Joel Scott Osteen is an American televangelist, pastor, and author. His work inspires millions of people all over the world through live, online, and televised church services alike.
He is born in Houston, Texas, and is one of the six children of a Southern Baptist pastor. Osteen also studied television and radio communications but did not graduate and did not receive a degree. He then returned to Houston and founded Lakewood Church’s television program, where he produced his father’s televised sermons for 17 years.
Although his father encouraged him to preach for many years, he declined and preferred to work behind the scenes instead. However, in 1999, he finally accepted his father’s advice and preached his first sermon. Unfortunately, six days later, his father died of a heart attack. Weeks after, Osteen began preaching regularly and later that year he was appointed as the new senior pastor of Lakewood Church.
Today, Joel Osteen is one of the most watched evangelists in America. His sermons are streamed live on the internet and broadcast by television. His messages continue to inspire and touch people’s lives. We have collected some of the most notable Joel Osteen quotes and sayings that show his thoughts and views regarding life, faith, and more.
Table of Contents
Joel Osteen’s Most Famous Quotes
These are the sayings everyone associates with Osteen—short, memorable, and endlessly shareable.
“You may make some mistakes—but that doesn’t make you a sinner. You’ve got the very nature of God on the inside of you.”
—From a Sunday sermon, Lakewood Church
This quote reminds us not to be defined by our mistakes. Osteen’s message is that your core identity is rooted in goodness, not failure.
“Choosing to be positive and having a grateful attitude is going to determine how you’re going to live your life.”
—From his book “Your Best Life Now” (2004)
Osteen is a firm believer that attitude shapes destiny, and gratitude is always the best starting point.
“You can change your world by changing your words… Remember, death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
—From a televised message
Osteen often emphasizes the creative power of language—what you say is what you live.
Quotes on Faith and Trusting God
Osteen’s faith-first mindset shines in these quotes, perfect for when you need encouragement to trust the journey.
“Faith activates God—fear activates the enemy.”
—From “The Power of I Am” (2015)
Every decision is powered either by faith or fear. Osteen urges us to choose faith, knowing it brings positive change.
“God didn’t bring you this far to leave you.”
—Popular sermon refrain
This classic line reassures readers that even in uncertainty, they’re never abandoned.
“When you focus on being a blessing, God makes sure that you are always blessed in abundance.”
—From “Become a Better You” (2007)
Serving others is at the core of Osteen’s teaching, promising that generosity always comes back around.
Quotes on Hope & Positivity
When life feels overwhelming, these Osteen quotes can help restore hope and optimism.
“You must make a decision that you are going to move on. It won’t happen automatically.”
—From “Your Best Life Now” (2004)
Healing and hope are active choices. Osteen reminds us that change begins with a decision.
“Difficulties are a setup for God to do something greater.”
—Televised message
This perspective reframes adversity as the start of something amazing, not the end.
“You have to come to your closed doors before you get to your open doors… What if you knew you had to go through 32 closed doors to get to your open door? Well, then you’d come to door number 8 and you’d think, ‘Great, one step closer!’”
—From “The Power of I Am” (2015)
Persistence pays off—every setback is just part of the process.
Quotes on Overcoming Challenges
These are Osteen’s best words for getting back up and moving forward, no matter what.
“The enemy wouldn’t be attacking you if something valuable wasn’t inside of you. Thieves don’t break into empty houses.”
—From “I Declare” (2012)
If you’re facing resistance, it’s a sign you have value. Osteen reframes struggle as proof of potential.
“You are not defined by your past. You are prepared by your past.”
—From “Become a Better You” (2007)
Mistakes don’t define you—they equip you for the future.
“Don’t just accept whatever comes your way. You were born to win; you were born for greatness.”
—Sermon quote
Osteen champions the idea that your circumstances don’t limit your destiny.
Quotes on Purpose & Self-Belief
For those searching for direction or confidence, these lines pack a motivational punch.
“You are strong, blessed, and favored.”
—Lakewood Church message
Affirming your worth is a key step to living a purpose-filled life.
“God has already lined up the right people, the right opportunities, and solutions to problems you haven’t had yet.”
—From “The Power of I Am” (2015)
Trust that good things are in store, even if you can’t see them yet.
“When you are tempted to give up, your breakthrough is probably just around the corner.”
—From a televised message
Osteen encourages persistence even when results aren’t visible.
Quotes on Relationships & Kindness
How you treat others is at the heart of Osteen’s teachings.
“You cannot hang out with negative people and expect to live a positive life.”
—From “Your Best Life Now” (2004)
Your environment matters—surround yourself with positivity.
“Keep in mind, just because you don’t see anything happening doesn’t mean God isn’t working.”
—Televised message
Trust and patience are essential, even in relationships.
“Be a people builder. Look for opportunities to encourage others, to bring out the best in them.”
—From “Become a Better You” (2007)
Osteen calls on readers to be uplifters, not critics.
Conclusion
Joel Osteen’s words have brought hope and motivation to millions. Whether you need courage for today or hope for tomorrow, his teachings remind us that faith, gratitude, and kindness can light even the darkest days. Save your favorite quotes, share them with a friend, or keep them close as daily affirmations—let Osteen’s words help you live your best life now.
