Joel Osteen, a pastor spreading messages of hope, talks about God's unexpected favor and blessings in life. Drawing insights from biblical figures, he emphasizes how God's blessings can exceed expectations and open doors. Through personal anecdotes, he showcases that God's favor is bestowed out of grace, leading to elevations beyond circumstances. The podcast concludes with a call to accept Jesus and a message of prayer and gratitude.
God's blessings are not limited by background or past; He provides unexpected favor beyond what is deserved.
God's unconventional ways of blessing may not align with human expectations, uplifting unlikely candidates with unexpected favor and opportunities.
Deep dives
God's Unexpected Favor in Blessings
Jacob's story in Genesis 48 illustrates how God can bring unexpected favor and blessings. Despite Joseph being Jacob's favorite, Jacob thought Joseph was dead for many years. However, God reunited them, bringing immense joy to Jacob. Jacob adopted Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, even though they were born from an Egyptian mother with no heritage of faith. This act showed that God's blessings are not limited by background or past, emphasizing that God can provide unexpected favor beyond what is deserved.
Embracing God's Unconventional Blessings
Jacob crossing his arms to bless Ephraim over Manasseh demonstrates God's unconventional ways of blessing. Even though tradition dictated the oldest son receive a double blessing, Jacob's intentional act favored Ephraim. This symbolizes how God's blessings may not align with human expectations and can elevate those deemed unqualified. God's actions show that he chooses individuals regardless of earthly qualifications, aiming to uplift unlikely candidates with unexpected favor and opportunities.
From Background to Foreground: God's Favor
The story exemplifies how God elevates individuals from the background to the forefront. By showing favor to Ephraim out of order, God reveals his ability to propel people beyond their limitations and circumstances. Similarly, personal accounts of unexpected successes, like a football player rising from obscurity to victory, illustrate God's transformative power. God's blessings, regardless of qualifications or circumstances, can lead to unforeseen advancements and shift individuals from overlooked positions to places of honor and influence.
Ephesians 1:5 tells us that God has adopted us into His own family. Because you’ve been adopted, you’re going to come into blessings that you didn’t deserve and favor you didn’t work for.
Your best days are still ahead, and together we can make a difference in this world with the message of God's hope and love. To give visitJoelOsteen.com/GiveHope.
God wants to release His goodness and favor over you. Now is your time to break free from stress and walk fully in His blessing. Our July offer, 55 Ways to Be Blessed and Not Stressed, gives short, powerful readings packed with God’s promises! Request your copy today, https://bit.ly/4cxwUAz
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