Joel Osteen Podcast - Angels Are Coming | Joel Osteen

Episode Date: December 21, 2025

There are deserts you must go through to get to your destiny. God is about to breathe strength and power and endurance into your spirit. You will outlast the opposition, overcome the adversity and reach the fullness of your destiny. Plan for your faith to succeed! Our 2026 Faith for Today Planner will fill you with hope and keep you grounded in God’s promises. Request our December offer and start each day of the upcoming year with Scripture and encouragement!https://bit.ly/4reqMWn Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of the Joel Osteen Podcast ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hi, this is Joel and Victoria. Thanks for listening to our podcast and thanks for supporting the ministry. If you enjoy today's message, why don't you be a blessing and share it with a friend. We appreciate you and pray for God's very best in your life. God bless you. It's great to be with you today. And I hope you'll stay connected with us during the week through our daily podcast, our YouTube channel, social media.

And you can come visit us in person. We'd love to have you be a part of one of our services. But I like to talk with something funny. And I heard about this husband that died. He left his wife $20,000. After the funeral, his wife told a friend that she was totally broke. The friend said, what do you mean? I thought she said you had $20,000.

She said, I did, but I spent $5,000 on the funeral and $15,000 on the memorial stone. Friends said, wow, that must have been some kind of stone. How big was it? She held up her finger and said, three and a half carrots. All right, y'all, say it like you mean it. This is my Bible. I am what it says I am. I have what it says I have.

I can do what it says I can do. Today, I will be taught the Word of God. I boldly confess, my mind is alert, my heart is receptive. I will never be the same. In Jesus' name. God bless you. I want to talk to you today about angels are coming. We all have times that can be overwhelming.

We're dealing with an illness. A child is difficult to raise. Trying to pay bills. Doors aren't opening for our dreams. We've done the right thing. We've worked hard, but it hasn't improved. Now the pressure feels like too much. We don't say how we can go on.

It's not that we're weak. It's not that we don't have faith. It's battle fatigue. I talked to a man that's lived a blessed life. God's been good to him, but he's had some setbacks. A relationship is not working out. His business is struggling. He said, Joel, I'm at a breaking point.

I can't take it anymore. And God sees what you're going through. He knows when it's too much. The scripture says, God is a very present help in times of trouble. When you feel overwhelmed, thinking you can't go on, God doesn't sit idly by and think too bad.

You're on your own. No, God will send angels to strengthen you. to encourage you to help lighten that load. Angels are called ministering spirits. There are messengers that God uses to carry out his will, to fight battles, to push back forces of darkness, and to breathe new light into your spirit, to refresh and re-energize you.

You may be tired today. You love God, you're grateful, but you're weary. You don't see how you can keep moving forward, dealing with the anxiety, believing for your dreams. You've stood strong as long as you can. You think I can't handle this anymore. Be encouraged, angels are coming. Strength is coming.

Freshness is coming. You're going to feel a supernatural power lifting that load. A new attitude, giving you a second wind so you can step up and fulfill your purpose. God knew at times the load would be heavy. He knew the pressures could feel overwhelming. He's not fault in you because you're not strong enough. You should be tougher. He knows we're human.

We all have breaking points. He sees you being your best, going the extra mile, doing the right thing when nobody thanks you, working hard but not seeing results. He's about to step in and do what you couldn't do. He's already dispatch the angels. They're on the way. healing in their wings, with strength, with favor, with fresh vision, with victory. You may be at a breaking point, but get ready, a breakthrough is coming.

Genesis 28, Jacob had a dream. He saw this stairway going up to the heavens. The scripture says there were angels ascending and descending. They were in heaven. They'd come to earth to carry out God's will. then they'd go back to heaven to get their next assignment. Was this constant flow of activity, thousands and thousands of angels ascending and descending. God was showing us how he's always working, dispatching angels to rescue, to strengthen,

to move people out of the way, to bring answers to prayers. We all have situations where we could feel overwhelmed. Get a negative medical report. we're still dealing with an addiction. How can I take care of my elderly parents and raise my children at the same time? This pressure is too much. What you can't see is angels are coming. God has already dispatched what you need.

He's not going to let you be defeated. Angels are about to break chains that have held you back. Angels are bringing freedom. Angels are headed to your children. Angels are holding back wrong influences. angels are in route bringing energy, courage, fortitude, so you can rise up and do what God's called you to do. When Jesus was on the earth, from the age of 12 to the age of 30, we don't read anything about him. There's nothing recorded in the scripture for those 18 years.

But at 30 years old, he was walking out to the Jordan River to be baptized by John the Baptist. When John saw him, he pointed in front of a large crowd and said, there's the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He was announced publicly for the first time as being the Messiah. When he was baptized by John, a voice boomed out, this is my beloved son in whom I'm well pleased. A dove came and landed on his shoulder representing the Holy Spirit. was this incredible moment where Jesus was about to begin his ministry. After 18 years of silence,

now he was ready to go. You would think God would send him to a large city, they'd have a big meeting, he'd start doing miracles, or he'd go to government leaders, influential people, be celebrated and recognized. But the scripture says, the spirit led Jesus into the wilderness

to be tempted by the end. enemy. You can be in the wilderness and be in God's will. You can be in the desert by design. The enemy didn't lead him there. The spirit led him there. Sometimes we find ourselves in the wilderness. We know we have God's favor. We know he's put big things in our heart, but we're in a dry season. We're not seeing any growth. Doors aren't opening. The opposition is stronger than ever. you could get discouraged, complain. This is when you have to dig down deep and say, God, I trust you.

I know I'm not in this desert by accident. You've led me here. You won't take me someplace where you won't sustain me. So, Lord, I thank you for the strength, the peace, the favor, the courage to stand strong and outlast this test. If you'll have the right attitude, you'll come out of the dry place into an abundant place. After 40 days of fasting in the desert, the enemy came to Jesus to tempt him.

Was when he was the weakest. He was tired and hungry. He tempted Jesus three times. He said, Turn these stones into bread. You're hungry. Make something to eat. Jesus wouldn't do it. He said, bow down before me and I'll give you all these kingdoms. Jesus refused. Final temptation. He took Jesus to a high place overlooking the temple. He said, if you're the son of God, jump off this ledge. You said your angels will protect you. Once again, Jesus wouldn't do it. After he passed these tests, the scripture says angels came and strengthened him.

You can imagine, after not eating for 40 days, having to deal with the temptations, being hot and dry, how overwhelmed he must have been, how he didn't think he could keep going. But God knows when the people. pressure is too much. He knows when you can't take it anymore. Here, Jesus is the son of God. He's all powerful, but in his human body, he had limitations. He faced times where he felt like he was at a breaking point. Notice what God did. He sent angels to strengthen him, angels to refresh him, give him what he needed for his destiny. And the scripture says that Jesus came out of the desert in the power of the spirit. How could he come out more powerful

when he's been in a dry place, no food, being tested, facing opposition, angel showed up. They brought supernatural strength and energy and favor and courage. You too may be in a dry place. You don't see how you can keep going.

You're fighting the good fight, but you're suffering from battle fatigue. It's been so long. feels like it's too much. God sees what's happening. You didn't go into that dry place by accident. That wilderness was not easy, but you passed the test. You've stayed faithful.

You didn't give up. You didn't quit believing. Like with Jesus, God's about to send angels to strengthen you. To breathe new life. Fresh vision, encouragement. You're not just going to come out of the desert, barely making it, beat up, bedraggled, you're going to come out in the power of the spirit with fresh vision, fresh

favor, renewed strength, ready for the new levels that God has in store. When my father went to be with the Lord, that was the most difficult thing that I had ever faced. I thought he'd live another 20 years. I worked with him behind the scenes for 17 years, and I loved doing the production, putting his messages on television. We travel the world together. He'd come over to our house at night. We'd have dinner.

We'd go watch the Astros play baseball. Life was good. But in 1999, he had a heart attack and passed. My life was suddenly turned upside down. We didn't know what was going to happen to the church, how it was all going to work out. I couldn't see it at the time. But like with Jesus,

the spirit led me into the wilderness. Sometimes what we think is the enemy is really the hand of God moving us into our destiny. The closed doors, the bad breaks, the loss, nothing happens without God's permission. You shouldn't fight everything you don't like. There are deserts you have to go through to get to your destiny. In those dry places and those wilderness seasons,

you have to know God is right there with you. He's not going to let you go through anything you can't handle. the moment it becomes too much, God will send the angels. And I knew deep down I was supposed to step up and pastor the church, but I had never ministered. I was dealing with the loss of my father and all these changes. I thought I'd be so upset and so distraught, but I felt a peace that I can't explain. Yes, I missed my father, but I didn't fall apart. Sinking discouragement.

God, why did this happen? I felt a supernatural. strength. There was a courage, a confidence, a knowing that I was well able, that everything was going to work out, that God was still in control. I look back now and realize that wasn't normal. That was God sending angels, strengthening me, giving me the grace to go through the desert, to not give in to the temptation to get bitter, live sour. It was difficult. None of us liked to go through the wilderness, but something happens in the desert. God is getting you prepared to come out in the power of the spirit. Some things can only take place in the dry season, the loss, the disappointment,

the bad break. You may find yourself there now. You're facing pressure that you've never faced. Feels like you're at a breaking point. Can I encourage you, angels are coming? This is not a surprise to God. He led you to the wilderness. He led you to the wilderness. He doesn't leave you out there alone. He knows the pressure. He knows the struggle, the loss, the pain, what didn't work out. That load is about to be lightened. Like God did for me, you're going to feel strength that you can't explain. You're not only going to come out, but you're going to come out stronger with greater confidence, greater courage, greater faith. The book of First Kings, the prophet Elijah, had this showdown with the false process.

of Bail. They had a contest to see whose God was real. They worshipped an idol named Bell. Elijah worshipped Jehovah. They both built an altar and put wood on it. Whatever God started the fire would be the true God. The prophets of Bale went first. They prayed, sang, dance for hours. Nothing happened. When it was Elijah's turn, he prayed and fire came down from heaven, not only burned up the wood, but burned up the stone. He destroyed 450 of the false prophets of Bell, an amazing victory. But when the king's wife, Jezebel, heard about what happened to her false prophets, she was furious.

She sent word to Elijah saying, if I don't kill you by this time tomorrow, I'm going to take my own life. Elijah was so afraid he took off running into the desert. It's interesting how we can lose perspective. He had just called down fire from heaven, saw God destroy 450 men, but when this one woman made a threat, there's a whole message there, but I'm not going there, but when this one lady made a threat, he was filled with fear. Are you running from things because you've lost perspective? You're listening to threats, believe in what the enemy whispers in your mind when you've seen God deliver you in the past. know he's more powerful than what you're up against. Elijah should have answered back,

Jezebel, I'm not afraid of you. You can save your threats. God delivered me from all your false prophets. I am confident he will deliver me from you too. Somehow he lost perspective and he sat down under a tree in the desert, so exhausted, so overwhelmed, he didn't want to live. He prayed to die. He said, in effect, God, I'm done. This is praying. pressure is too much. Just take me on home. He was at this breaking point, ready to give up. What's interesting is God didn't say, Elijah, what's wrong with you, man? You should be stronger. You should have more faith. You shouldn't let this pressure get to you. God doesn't fault us for not being strong enough. He knows there are times that we feel overwhelmed. The scripture says he gives strength

to the weary. He doesn't condemn the weary. This could have been the last we ever read about Elijah. He's tired. He's weary. He's ready to give up. What did God do? Verse five says, an angel showed up. While Elijah was in the desert sleeping, this angel cooked him food, made some bread, got him some water. He woke Elijah up and told him to eat. Elijah saw the freshly baked bread and he thought he was dreaming. He ate and went back to sleep. The angel woke him up a second time, told him to eat some more. Elijah ate the food. Now he had the strength to make a 40-day journey.

His whole attitude and perspective change. He got his fireback. He realized God was still on the throne and that he was bigger than anything he was facing. He came out of the desert with a new passion, more energy, ready for the next season of his life. But notice how good God is. He could have had the angel lead Elijah to some food, show him where to hunt, help him find an animal where he could cook the food. But the angel not only brought the food to Elijah, but he cooked it for him. God has these times where he's going to cook the food for you.

You're tired. You lost perspective. Weiriness has set in. God has angels preparing your meal. you're not going to have to go after it, it's going to come to you. The strength, the encouragement, the provision, the right people, God is not going to let you miss your destiny. A friend of mine is a well-known pastor.

Years ago, before anyone knew him, he was very discouraged. He'd been pastoring for several years, small church, less than 100 people. They hadn't seen any growth. The building was run down, needed repairs. he couldn't pay his bills, working part-time on the side, trying to keep it all going. And some of the members were disgruntled. He got to the point where he was done. The pressure was too much.

He didn't have it in him anymore. He would travel during the week and speak at other small churches. And he had one last commitment, and then he was going to be finished. He's going to walk away. He spoke that night and poured out his heart and soul as he always did. no one could tell that he was at a breaking point. They couldn't see that he was drained on the inside and that he had nothing left to give. After the service, the pastor had dinner for him in the back. Word came that there was a lady that wanted to see him. He asked them to tell her that he was too

tired. He had a long drive home. Plus, he didn't want her to have to wait that long for them to get finished eating. They told her, but she said, I don't mind waiting. I have to see him. hour later he walked into this empty church and there was this older woman with her hospital wristband still on. She was taking chemotherapy for cancer. She was very frail, her voice weak, her hands tribling. She said, I had to tell you, if it had not been for you, I wouldn't be alive. I listened to your messages all through the day. That's what's giving me the strength and the faith to keep going.

Now, I drove here from two hours away to tell you, whatever you do, don't stop ministry. They both stood there and wept and wept. She had no way of knowing what he was dealing with. Today, that pastor goes all over the world. He says, the reason I'm still in ministry is that woman. When I say God's going to send an angel, sometimes God will use people as an angel. The scripture says, some have entertained angels. unaware, that friend that

encouraged you, that neighbor that said the right thing at the right time, that co-worker that showed up right when you needed them. Sure, you knew them, but what you didn't know is they carried out the assignment of an angel. They became a messenger of God.

Jesus had just finished the last supper with his disciples, and he told them how he was going to be crucified, how he was entering the darkest part of his life. After dinner that evening, he went to the Garden of Gassimony to pray. He took his closest disciples and asked them to pray for him.

He said, my soul is overwhelmed with sorrow, even to the point of death. You can imagine the weight of what he was carrying, the pressure he was under. He was saying, I'm at my breaking point. I have to have some help. The people he was counting on, unfortunately, fell asleep. They were too tired. He woke them up. said, please stay up and pray. This is a critical time for me. They said, of course we will. They had good

intentions, but they fell back asleep. And sometimes the people you're counting on will let you down. They love you. They want to help, but they're not there when you need them. You can't rely on people. You have to turn to God. And Jesus was so overcome with emotion. He sweat great drops of blood. He said, Father, if you can, please take this cup away. from me. Didn't look like he could go on. How could he handle all that pressure? The scripture says, an angel appeared and begin to strengthen him. Friends may let you down, but God will always be there for you. When it feels overwhelming, you don't know how you can raise that child, how you can deal with that sickness, how you can keep your business going. Feels like it's about to break you. Can I encourage you?

Angels are coming. God is not for gotten about you. He knows what you're dealing with. Those times you feel troubled. You don't see how you can go on. He's going to lighten that low. He's going to relieve the pressure. You're going to feel a supernatural strength enabling you to outlast the opposition, overcome the adversity, to step into that destiny that belongs to you. May feel like it's too much right now, but when that angel shows up, you're going to come out in the power of the Spirit. Jesus went over and saw his disciples still not awake. This time, instead of trying to wake them up, he told them, sleep on. He was saying something happened over there in the garden.

No disrespect, but I don't need you anymore. What you couldn't see is an angel showed up and empowered me for my destiny. He strengthened me where I was weak. He lifted me where I was down. He filled me with hope where I had despair. I was in great sorrow, but now I'm in great peace. I was deeply troubled, but now I'm deeply confident. I will fulfill my destiny. That's what happens when the angel shows up. You may be facing things that have you trouble. You don't know how it's going to work out. That pressure is weighing on you. Like you're at that breaking point, God sees you. He's concerned about you. He has angels coming. Isaiah said, you will run and not be weary. Yes, it's been hard. You've had to struggle. It's taken a long time, but this is a new day. That weariness is coming to

an end. You're about to start running, running into your purpose, running into opportunity, running into great relationships, running into good health, running into freedom, running into ease, where it used to be a burden so heavy like with Jesus there's going to be a supernatural grace to handle it and all those people you thought you had to have the ones that fell asleep didn't support you weren't there for you no offense

but you don't need them tell them to sleep on the angel showed up you're armed with strength for this battle you're anointed for this adversity you're favored in the famine you can handle that pressure you're empowered for your purpose.

What's significant is Jesus was so troubled in his spirit and sweating those great drops of blood, but after the angel showed up and strengthened him, he never talked any more about being troubled or overwhelmed. When the guards came to arrest him, Peter cut off one of the soldiers' ears. Jesus thought you're finally awake. I don't need you now.

I have the grace to carry out my assignment. I have the favor to finish my mission. When he was brought before Pilate, falsely accused, Jesus didn't fall apart. When the soldiers were mocking him, put that crown of thorns on his head, that should have been too much. Surely he would say, God, take this away.

I've changed my mind. But he had supernatural strength. Those angels put in him everything he needed to finish his purpose. None of us will ever face what he did. but what I want us to see is God will never let the pressure keep you from your destiny. He'll never let you feel so overwhelmed that you can't fulfill your purpose. That's when he'll send angels.

And what God has destined for your life, all the forces of darkness cannot stop. You may be in a difficult season, like Jesus, a dark hour. You don't see how you can face what's in front of you. God knows what you're dealing with. He's already dispatched the angels. He's about to bring strength, power, endurance into your spirit. The fact that you're in that difficult times tells me that you're on the verge of a new level. You're not going to just come out, not the same, but in the power of the spirit.

You're going to see something you've never seen. The enemy wouldn't be fighting you if he didn't know you were about to take new ground, set new standards, break out a limited. that have held you back. It may seem like it's over your head, but it's not over God's head. Angels are coming. Strength is coming.

A second wind is coming. I believe and declare God is about to lighten that load, lift your burden, ease the struggle, relieve that pressure. You're going to feel a supernatural strength. You will run and not be weary. Outlast the opposition,

overcome the adversity, reach the fullness of your destiny. In Jesus' name. And if you receive it, can you say amen? I'd like to give you an opportunity to make Jesus the Lord of your life. Would you pray with me? Just say, Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins. Come into my heart. I make you, my Lord and Savior. If you prayed that simple prayer, we believe you got born again. We'd love to send you some information on your new walk with the Lord. You can text the number. on the screen or go to the website. But I hope you'll get into a good Bible-based church

and keep God first place. What if every plan you set, every habit you formed, and every decision you made became a pathway to see God move in your life? We all have hopes and dreams, things we're believing for. When you start the year in faith,

expecting God's goodness, you are setting the tone for a blessed new year. And we'd love to send you our 2026 Faith for Today planner. You can write down your dreams and goals, plus use it for your everyday activities and reminders. It's important to feed your faith on a daily basis. This planner, it's not just a calendar. It's filled with scriptures and inspiration to help you stay encouraged and keep believing for what God has put in your heart. 2026 is your year to see the goodness of God in greater ways.

Let go of what didn't work out and get ready for the new thing. God has in store. As our way of saying thank you for your gift of any amount this month, we would like to send you a copy of the 2026 Faith for Today Planner. Each month features a fresh theme of encouragement,

a guiding scripture to stand on, room to write your goals, prayers, and vision. Space for faith steps, because faith isn't passive, it's active. A monthly QR code linking to a message or video to keep your spirit lifted.

With a 26 Faith for Today planner, you'll be reminded that living by faith makes room for God to do what only he can do. Break through in your business, God's healing touch, loved ones returning to faith. Request your copy of the planner and step into the new year with bold faith, fresh hope, and daily encouragement to strengthen your spirit and face every challenge with confidence. No matter what's happening around you, faith can be able to. rise up in you. Keep believing and expecting a blessed 2026. Victoria and I pray for you and your family every day. Thank you so much for your prayer and support. Your generosity is helping people around the world. As we finish this year, I hope you'll

consider making a special year-in gift to help keep the ministry strong. We so appreciate all the Champion of Hope partners for your monthly support. We wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. Until we see you next time. May the Lord bless you and keep you. Be sure to request your copy of the 2026 Faith for Today planner. Visit Joelosteen.com or call 888-567 Joel. For a special year-end gift this month, we are also offering the Faith to Share bundle. Keep one, give one, give the gift of faith, focus, and fresh hope for someone special in your life.

You can also request the God's Word Work study collection. This empowering collection includes the NIV, The Message, Parallel Bible, a beautifully crafted leather bookmark and pen, and how to read your Bible and enjoy it, along with two planners. You can request these inspiring resources by calling 888-567, Joel, or logging on to joelosteen.com today. Call or click anytime, 24 hours a day. organized, encouraged, and full of faith all year long. Request these resources today.