Overview of The Secret To Solving Problems | Joel Osteen
Joel Osteen’s message centers on the idea of "windows of grace" — brief, divinely timed opportunities (kairos moments) when God gives you extra favor, faith, and power to change, act, or step into a new season. He warns against delaying when you sense that inward urging, using biblical examples and modern stories to show that timing matters: act when the prompting comes or risk missing your destiny.
Key takeaways
- God opens time-sensitive windows of grace (kairos) that equip you with faith, favor, and strength to do what you otherwise couldn’t.
- When you sense a strong inner urging to forgive, change a habit, start a dream, or lead, act immediately — don’t postpone.
- Delaying diminishes passion and can close the window; God may open another, but there’s no guarantee of timing.
- Faith often comes with the prompting; God gives the ability alongside the call.
- Practical obedience in small moments leads to domino effects that shape destiny.
Major points and themes
- Kairos vs. Chronos: Chronos = ordinary chronological time; Kairos = opportune, appointed moments of favor that don’t last forever.
- Recognize the “still small voice”: not always literal words, but a deep inner knowing or urging from God.
- Timing is critical: right decisions at the wrong time can still miss destiny.
- God gives both the call and the empowerment; your responsibility is to step in faith.
- Discipline and simple actions (bite your tongue, forgive, start) activate the grace.
Notable stories & examples Joel uses
- Personal call to speak: Joel agreed to speak for his father at age 36 after an urging; that single decision launched his pastoral ministry and a chain of ministry developments.
- Smoking friend: A man felt the conviction to quit smoking but kept postponing and lost the momentum.
- Israelites: Turned back from the Promised Land during a kairos moment and were barred from entering later — illustrating a missed window.
- Felix (Acts 24): Felt conviction but postponed change — an example of a leader procrastinating on his kairos opportunity.
- Devon Franklin: Felt God’s prompting to leave a promotion and start his own company; acted and received funding — a kairos moment that paid off.
- Jonah/Nineveh: God gave a 40-day timeframe; people repented immediately and were spared — an example of rapid response to a set window.
Practical action steps (what Joel recommends)
- When you feel the urging, act immediately — don’t say “tomorrow.”
- Stir your faith: pray boldly, speak victory, and declare “this is my time.”
- Start small: take one tangible step (forgive, call, enroll, quit, apply) now to harness the window.
- Consider a focused short-term commitment (Joel suggests thinking in 40-day increments) to pursue change.
- Stay obedient and avoid collecting outside opinions that confuse you; others may not sense what you sense.
- Use resources and community: join a Bible-based church, request devotional material, partner for ongoing growth.
Practical resources & invitations mentioned
- 365-day 2026 devotional calendar (daily scripture, declarations, journaling lines) — available via joelostein.com or 888-567-JOEL.
- "God's Word for Every Season" guided journals — available online/phone.
- Invitation to pray and make Jesus Lord (simple salvation prayer offered).
- Options to watch/listen: weekly services online, Joel Osteen Network, SiriusXM, YouTube, podcasts.
Notable quotes
- “This is a window of grace — it’s not going to last forever.”
- “When you hear his voice, obey.” (Hebrew/Acts-inspired exhortation)
- “You can do the right thing at the wrong time and miss your destiny.”
- “Where God is taking you, you can’t get there on your own.”
Warnings & encouragement
- Warning: Delay and rationalization (“I’ll do it later”) are the primary ways people miss kairos moments.
- Encouragement: Even if you feel over your head, God provides the favor, faith, and strength to succeed — but you must step through the door when it opens.
Ads, appeals & closing notes
- The episode includes sponsor ads (Riverton Chevy, Nordstrom Rack, Lowe’s, Angie.com) and a ministry fundraising appeal requesting gifts and Champion of Hope monthly partners.
- Joel closes with blessings, daily prayer support, and reminders of ministry offerings and contact details.
Summary conclusion The message is a mobilizing call: learn to recognize kairos — the brief seasons of special favor — and act immediately when prompted. Obedience in those moments brings breakthroughs; procrastination risks missed destiny. Practical steps, daily faith habits, and available resources (devotional calendar, journals, church community) can help you stay ready for the next window of grace.