Overview of Ready To Rise | Joel Osteen
Joel Osteen’s sermon “Ready To Rise” encourages listeners that setbacks, pain, and seasons of defeat are temporary and that God equips believers with a “bounce back” spirit. Using biblical stories (Micah, David, Joseph, the Prodigal Son) and natural imagery (the palm tree), Osteen teaches that difficulties strengthen roots, prepare for promotion, and ultimately lead to restoration, favor, and new authority. He offers practical spiritual steps—declarations, praise, forgiveness, and faith-filled action—and invites listeners to receive devotional resources and ministry support.
Main takeaways
- You were created to be an overcomer: being knocked down is not your final destination.
- “Bounce back” is in your spirit: storms may bend you but won’t break you—like a palm tree, you will stand back up stronger.
- What was meant for harm God can turn to your advantage; setbacks can be preparation for greater things.
- Speak victory (e.g., “I shall arise”) and “let God arise” in your thoughts—make God bigger than the problem.
- Two responses lead to different outcomes: passive despair vs. choosing to arise (action + faith).
- God often vindicates and promotes you in unexpected ways (Joseph’s rise to power; the father running to the prodigal son).
- Forgive yourself; repentance and deciding to arise are necessary steps toward restoration.
Scriptural examples and stories used
- Micah 7: declares “do not rejoice over me… for I shall arise” — used to model speaking victory amid trouble.
- Psalm 92: righteous will flourish like a palm tree — palm tree analogy for flexibility and resilience.
- David (Psalms): “God lifted me out of the pit and set my feet on a rock” — God’s deliverance from pits.
- Paul: “the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead” — the power within believers to rise.
- Joseph (Genesis 37 and later chapters): sold into slavery → prison → prime minister of Egypt; used to show God’s timing, vindication, and how loss can lead to greater authority.
- Prodigal Son (Luke 15): personal decision to arise and return → father restores with a best robe; illustrates repentance + initiative leads to restoration.
- Psalm (Let God arise): emphasis on choosing to let God arise rather than letting problems dominate your thoughts.
Practical steps and recommended declarations
- Declare: “I shall arise,” “What was meant for my harm God is turning to my advantage.”
- Practice praise and thanksgiving instead of worry—“let God arise” in your thoughts.
- Forgive yourself; don’t stay condemned over past mistakes.
- Keep faith active: keep praying, keep dreaming, keep honoring God through conduct.
- Attend a Bible-based church and engage community (Joel suggests Lakewood Homecoming Weekend).
- If needed, make a salvation prayer: “Lord Jesus, I repent… Come into my heart…” (included in the sermon).
Notable quotes & insights
- “There’s a force breathing in your direction… giving you strength that you didn’t have.”
- “You may bend but you’re not going to break.”
- “What was meant for your harm, God is turning to your advantage.”
- “If you let God arise, your enemies will be scattered.”
- “The robe of many colors was simply foreshadowing what God is about to do.”
Resources & ministry offers
- Double for Your Trouble — 31-day spiral-bound devotional for restoration (offer for donors).
- God’s Got You Restoration Duo — pair of inspirational books.
- Double Portion Restoration Bible Collection — CSB Thinline Bible + resources.
- How to request: visit joelostein.com or call 888-567-JOEL.
- Invitation to Lakewood Church Homecoming Weekend.
Sponsors & ads (brief)
- MeUndies — underwear (promo: 20% off + free shipping at MeUndies.com/SXM with code SXM).
- Rosetta Stone — language learning with accent feature.
- Angie (Angie’s List) — find trusted pros for home projects.
- GoToBank — banking offer with TurboTax discount (gotobank.com/tax).
- Opportunity at Work / Ad Council — “Hire skills first” initiative (tearthepaperceiling.org).
Who benefits from this message
- People facing loss, financial setbacks, illness, broken relationships, or prolonged discouragement.
- Anyone needing encouragement to move from passive defeat to active faith and restoration.
- Listeners looking for practical spiritual steps and devotional resources to rebuild momentum.
Final encouraging summary
Joel’s central encouragement: storms are temporary and designed to strengthen your roots. Choose to arise—through declarations, praise, repentance (if needed), and faith—and expect God to vindicate you, bring favor, and elevate you beyond the setbacks you’ve endured. Request the listed resources or connect with Lakewood Church for further support and community.