Overview of The Best Is Next | Joel Osteen
In this message, Joel Osteen teaches that seasons of lack, disappointment, and closed doors are often signs that God is preparing something better. Using the wedding at Cana and other biblical examples, he argues that when the “good” runs out, it makes room for God’s “best.” The core encouragement is to stay in faith, keep a good attitude, obey God even when it doesn’t make sense, and trust that your best days are still ahead.
Main Message
- The best is not behind you — it’s ahead of you.
- What feels like an ending may actually be a setup for a greater blessing.
- Closed doors, delays, setbacks, and disappointments are framed as part of God’s plan to move you:
- from good to best
- from not enough to more than enough
- from running out to running over
Joel repeatedly emphasizes that God does not simply restore things to the way they were; He often brings something better than before.
Key Biblical Illustrations
Wedding at Cana (John 2)
- When the wine ran out, Jesus turned water into wine.
- The host said the usual practice is to serve the best wine first, but “you have saved the best until now.”
- Joel uses this to show that:
- running out is not a sign of failure
- it can be the moment God steps in
- God often brings out the better wine after the old one is gone
The Widow and Elijah
- A widow had only a little flour and oil left and was preparing her final meal.
- Elijah asked her to make him bread first.
- Her obedience led to supernatural provision: the flour and oil did not run out.
- Lesson: when you put God first, provision follows obedience.
Caleb’s Promise
- Caleb spent years waiting after the people’s unbelief delayed his inheritance.
- Even at 85, he still claimed the mountain God promised him.
- Lesson: you are not too late, and God has not forgotten your dream.
Themes and Takeaways
1. Endings create space for new beginnings
- What disappears in your life may be making room for something better.
- A relationship ending, a job loss, or a closed opportunity does not cancel destiny.
2. Don’t interpret loss as abandonment
- Joel says the loss of favor, resources, health, or opportunity is not proof that God has left.
- Sometimes it’s the transition point into a new season.
3. Stay peaceful when things don’t make sense
- He encourages listeners not to become bitter, retaliate, or panic when treated unfairly.
- Instead, trust God to be your vindicator.
4. Obedience unlocks blessing
- God may ask you to do something uncomfortable:
- forgive someone
- step out in faith
- keep a good attitude
- serve first
- put God first each day
- These acts of obedience are presented as pathways to greater favor.
5. Your words matter
- In the closing portion, Joel shifts to the power of confession.
- He encourages speaking faith-filled words because what you say shapes what you see.
Practical Applications
- When you feel like you’re running out, remind yourself that God may be setting you up for more.
- Keep trusting through closed doors instead of forcing outcomes.
- Put God first in your day and decisions.
- Respond with faith, not bitterness, when people disappoint you.
- Speak life over your future, not fear or defeat.
Closing Emphasis
Joel’s central declaration is that God saves the best for next. The message ends with an invitation to receive Christ, followed by a call to continue living with expectation, gratitude, and faith that the next season will be greater than the last.