Overview of Seeing Adversity The Right Way | Joel Osteen
Joel Osteen’s sermon/podcast episode teaches how to reinterpret adversity as a sign of promotion, not punishment. Using biblical stories (David vs. Goliath, Moses’ rod, four lepers) and modern examples, Joel emphasizes that big challenges often signal a big future, and God equips people with whatever is needed to overcome. The message mixes encouragement, practical faith steps, and an invitation to accept Jesus — concluding with ministry resources and a 2026 planner offer.
Key takeaways
- Adversity often precedes promotion: “new level, new devil” — big problems can indicate a big destiny.
- God equips you for the battle you’re given; you won’t face a challenge that must defeat you.
- Act on what you know (truths of Scripture), not on what you feel (fear, doubt).
- Small resources, when multiplied by God, are sufficient (slingshot and five stones; 31 banks saying no, then #32 saying yes).
- Keep perspective: don’t let enemies (circumstances or people) get the last word — always add “but You, Lord…” to your narrative.
- Faith steps matter: taking action, even small, can trigger God’s multiplication (the four lepers’ footsteps sounding like an army).
- Respond to illness or loss with faith and peace; God can bring supernatural provision or turn the situation to your advantage.
Examples & illustrations Joel uses
- David and Goliath: small equipment, big victory — giants can promote you.
- Entrepreneurology: 31 banks rejected a businessman; the 32nd funded his multimillion-dollar business.
- Four lepers (Old Testament story): their approach caused God to multiply the sound of their footsteps, scaring off the enemy.
- Moses’ rod: God turned an ordinary rod into a snake and back to show He can transform what you have into what you need.
- WWII Marine and the spider: a spider’s web prevented discovery — God can use small things to provide supernatural protection.
Notable quotes & insights
- “The size of your problem is an indication of the size of your future.”
- “You can defeat a giant with less equipment.”
- “Don’t act on what you feel. Act on what you know.”
- “When we are weak, He is strong.”
- “What was meant for your harm, God will turn around and use to your advantage.”
Practical action items (what to do next)
- Reframe current struggles: see them as setup for promotion rather than defeat.
- Take faith steps even when resources and favor seem lacking — God multiplies what you bring.
- Speak declarations of faith daily (examples used: “I am what the Bible says I am,” “I have what it says I have”).
- Don’t publicly narrate doubts; maintain quiet confidence and let God’s favor shape how others see you.
- Join a Bible-based church and stay connected to faith community.
- If you haven’t, consider the prayer Joel offers to invite Jesus into your life.
Resources mentioned
- 2026 Faith for Today Planner — scripture-driven planner to record goals, faith steps, and encouragement.
- Faith to Share Bundle and God’s Word Works Study Collection (NIV/The Message parallel Bible, study materials, planners).
- Request by calling 888-567-JOEL or visiting joelostein.com.
Who this is for
- Listeners facing big challenges (illness, financial hardship, career roadblocks, family betrayal).
- People wanting practical faith steps and encouragement to persevere.
- Anyone looking for faith-based planning tools and study resources.
Final encouragement (summary line)
Reframe hardship as a setup for promotion: trust that God can multiply what you have, act in faith rather than fear, and expect that overcoming your Goliath will elevate you and prove God’s favor in your life.