Overview of God Wastes Nothing | Joel Osteen
Joel Osteen’s sermon “God Wastes Nothing” (SiriusXM) teaches that God uses every setback, pain, mistake and “leftover” in our lives to prepare and position us for His purposes. Through biblical stories (the feeding miracle, Moses) and personal illustrations, Joel encourages listeners to trust God in seasons of struggle, to keep the right attitude, and to believe that broken pieces can be turned into blessings.
Key points / main takeaways
- Core theme: God doesn’t waste pain, failure, delays, or mistakes—He gathers the fragments and repurposes them for good and for your destiny.
- Difficult seasons stretch and prepare you; growth often happens in adversity, not ease.
- Keep the right attitude when life is unfair: forgive, praise, do the right thing, and stay in faith.
- The miracle isn’t what you lost but what remains and how God uses it.
- Trust God’s timing and sovereignty—setbacks can be setups for future opportunities.
Biblical and illustrative examples
Feeding miracle (John 6)
- Joel references Jesus multiplying loaves and fishes and instructing disciples to gather the fragments. He uses this to symbolize God’s concern for what seems like “leftovers” in our lives—broken pieces God will redeem.
Moses
- Born into danger under Pharaoh’s decree, placed in a basket on the Nile, raised in the Egyptian palace, then forced into 40 years in the wilderness after killing an overseer.
- Joel’s point: palace training gave Moses access and education; wilderness training taught survival, leadership and persistence. Both seasons were necessary preparation for leading Israel.
- Burning bush moment shows God calling Moses when he was ready—“You are prepared by your past, not defined by it.”
Personal and contemporary stories
- Joel’s tax problem led to a friendship with an attorney who later helped with a TV-station opportunity; that station’s sale funded church renovations—an example of a painful setback becoming a long-term provision.
- A pastor’s family tragedy (wife severely injured, son dies) later led to the son’s organ donations touching and saving lives; a recipient surrendered his life to Christ—illustrating beauty from ashes.
Notable quotes / memorable lines
- “God wastes nothing.”
- “The miracle is not in what you lost; the miracle is in what you have left.”
- “The depth of your pain is an indication of the height of your future.”
- “God specializes in the fragments—taking scraps and making something amazing.”
Practical applications / action items
- Maintain faith and the right attitude in trials: forgive, praise, and act righteously even when it’s hard.
- Look for lessons and connections in setbacks—ask what skills, relationships or perspective you’re gaining.
- Don’t live guilty or bitter; instead, expect your “burning bush” (a turning point) and remain persistent.
- If you’re seeking spiritual help: consider a Bible-based church, read Scripture, and engage in prayer and community.
Invitations, resources, and calls-to-action mentioned
- Invitation to pray a simple salvation prayer (“Lord Jesus, I repent… come into my heart…”). New believers can request follow-up materials.
- Resource offered: devotional God Still Loves to Heal (and the Healing & Wholeness Collection), promoted as a 70-day devotional + guided journal series to strengthen faith and expect healing.
- Contact/ordering: joelostein.com or call 888-567-JOEL for resources.
- Support/donations: listeners are asked to give to support the ministry; donors may receive resources in thanks.
Tone and intended audience
- Encouraging, pastoral, and testimonial. Targeted toward listeners seeking hope, spiritual encouragement, healing, and practical faith guidance—especially those facing loss, delay, illness, or regret.
Closing summary
Joel’s message: Nothing you’ve gone through is wasted if you trust God. Pain, failure, and delay can be repurposed into strength, wisdom, connections, and destiny. Keep faith, act rightly during hard seasons, and expect God to gather the fragments and make something beautiful out of them.
(Transcript includes promotional segments and sponsor ads for Nature’s Bounty, Angie/Angi, IKEA, Pandora and resources from Joel Osteen Ministries.)