Overview of God's Face Is Shining On You | Joel Osteen
Joel Osteen preaches a hopeful message built around the biblical blessing “May the Lord make his face shine on you.” He encourages listeners to shift perspective from feeling disadvantaged to believing God’s favor, presence, and supernatural help are actively at work. Using biblical examples (Moses, the Israelites, Psalm 80, Isaiah, Stephen) and everyday stories, Joel explains the practical effects of “God’s face” shining — protection, promotion, healing, endurance — and urges believers to “be a reflector” of God’s glory by keeping Him first rather than striving in their own strength.
Key points & main takeaways
- “God’s face” symbolizes God’s favor, power, protection, and presence — and it is actively working for you now.
- Change your perspective: instead of focusing on lack, “look up” in faith and believe God is your source.
- You don’t have to manufacture favor or success; your role is to honor God and reflect His goodness (the moon analogy).
- When God’s face shines on you you will experience:
- Supernatural breaks and openings (promotion, opportunities)
- Strength and endurance in trials (living grace)
- Peace and “dying grace” when life ends
- Healing and restoration
- Trials won’t always be avoided, but God will shine brighter in hardship (example: Stephen in Acts).
- Persist in faith even when circumstances look bleak — clouds are temporary; God remains the Sun.
Scriptural references & illustrative examples
- Numbers 6:24–26: The priestly blessing — “May his face shine on you” — reframes Israel’s desert fear into confidence.
- Psalm 80: Psalmist repeatedly asks God to make His face shine amid enemies and brokenness.
- Moses on Mount Sinai: His face radiated God’s glory, giving him authority and credibility to lead.
- Isaiah 60: “Arise and shine, for the glory of the Lord is upon you” — present-tense promise that God is shining now.
- Acts 6–7 (Stephen): Even under false accusation and stoning, Stephen’s face shone with God’s glory; he saw Jesus.
- Jesus’ own words: dependence on the Father (“of my own self I can do nothing”) as an example of reflecting the Father’s power.
Illustrative modern stories:
- Joel’s mother’s long-term miracle after a terminal cancer diagnosis.
- Family testimony of father rising from poverty to influential pastor.
- Real-life anecdotes of unexpected kindness or timely opportunities (home sale selling quickly; free sander at store).
Notable quotes & insights
- “God’s face is his favor. His face is the power to endure with a good attitude.”
- “You are a reflector — you don’t have to manufacture the light; you reflect the glory of God.”
- “When you get thrown into the fire, he comes in with you.”
- “The sun is your source. S O N — the Most High God is shining on you.”
Practical application / action items
- Shift your inner narrative: refuse to live defeated by what you lack; “look up” in faith.
- Keep God first in daily life — honor Him in thoughts and actions — so you reflect His favor.
- When discouraged, speak Scripture and declarations of faith (confess God’s promises).
- Expect God to open doors and to work in ways that defy natural explanation.
- If you don’t have a church, connect with a Bible-based congregation and pursue spiritual community.
- For those wanting healing, persist in faith and consider Joel’s devotional resources (see Resources section).
Resources & offers mentioned
- Devotional: God Still Loves to Heal — 70 Days to Receive, Reflect, and Rest in the Finished Work of God (offered as a free resource with donation or via request).
- Healing and Wholeness Collection: includes devotional, guided journal series, and other resources.
- Ministry contact: joelostein.com and phone 888-567-JOEL for resources and next steps.
- Invitation to pray to receive Jesus (sinner’s prayer offered on the broadcast).
Sponsors & miscellaneous mentions
- Ads/readers: Mitsubishi (vehicle promotion), Angi (home services), IKEA (home organization), Nature’s Bounty (supplements), Cosentix (medical product ad).
- Ministry support request: viewers encouraged to give; “Champion of Hope” partners acknowledged.
Final summary
Joel’s message is pastoral and practical: God is not distant or neutral — His face is shining on believers now. That truth changes how you interpret setbacks, failures, illness, and opposition. Instead of striving and worrying, receive God’s favor by keeping Him first, reflecting His glory, and walking in faith. The sermon pairs biblical teaching with modern testimonies and offers spiritual resources for healing and encouragement.