Overview of This Is Your Best Age — Joel Osteen
In this sermon, Joel Osteen teaches that age is not a barrier to God’s purpose. Whether someone is young, middle-aged, or elderly, God can still use them powerfully. The message encourages listeners to reject limiting thoughts like “I’m too old” or “I’m too young,” and instead believe that this is their best age—the season where they can still grow, serve, lead, and make an impact.
Core Message
Osteen’s central point is simple:
- You do not age out of your calling.
- Your purpose does not expire with your birthday.
- Aging is inevitable, but “getting old” in your mind is optional.
He repeatedly emphasizes that God looks at availability, faith, and attitude, not just physical ability or chronological age.
Key Biblical Examples
Moses
- Moses was 80 years old when God called him from the burning bush.
- Even after thinking he was past his prime, God used him to deliver Israel from Egypt.
- Osteen uses Moses to show that some people do their greatest work later in life.
Caleb
- Caleb was 85 when he asked for the mountain still occupied by giants.
- He declared, “I am as strong today as I was when Moses sent me out.”
- The point: passion and faith can stay young even when the body ages.
Abraham, John, and Noah
- Abraham became a father at 100.
- John wrote Revelation in his 90s.
- Noah built the ark at an age far beyond what most would consider possible.
- These examples reinforce that God can accomplish extraordinary things at any age.
Samuel and Eli
- Samuel was a young boy when God called him.
- Eli, an older man, helped Samuel recognize God’s voice.
- Osteen uses this to show that generations need each other:
- the young bring energy and vision,
- the older bring wisdom and discernment.
David, Esther, Timothy, and Paul’s nephew
- David was anointed as a teenager.
- Esther was young when she saved her people.
- Timothy was told not to let others look down on his youth.
- Paul’s teenage nephew helped save Paul’s life.
- The lesson: God uses both the young and the old to advance His kingdom.
Main Takeaways
1. Your best age is the age you are right now
Osteen warns against constantly wishing you were younger or thinking your best days are behind you. Every stage of life has its own grace and opportunity.
2. Mindset affects aging
He says people often “get old” first in their thoughts:
- talking about aches and pains,
- expecting decline,
- accepting less and less from life.
Instead, he encourages listeners to:
- think young thoughts,
- stay hopeful,
- remain active and curious,
- keep their spirit fresh.
3. Be careful who influences your mindset
Osteen suggests spending time with people who are still:
- dreaming,
- moving,
- creating,
- and living with purpose.
He cautions against constantly being around negative, complaint-filled conversations that reinforce an aging mentality.
4. Don’t dismiss people based on age
He challenges age-based assumptions:
- older people still have wisdom and value,
- younger people still have purpose and influence,
- every generation has something important to contribute.
5. Stay connected to purpose
As long as you are alive, God still has something for you to do. Osteen encourages people to remain:
- active,
- engaged,
- prayerful,
- and useful to others.
Practical Encouragement
Osteen’s advice to listeners includes:
- Speak life over yourself
- Declare biblical truths like renewed youth and strength.
- Refuse limiting labels
- Don’t say “I’m too old” or “I’m too young.”
- Keep your faith active
- Believe God still has new assignments for you.
- Honor older generations
- Treat seniors with respect and value their wisdom.
- Encourage the young
- Don’t underestimate young people’s calling and influence.
Closing Emphasis
The message ends with a strong declaration that:
- You are in your prime right now
- God’s favor is on you at every stage of life
- Your inner person can stay renewed even if your outer body is aging
Osteen encourages listeners to believe for a long, productive, and blessed life, and to live with expectation that God is not finished with them yet.
Additional Notes
The transcript also includes:
- a salvation invitation,
- promotion for Osteen’s resource Pray It Forward,
- and multiple sponsor advertisements.
The sermon itself, however, is focused on one idea: age does not determine usefulness—God’s purpose does.