things in your favor.” [Timestamp: 32:00]

This episode serves as a motivational guide for anyone facing setbacks, reminding listeners that perseverance, faith, and divine support are key to overcoming obstacles and achieving one's true potential.