Overview of The Power Of Encouragement | Victoria Osteen
Victoria Osteen delivers a short, faith-based sermon on the spiritual and practical power of encouragement. Using Scripture (Hebrews 3:13 and Exodus), everyday metaphors (football defensive line, Wonder Woman), and a personal Hurricane Harvey story, she emphasizes that encouraging one another daily both resists the enemy’s attempts to isolate and defeat us and strengthens us personally. The episode also includes ministry offers (a 2026 Faith for Today Planner and study bundles) and several commercial breaks.
Key takeaways
- Core Scripture: Hebrews 3:13 — "Encourage one another daily..." is both a command and a practical strategy to prevent the deceitfulness of sin from hardening hearts.
- Encouragement is active: it “imparts courage” and functions like a defensive line against discouragement and the enemy’s attacks.
- Mutual exchange: when you encourage others you are also encouraged; the act releases positive emotion and resilience.
- Practical encouragement matters: words help, but showing up with tangible help (a broom, makeup, a phone call) can restore hope and prompt action.
- Don’t underestimate small acts: a simple, timely gesture can move someone from despair to readiness to serve and rebuild.
Notable quotes and insights
- “Encouragement means to impart courage — it means to make fearless, make brave.”
- “If you will encourage, you can stand against the enemy for someone else.”
- “It’s not what happens to you, it’s what happens in you that makes the difference.”
- “When you encourage, you’ll be encouraged.” (Victoria links encouragement to dopamine and emotional uplift.)
- Metaphors: encouragement likened to a defensive line in football, Wonder Woman striking the enemy, and a superhero rising to help others.
Illustrative examples used
- Football defensive line: teammates stand together so the opponent cannot score — similarly, believers should “link arms” to block the enemy.
- Hurricane Harvey anecdote: a staff member devastated by flooding was restored emotionally when a friend showed up with makeup and companionship; that simple act enabled her to reengage and help others.
- Biblical references: Hebrews 3:13 (encourage one another daily) and Exodus (Israelites too discouraged to hear God’s promise) to show the spiritual consequences of discouragement.
Practical action items (recommendations)
- Encourage someone daily — ask God to put one person on your heart each day (child, spouse, friend, coworker, boss).
- Use words and actions: not just compliments but tangible help (meals, cleaning supplies, listening, practical gifts).
- Build a defensive habit: make encouragement part of your daily routine and community life to prevent isolation and spiritual discouragement.
- Encourage yourself when needed (as David did) — develop phrases or reminders to reclaim hope.
Resources, offers & contact info mentioned
- 2026 Faith for Today Planner: scripture-themed monthly pages, space for goals/prayers/faith steps, QR links to messages. Offered as a thank-you gift for a donation.
- Faith to Share Bundle and God's Word Works Study Collection (includes NIV/The Message Parallel Bible, guidebook, planners).
- Request resources at: joelostein.com or call 888-567-JOEL.
- Ministry year-end ask: encouragement to consider a special gift/monthly support to sustain ministry work.
Tone and audience
- Tone: warm, conversational, encouraging, pastorally motivational with practical application.
- Intended audience: listeners seeking faith-based encouragement, churchgoers, and supporters of the Osteen ministry.
Short summary
Victoria Osteen’s message centers on the transformative, defensive power of daily encouragement. By linking arms—through words and actions—we block discouragement, strengthen others, and receive encouragement in return. Small, timely acts of presence and practical help can restore hope and enable people to move forward. The episode closes with ministry resources and ways to partner through donations and requested materials.