Joel Osteen Podcast: "You've Been Chosen" – Detailed Summary

Episode Information

• Title: You've Been Chosen
• Host: Joel Osteen, with contributions from Victoria Osteen
• Release Date: July 7, 2025
• Platform: SiriusXM

Introduction

In this inspiring episode of the Joel Osteen Daily Podcast, Joel Osteen delves deep into the empowering message that every listener has been chosen by God for a unique and significant purpose. Accompanied by his wife, Victoria Osteen, Joel shares personal anecdotes, biblical stories, and heartfelt encouragement to help listeners recognize and embrace their divine calling.

Main Message: Embracing Your Divine Selection

Joel opens the episode by recounting a childhood experience that profoundly impacted his understanding of being chosen. He narrates how, at the age of twelve, he was unexpectedly selected to join a basketball team despite not fitting the typical profile expected by his peers.

"I didn't expect to be chosen. I didn't deserve it. I couldn't perform at their level. I didn't come from their background. But for some reason, he picked me. I'll never forget how that made me feel. Valuable, approved, confident."
— Joel Osteen [04:18]

This pivotal moment taught Joel that being chosen often means being selected despite not meeting conventional standards. He draws a parallel to God's selection of individuals, emphasizing that divine choice transcends human expectations and societal norms.

Stories and Biblical Examples

Joel enriches his message with numerous biblical references, illustrating how God consistently chooses unlikely individuals to fulfill His plans:

1. David and Goliath

   • David, a shepherd boy, is chosen to face the mighty Goliath, defying expectations due to his humble background and lack of formal training.

2. Moses

   • Despite his flaws, including a stutter and a complicated past, Moses is selected to lead the Israelites out of slavery.

3. The Samaritan Woman at the Well

   • Jesus chooses a Samaritan woman, a societal outcast, as the first person to whom He openly declares Himself the Messiah.

4. Simon of Cyrene

   • A stranger from a different country is compelled to carry Jesus' cross, highlighting God's tendency to use unexpected people for pivotal roles.

5. Saul Transformed into Apostle Paul

   • Formerly a fierce opponent of the church, Saul is transformed into Paul, one of Christianity's greatest apostles.

"God sees what's in you. He knows your potential. He tells Jeremiah, 'Before you were formed in your mother's womb, I knew you and approved you.'"
— Joel Osteen [07:45]

These stories collectively underscore the theme that God’s selection is based not on human merit but on divine purpose and potential.

Personal Reflections and Encouragement

Joel shares personal stories to make the message relatable. He speaks of his father’s transformation from a life devoid of faith to one dedicated to Christ, illustrating that God’s choice often involves profound personal growth and change.

"My father could have thought God, I don't have much to offer. I don't have much education, don't have any influence. I don't have a family that's honored you. God's not looking at what you don't have. All he needs is what you do have. Willingness, your obedience, your courage, your faith."
— Joel Osteen [20:39]

He encourages listeners to discard self-doubt and societal judgments, affirming that divine approval surpasses human validation.

Overcoming Internal Barriers

Joel addresses common internal barriers that prevent individuals from embracing their chosen status:

• Self-Doubt: Believing that past mistakes or current shortcomings disqualify one from fulfilling their destiny.
• Fear of the Unknown: Hesitation to step into roles that seem beyond one's current capabilities.
• Societal Judgment: Ignoring the negative opinions of others to pursue a God-driven purpose.

"Don't go your whole life thinking you don't measure up. You don't perform good enough, you're not talented enough, you don't fit in. When in fact, you've been handpicked by the creator of the universe."
— Joel Osteen [12:53]

Biblical Assurance

Joel emphasizes scriptural truths that reinforce the message of being chosen:

• John 15:16: "You didn't choose me, I chose you." This highlights that divine selection is initiated by God’s intent rather than human effort.
• Ephesians 1:4: "He chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight." Affirming that God's choices are rooted in His eternal plans.

Call to Action

Towards the end of the episode, Joel urges listeners to recognize and accept their divine calling:

"Don't go through life hand picked by the Creator with seeds of greatness, redeemed and forgiven, but never step up to who you were created to be. Let today be the day you say, 'God, I believe I'm chosen. I believe I'm worthy. I believe I'm valuable.'"
— Joel Osteen [24:37]

He invites individuals to make a personal commitment to faith, reinforcing that accepting God's choice leads to a fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

Conclusion

Joel Osteen wraps up the episode with a heartfelt affirmation of God's unwavering choice and love for each listener. He reiterates that being chosen is not about perfection but about potential and purpose.

"You’re not average. You’re not ordinary. You’ve been chosen by Almighty God."
— Joel Osteen [31:20]

Joel and Victoria express their love and dedication to supporting listeners on their spiritual journeys, encouraging them to embrace their chosen status and live out their God-given destinies with confidence and faith.

Key Takeaways

1. Divine Selection is Unexpected: God often chooses individuals who defy human expectations and societal norms.
2. Embrace Your Worth: Recognize that being chosen by God means you are valuable, worthy, and equipped for your purpose.
3. Overcome Self-Doubt: Disregard internal and external doubts; trust in God's plan and your divine calling.
4. Scriptural Assurance: Ground your understanding of being chosen in biblical truths and promises.
5. Take Action: Accepting God's choice involves a commitment to step into your destined role with faith and courage.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "I didn't expect to be chosen. I didn't deserve it... Valuable, approved, confident."
  — Joel Osteen [04:18]

• "God specializes in choosing strangers. He chooses people that society wouldn't expect."
  — Joel Osteen [07:45]

• "Don't go your whole life thinking you don't measure up... you've been handpicked by the creator of the universe."
  — Joel Osteen [12:53]

• "Don't go through life hand picked by the Creator with seeds of greatness... Let today be the day you say, 'God, I believe I'm chosen.'"
  — Joel Osteen [24:37]

• "You’re not average. You’re not ordinary. You’ve been chosen by Almighty God."
  — Joel Osteen [31:20]

Final Thoughts

"You've Been Chosen" is a compelling episode that empowers listeners to recognize their inherent value and divine purpose. Through personal stories, biblical references, and motivational insights, Joel Osteen delivers a message of hope and assurance, encouraging everyone to embrace their chosen status and step confidently into their God-crafted destinies.