Summary of Mountains Turned to Mole Hills | Joel Osteen

Overview of Mountains Turned to Mole Hills | Joel Osteen

Joel Osteen’s message “Mountains Turned to Mole Hills” (SiriusXM) encourages listeners to trust God when facing seemingly insurmountable problems—illness, debt, failed plans, family struggles or opposition—and to expect God to “flatten” those mountains so His glory is revealed. Drawing on biblical examples (Zerubbabel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, David, Saul/Paul) and contemporary stories, Osteen emphasizes faith (even the size of a mustard seed), positive declaration, perseverance, and the posture of speaking to obstacles about how big God is rather than dwelling on the problem.

Key themes and main points

• God turns mountains into molehills

  • Mountains symbolize real, daunting obstacles; God can flatten them and remove barriers to your destiny.
  • When God acts, the outcome often defies natural explanation.

• Change your focus: talk to your mountain, not to God about the mountain

  • Instead of rehearsing the problem, declare God’s power over it: “Mountain, you cannot stay in my life; you cannot stop my purpose.”

• Faith posture matters

  • A little faith (a mustard seed) is enough for God to move mountains.
  • Keep thanking God, declaring outcomes, and believing even when circumstances look bleak.

• Mountains can be opportunities for God’s glory

  • Difficulties may be allowed so that God’s power is displayed and others see His favor.

• God fights on your behalf

  • God becomes “an enemy” to whatever opposes you—He is portrayed as delivering a knockout punch to obstacles and adversaries.

Illustrative stories and biblical examples

• Zerubbabel and the halted temple rebuild (Zechariah): Opposition and a legal decree stopped the work for years; God’s promise revived Zerubbabel’s faith and the temple was completed.
• Family with premature triplets: $2M hospital bill later forgiven by the hospital—example of God turning a financial mountain into a molehill.
• Joel Osteen’s mother: Diagnosed terminally, recovered and became a testimony for 40 years—example of healing and long-term testimony.
• Joel’s building acquisition: Faced a powerful corporate opponent; through persistent faith and supernatural changes, they obtained the property.
• Young med-school applicant: Repeated rejections led to an unexpected path—accepted into military medical school with full scholarship and stipend.
• David and Goliath: David’s sling as a “knockout punch” metaphor for God’s power over giants.
• Saul’s conversion (Acts 9): The greatest enemy becomes a leading proclaimer—illustrates God’s power to transform opposition.

Scripture cited (highlights)

• Zechariah (to Zerubbabel): “Who are you, O great mountain... You shall become a plain, a mere molehill.”
• Isaiah 40: Hills become a plain; rough places smooth—God’s glory revealed.
• Jeremiah: God as enemy to the high mountain—He will bring it down to rubble.
• Acts 9: Saul’s encounter/knockout encounter with Christ.

Notable quotes

• “Don't talk to God about how big your mountain is. Talk to your mountain about how big your God is.”
• “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed… you can see mountains move.”
• “God is an enemy to your enemies.”
• “That mountain that used to block you, you're going to walk on top of it.”

Practical takeaways / Action items

• Shift language and focus: Stop rehearsing the problem; declare God’s greatness and speak to the obstacle.
• Exercise mustard-seed faith: Small, consistent faith + thanksgiving can activate God’s intervention.
• Persevere: Don’t give up after delays or setbacks—God may be positioning you for a greater display.
• Allow others to speak faith into you when discouraged; community and encouragement matter.
• Use scripture and declarations to reframe fearful thoughts (e.g., Isaiah 40 promises).

Who this message is for

• Anyone facing long-term challenges—health crises, financial burdens, stalled dreams, family problems, or opposition.
• People seeking practical spiritual steps to move from fear to faith and to expect breakthrough.

Resources & closing notes

• Osteen offers a short salvation prayer and follow-up materials for new believers.
• Promotional mention: Joel’s book No More Fear, You Have the Mind of Christ (helps replace fear with faith); ministry resources and study materials are available via joelosteen.com and the ministry phone line.

Final encouragement: Keep believing, speak faith-filled declarations, and expect God to “flatten” the obstacles so His glory and favor are revealed in your life. Amen.