Joel Osteen never dreamed of becoming a pastor.

He was quiet, introverted, and deeply uncomfortable speaking publicly. For years, he worked behind the scenes at Lakewood Church, handling media and production while his father, John Osteen, preached.

Joel was content staying hidden.

Then, suddenly, his father passed away.

The church needed leadership and Joel felt an inner nudge he couldn’t explain. It wasn’t dramatic. It wasn’t loud. But it was persistent.

He argued with God internally. “I’m not my father. I don’t preach like him. I don’t sound like him.”

Yet God wasn’t asking Joel to replace his father. He was asking Joel to be himself.

Terrified, Joel stepped into the pulpit. His early sermons were shaky. His voice trembled. Critics doubted him. But week after week, he showed up.

And something powerful happened:
God used Joel’s gentleness to reach people who felt condemned, forgotten, or discouraged.

Joel’s story connects to Joyce’s in a profound way:
God does not call based on personality—He calls based on surrender.

Bible Verse:

> “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9

Closing Prayer:

Reflection Questions:

Where am I holding back due to fear or insecurity?

How can I take a first step of faith this week?

What would obedience look like if I stopped comparing myself to others?

Checkout this post about how joel osteen was called and how he started his Ministry to fully understand this message