We Are Victors Not Victims | Victoria Osteen

Summary

Podcast Summary: Joel Osteen Podcast

Episode: We Are Victors Not Victims | Victoria Osteen
Date: October 18, 2025
Host: Joel Osteen featuring Victoria Osteen
Platform: SiriusXM

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Episode Overview

In this inspiring episode, Victoria Osteen takes the lead with a heartfelt message centered on the empowering idea that we are "victors, not victims.” Drawing on vivid analogies and biblical truth, Victoria encourages listeners to cultivate "mental toughness," maintain a full emotional "bank account," and live as champions anchored in Christ. The episode is rich with practical examples and affirmations designed to help listeners rise above adversity by believing in their God-given identity and proactively nurturing their inner strength. Joel Osteen contributes additional encouragement, sharing stories and offering resources for further uplifting support.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. We Are Champions, Not Victims

• Identity in Christ: Victoria immediately sets the tone by challenging the mindset of victimhood, urging listeners to embrace God’s calling as “more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37).
• Boxer Analogy: She compares life’s challenges to being in a boxing ring:

  "Champions have bounce back in them. And God has called you a champion in Jesus Christ. God has said you have bounce back." (03:00)

2. Mental Toughness & the Emotional Bank Account

• Filling Your Emotional Tank: Just as a boxer prepares mentally, Victoria emphasizes the necessity of keeping your “emotional bank account” full through positive thoughts and spiritual connection.
• Indicators of Emotional Drain: Feelings of frustration, overwhelm, and exhaustion signal an empty emotional tank:

  "We get frustrated, we get upset. Everything seems hard. Seems like it's never going to change... That is how you can check your emotional bank account right there." (05:20)

3. Loving Yourself as God’s Creation

• Self-Care as Spiritual: Loving oneself is positioned as foundational to loving others, referencing Jesus’ command to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31).
• Three-Part Being: Victoria reminds listeners that they are body, soul, and spirit, all of which require attention and care.

4. Affirmations and Declarations

• Daily Positive Declarations: Self-encouragement isn’t vanity; it’s “boasting on the Lord.” Victoria highlights the importance of morning affirmations:

  "Can I just see a show of hands of how many people get up every morning and make positive declarations over their life? ... That is not enough hands." (09:30) "You're cheating yourself if you don't get up and bind your mind to the mind of Christ." (09:45)

• Advice to Listeners: Don’t wait for others to recognize your value—be your own cheerleader and celebrate who God made you to be.

5. Practicing Gratitude and Presence

• Slowing Down for Joy: Victoria urges listeners to savor small moments—family affection, daily blessings—which often go overlooked in a rush:

  "Take a minute, breathe it in. Say thank you Lord. Be grateful. Look around, go outside and look at the trees, the grass. God made that for you." (10:50)

6. Tools for Mindfulness: The “Pause Bracelet”

• Practical Reminder: Victoria shares her use of a "pause bracelet," a wearable device that vibrates every 90 minutes to prompt her to check her thoughts and practice gratitude:

  "It reminds me to take inventory of my thought life. It reminds me to pause and to be grateful. It helps me to redirect and refocus." (11:25)

• Alternatives Offered: Listeners can use alarms, phone reminders, or sticky notes to implement their own mindful pauses.

7. Biblical Anchoring and Thought Life

• Scriptural Guidance:

  • Ephesians 3:16: God wants to strengthen us in our “innermost being.”
  • Philippians 4:8: Focus thoughts on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy.

• Addressing Comparison and Relationships:

  • If you’re experiencing frustration or trouble in relationships, Victoria suggests it may be time to “declare who you are in Christ” and quit comparing yourself to others. (13:20)

8. Closing Encouragement from Joel Osteen

• Testimony of Hope: Joel briefly references his mother's miraculous healing from terminal cancer, underscoring the theme that setbacks are not the end—turnarounds and comebacks are possible with faith. (14:24)

  "Just because you don't see a way you doesn't mean God doesn't have a way. Stay in faith. Your turnaround is on the way." (14:42)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Victoria Osteen:

  "God has called you a champion in Jesus Christ. God has said you have bounce back. But how do we keep this mental bounce back? How do we keep this emotional bank account full?" (03:00)

  "One of the most spiritual things you can do is to fill your emotional tank." (07:40)

  "Don’t wait around for someone to send you flowers. Send yourself some flowers." (09:15)

  "You're not boasting and you're bragging. You're boasting on the Lord... You are binding your mind to heaven. And when you do that, you are more than a conqueror." (09:50)

  "If you're having troubles in your relationships... let that be an indicator. It's time for me to start declaring who I am in Christ." (13:20)

• Joel Osteen:

  "Just because you don't see a way you doesn't mean God doesn't have a way. Stay in faith. Your turnaround is on the way." (14:42)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:01 – Victoria opens: “We are not victims to our circumstances, but we are victors.”
• 03:00 – Boxer analogy: The concept of “bounce back” and mental toughness.
• 05:20 – Checking your “emotional bank account.”
• 07:45 – “One of the most spiritual things you can do is fill your emotional tank.”
• 09:15 – On being your own cheerleader and making daily affirmations.
• 10:50 – The importance of gratitude and savoring daily moments.
• 11:25 – The “pause bracelet” and reminders to reset your thoughts.
• 12:30 – Biblical references to encouragement and thought life.
• 13:20 – Addressing frustration as a clue to readjust internally.
• 14:24 – Joel Osteen on setbacks, comebacks, and faith.
• 14:42 – Joel’s quote on God’s provision and staying in faith.

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Episode Takeaways

• Identity: Recognize and embrace your God-given identity as a victor.
• Self-Care: Keep your mental and emotional “tank” full through intentional thought life, affirmations, and moments of gratitude.
• Action: Incorporate daily practices like declarations and mindful pauses to anchor your mind in faith and positivity.
• Hope: No matter your current circumstance, God can bring about a turnaround. Stay in faith and act as the champion you are called to be.

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This episode is a practical and spiritual toolkit for anyone wanting to overcome a victim mentality and step confidently into their identity as a champion in Christ. Victoria’s warmth and Joel’s hope-filled encouragement make it both uplifting and actionable for everyday life.

Transcript

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[Ingrezza Medication Narrator]

Clear.

[Joel Osteen]

Hi, this is Joel in Victoria. Thanks for listening to our podcast and thanks for supporting the ministry.

[Ministry Speaker]

If you enjoyed today's message, why don't you be a blessing and share it with a friend?

[Joel Osteen]

We appreciate you and pray for God's very best in your life.

[Ministry Speaker]

I want to remind every one of us today that we are not victims to our circumstances, but we are victors. See, God called us more than conquerors. We're not a slave to circumstances. We're not captivated by our own thoughts, but we can think the thoughts of heaven. We can literally think the thoughts of our champion, Jesus Christ. He says that we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus. You know what? When I think of a conqueror, you know what I think of? I just picture this ring with two boxers in there. And I think about these boxers and how they have those big old boxing gloves on and they smack each other in the face. And you know what? They don't fall down. They keep on at it. They keep at it. They keep at it because they're champions. They don't go into that ring thinking they're anything less but a champion. Now, if they get knocked down, have you ever watched them? They bounce back up. See, champions have bounce back in them. And God has called you a champion in Jesus Christ. God has said you have bounce back. But how do we keep this mental bounce back? How do we keep this emotional bank account full? You see, just like you keep money in your bank, you wouldn't think about writing a check not having any money in your bank. So you work to keep money in your bank. You check your bank account, you make sure it's going to cover your life, cover your bills, cover your children. We have to do the exact same thing with our Emotional bank account. We have to make sure we're covered. We have to make sure we're strong. See, I think about those boxers and you know what they have? They have mental toughness. They have mental toughness. They don't go in that ring. As soon as they get hit, they think, oh, that's it, I'm out, I'm done. No, they have prepared their minds. They have got themselves in a place where they know they are champions. And I believe too often we're allowing ourselves to sink below who we really are to not meet that standard of a champion. Now, listen, God gave his life for us through Jesus Christ. He gave his son. So we have to attach ourself to that champion mentality. The Bible says we are to have the mind of Christ Jesus, so we're supposed to attach our mind to the mind of Christ. What is God saying about you today? You need to take inventory. About what? Are you thinking about yourself? Are you thinking champion thoughts? Are you thinking weakness and defeated thoughts? You know, just like when you have your car full of gas, it runs beautifully. But when you start to get low and it starts to run out of gas, it starts spittering and spattering and you think, what is going on? You check the gas tank and you think, I've run out of gas. See, we too have indicators of when our emotional bank accounts are low. And that is, we get frustrated, we get upset. Everything seems hard. Seems like it's never going to change. It's always impossible. We don't enjoy the gifts that God has given us because we're overwhelmed. That is how you can check your emotional bank account right there. Are you enjoying the life that God gave you? Are you acting like a champion? Are you overcoming the punches of life? Because the truth of the matter is, life is a lot like that boxer in a ring. You're going to get knocked out every now and then. You're going to get hit every now and then. Somebody's going to offend you every now and then. But you have bounce back. You have what it takes, mental toughness. And I want to encourage every one of us to take the time to fill your mental bank account. You know, I love my kids so much. My husband and my children are the greatest gift that God's ever given me. They're my life. I love them so much. I'll do anything for them. I try to do everything for them. I bug them, I get around them. I want to be around them. My children say, you love me too much, Mom. I love my husband. I'd rather spend time with him, bike riding or just hanging out than anybody else. But if my emotional tank is not filled, I cannot fill my family's tank. I can't enjoy the gift that God's given me. The greatest gift of all. The Bible says it like this. Love your neighbor as you love yourself. Can I ask you a question today? How are you loving yourself? How are you taking care of yourself? How are you building yourself up? You're a three part being, you're a body, you're a soul, and you're a spirit. And it's very important that those pieces go together. God has given you a regenerated spirit to connect to His Word. But he wants your mind to be full of His Word, anchoring you. You're not supposed to be tossed to and fro. You're not supposed to be blown like the seas of the shore. One day up, one day down, one day you're happy. One day you're not. You're not supposed to be like that. God's given you strength. He's called you a conqueror. Listen, if we're going to enjoy this life that Jesus came to give us, the abundant life, we're going to have to fill our emotional buckets, our emotional tanks. You know, one of the most spiritual things you can do is to fill your emotional tank. Now, not everybody fills their emotional tank the same way, but it's a very spiritual thing to do. Because when you're facing the challenges of life, if you're gonna come through unscathed, if you're gonna come through looking like a conqueror, you're gonna have to get some mental toughness. You're gonna have to decide that God is for you and he's not against you. That you are well able to do what he's called you to do. See, there's nothing worse than being in bondage. Can you imagine being tied up in bondage? See, that's what it was like before Jesus. No, you know, there was not a grace, a spiritual freedom like there is today. God loves you and he wants you to walk in everything that he came to give you. Sometimes it's as simple as this. To fill your spiritual account is to remind yourself that you're God's masterpiece. That you're made in his image, with his character, with his likeness, with his strength, that you're unique, that he specifically designed you. You're not an accident. You didn't just show up on planet Earth, but God has the specifications on you. You're lacking nothing. You have everything to accomplish what he's called you. To accomplish, you need to dwell on that. Get that into your heart and mind. And don't compare yourself with other people because the truth of the matter is they don't have what you have. Because you're special. You're unique. You're one of a kind. You know, I believe if you really want to have some mental strength, you have to be your biggest cheerleader. You have to be your biggest cheerleader. You can't wait for people to validate you. You have to believe in yourself. Don't wait around for someone to send you flowers. Send yourself some flowers. We should get up every morning and we should make declarations of faith. Now, if you've come to this church very long or you've been in this ministry very long, watching online or on the radio or wherever, you know that every single Sunday, Joel gets up here and he declares over us who we are in Christ Jesus. He is saying, let's bind our mind to the mind of Christ. Let's connect ourself to heaven, because that's what we are. We are heaven bound. We are conquerors here on Earth. He tells us we're disciplined, we're focused, we're intelligent, we're beautiful, we're smart. We have everything it takes. Okay, let me just ask this question. I want y' all to be really truthful, and I'm not trying to embarrass anyone. Can I just see. And don't be embarrassed if you don't. That's okay. Can I just see a show of hands of how many people get up every morning and make positive declarations over their life? Okay, that's not enough. That is not enough hands. Congratulations. Congratulations, guys. More power to you. Let me tell you something. You're cheating yourself if you don't get up and bind your mind to the mind of Christ. If you don't say what God says about you. See, there is a veneer. It looks like a thick wall, but it's not. It's thin. It's just a veneer. And you have to break through it. Because, see, we weren't taught to say nice things about ourself. We were taught that if we say nice things about ourself, if we say we're talented, we. That we're boasting and we're bragging. But can I tell you, you're not boasting and you're bragging. You're boasting on the Lord. You're boasting about who he made you to be. You're boasting about his likeness. You are binding your mind to heaven. And when you do that, you are more than a conqueror. We have to get up and make these declarations of faith. We also need to decide that we're going to enjoy our life, going to enjoy the peace and the joy of the moment. How many of you just rush by life? We all do. Rush through life. And we forget to breathe in those beautiful moments. When your child kisses your face, when your husband tells you he loves you, when you get that promotion, it's back to work. Take a minute, breathe it in. Say thank you Lord. Be grateful. Look around, go outside and look at the trees, the grass. God made that for you. He made that for you to enjoy.

[Joel Osteen]

Pause.

[Ministry Speaker]

Take a minute, collect your thoughts and realize you were created not to struggle, not to barely get by, but to be more than a conqueror. I bought a bracelet the other day. It was just a funny little thing. But you know what? I've been working on this myself and it's what they call a pause bracelet. It's a little beaded bracelet. On the back of it it's got a little disc. And inside that disc is a battery. And you can set that little disc to 60 minutes or 90 minutes. So every 90 minutes that little disc vibrates on my wrist and it reminds me to take inventory of my thought life. It reminds me to pause and to be grateful. It reminds me that, that when I do these things, it brings an awareness to my life what's going on in my thoughts. It helps me to redirect and refocus. See, we go at 1,000 miles a minute. We're doing one thing and we're thinking of the next thing that we have to do. And so all throughout the day we need to just take these moments to pause, reset our focus, remind ourselves that we're aligned with heaven, that we can't get under out from under the mighty hand of God, that we can rest in his presence. We can relax. You know, you don't have to have a Paul's bracelet like mine these days. You can set your telephone, you can have a little alarm go off, you can set little post its around, whatever you need to do. I encourage you to pause throughout the day and realign your thoughts to the thoughts of Christ. See, God wants to strengthen us in Ephesians 3:16, in our innermost being, that soulish man, he wants it to be anchored, strong and secure in him. It says in Philippians 4:8 it says, make sure you're taking time throughout the day to think of these things. Things that are true, things that are noble, praiseworthy, things that are a good report, Things that are lovely whatever is of good report praiseworthy that Scripture is telling us this. You can find praiseworthy, noble and excellent things in your life throughout the day. If you'll look for them. Amen. If you'll look for them. So if you're having troubles in your relationships, if you're frustrated all the time, let that be an indicator. It's time for me to start declaring who I am in Christ. It's time for me to quit comparing myself to others. It's time for me to understand that I am uniquely designed for this time on earth and that I have gifts to enjoy. And I'm going to enjoy them. I believe if we'll do that, we'll see God's love and faithfulness and we will become more than conquerors. Amen.

[Announcer]

Are you in a situation where you feel lost, afraid, hopeless? Where there seems to be no solutions, no answers, no way out? It's time for your turnaround.

[Joel Osteen]

We all face situations that look like they'll never change. It's easy to get discouraged. I'd love to send you my book How God can take you from a Setback to a Comeback where you'll discover how God can turn sickness into health, lack into abundance, addictions into freedom. It'll inspire you to keep believing and have an expectancy for things to turn in your favor. Recent weeks we've been celebrating the incredible life of my mother. Her miraculous turnaround story of overcoming terminal cancer over 40 years ago. It's a testimony of the power of God's promises. Just because you don't see a way you doesn't mean God doesn't have a way. Stay in faith. Your turnaround is on the way.

[Announcer]

As our way of saying thank you for your gift of any amount this month we would like to send you a copy of Joel's brand new book How God can take you from Setback to Comeback. Through biblical examples, real life applications and practical encouragement, you'll learn to see challenges through a faith filled perspective. Each section highlights a faith turnaround point to help you see a positive change in your life. As you meditate on his promises, you'll begin to see your greatest challenges turn around. These power packed life transforming stories will shift your mindset, strengthen your faith and turn your trials into triumphs. Request your copy today and see the turnaround and breakthrough you've been waiting for.

[Joel Osteen]

God won't let you get in a problem that he can't bring you out of there are turnarounds in your future. Thanks so much for being with us today. Victoria and I pray for you and your family. We sure appreciate your prayer and support. Your generosity is helping bring hope to people around the world. Special thank you to our Champion of Hope partners for your monthly gifts. If you're not a partner, I hope you'll consider becoming one. Remember, you can watch the services online every Sunday morning. Download our daily podcast watch on YouTube, the new Joel Osteen Network Social media. Of course you can listen Sirius XM 24 hours a day. We'll keep you encouraged and inspired until we see you next time. May the Lord bless you and keep you.

[Announcer]

Be sure to request your copy of Turnaround How God can take you from setback to comeback. Visit joelostein.com or call 888-567-JOEL for an additional donation. This month we are also offering the Turnaround Faith Duo, one for you and one to share with a friend or family member to encourage them. You can also request the Turnaround Victory Collection. It includes two Turnaround books and the beautiful set of three wooden encouragement blocks, Happy, healthy and free, each featuring an uplifting scripture. You can request these inspiring resources by calling 888-567-JOEL or logging on to jolostein.com today. Call or click anytime 24 hours a day. Your life is about to turn around. Request these resources today. My uncontrollable movements called TD tardive dyskinesia felt embarrassing. I felt like disconnecting.

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