Overview of The Power To Obey — Joel Osteen (SiriusXM)
Joel Osteen’s message centers on the spiritual truth that when God prompts us to do something—whether forgiving, changing habits, stepping into a calling, or taking a risk—He doesn’t just give the desire; He also supplies the power to obey. Using Scripture and real-life illustrations (Noah, David, Paul, his father and Lakewood Church), Osteen argues that obedience unlocks favor and blessing, and that faith is activated when we act quickly on God’s prompting rather than talk ourselves out of it.
Key points & main takeaways
- Core thesis: God gives both the desire and the power to obey. You are equipped to do what He asks.
- “Batteries are always included” — the prompting from God comes with the enabling grace to carry it out.
- Activation principle: the power is released when you act. Waiting or over-rationalizing often kills momentum and opportunity.
- Mindset matters: stop telling yourself “I can’t.” Replace defeatist self-talk with declarations of ability and faith.
- Obedience benefits you: God’s requests are for your good — they release favor, influence, and new levels of destiny.
- There’s a window of grace: promptness matters (David ran to Goliath; Felix delayed and missed change).
- Don’t let ridicule, family patterns, or illogic stop you — God often asks for steps that don’t make sense to the natural mind.
Illustrations & examples Joel uses
- Noah: Built an ark before rain ever fell — an example of obeying an illogical command and receiving God’s provision and vindication.
- David and Goliath: David ran quickly toward the giant — showing the advantage of immediate obedience.
- Felix (Acts 24): Heard conviction but postponed change — a warning about procrastination when God speaks.
- Joel’s father and Lakewood Church: Gave funds to another church to finish their building (a seemingly risky, illogical act) and later saw provision come back, debt-free growth, and larger expansion.
- Personal family healings: Testimonies referenced to underline God’s ongoing power to heal.
Scriptural references & memorable lines
- Philippians 2:13 paraphrase/theme — “God is at work in you, both to will and to do.”
- Hebrews 11 (Noah) and Acts 24 (Felix) are specifically referenced.
- Memorable phrases:
- “Batteries are always included.”
- “God didn’t just give you the desire; He gave you the power to obey.”
- “You and God are a majority.”
- “On the other side of obedience is the blessing.”
Practical actions & application (how to activate this teaching)
- Change your self-talk:
- Replace “I can’t” with “I have the power to obey.”
- Pray short faith declarations: e.g., “Father, thank you that You are working in me.”
- Act promptly:
- When you sense conviction (forgiveness, a call, a business idea), take a first step right away to activate grace.
- Small, concrete first steps:
- Make the call or send the message you’ve been avoiding.
- Begin a one-week plan to replace a bad habit; ask God to strengthen you as you act.
- Prune relationships that pull you down; expect God to bring new, healthy friends.
- Sow a seed (financial gift) when prompted; trust God for provision.
- Use Scripture and prayer to anchor your obedience: declare verses like “greater is he that is in me…” when tempted to give up.
- Don’t over-reason: apply wisdom, but don’t let logic alone stop a Holy Spirit prompt.
Calls to action & ministry resources mentioned
- Invitation to accept Christ: Joel leads a brief sinner’s prayer and offers next-step materials for new believers.
- Resource offer: devotional “God Still Loves to Heal — 70 Days to Receive, Reflect, and Rest” and the Healing and Wholeness Collection (guided journal series, devotional, communion blessing).
- Request at: joelostein.com or call 888-567-JOEL.
- Ministry support: Joel’s team invites donations and Champion of Hope partnership to help the ministry continue its outreach.
Final summary (one-paragraph)
Joel Osteen encourages listeners to stop talking themselves out of God-sized assignments and to start acting on the nudges of the Spirit. When God plants a desire or conviction in your heart, He has already supplied the power to obey; the key is to move—prompt obedience activates grace, brings breakthrough, and releases blessing. Whether the call is to forgive, change habits, expand your influence, or take a bold step of faith, act now, replace defeatist thoughts with declarations of faith, and expect God to supply what you need.
Quick action checklist
- Identify one conviction God has given you this week.
- Replace “I can’t” with a faith statement (out loud).
- Take one immediate, specific step (call, pray, give, sign up, remove a negative influence).
- Pray: “Father, help me obey now; I receive Your power to do it.”
- If you want the devotional or support the ministry: visit joelostein.com or call 888-567-JOEL.
Sponsors noted in the episode: Venmo Stash, Nature’s Bounty, Angie (Angi), and TurboTax (app).