Joel Osteen - The God Who Crosses His Arms

About this sermon

How to handle being overlooked when you feel unqualified or bypassed for promotion. In this message, Joel Osteen shares how God grants unexpected favor and blessings to those who feel left out or underqualified. Using the story of Jacob adopting and blessing Joseph's sons in Genesis 48, Joel explains how God bypasses human tradition to catapult you forward. Discover how God crosses His arms to elevate you into opportunities you did not earn, taking you from the background to the foreground despite past mistakes or family backgrounds. See key moments at 10:20 for Jacob crossing his arms and 18:40 for John Osteen's testimony. "God is about to cross his arms, he is going to put you in a position that you did not earn." Joel Osteen This message is for anyone who feels stuck, underqualified, or passed over for advancement at work or in life. If you feel held back by past mistakes, generational struggles, or a lack of connections, this teaching offers hope and practical encouragement to overcome feelings of inadequacy and step into new levels of fulfillment and success. Q: What does it mean when you feel underqualified for a new opportunity? A: Joel teaches that God intentionally selects people who feel unqualified or overlooked, using His favor to promote them beyond their natural training, education, or social standing. Q: How do you break free from a difficult family background or past mistakes? A: Joel explains that God adopts you into His family regardless of past heritage or dysfunction, choosing you to establish a new legacy of generational blessings. Q: What does Genesis 48 mean when Jacob crosses his arms to bless Ephraim? A: Joel teaches that Jacob crossing his arms shows how God bypasses conventional human order and expectations to grant unexpected favor to the younger or less qualified person. Q: How can you handle people who become jealous of your success? A: Joel advises staying on the high road and not wasting energy trying to convince critics, recognizing that God's favor will attract people who do not understand your elevation. Q: Can God still bless you if you feel like you have made too many mistakes? A: Joel shares that God's mercy is greater than any past error, showing through figures like Samson that God can still grant breakthroughs and fulfill your ultimate destiny. Genesis 48:5. What it means when God adopts you into His blessing. Genesis 48:14. How God bypasses human expectations to show unexpected favor. Ephesians 1:5. What biblical adoption means for your personal destiny. 00:00 How God Brings Unexpected Favor Into Your Life 01:25 God Has Things in Store You Do Not See Coming 03:37 Overcoming the Feeling of Being Disqualified 05:35 Genesis 48:5 and Receiving a Double Portion Blessing 08:09 How to Handle People Who Get Jealous of Your Success 09:20 Genesis 48:14 and the God Who Crosses His Arms 12:42 Why God Uses People Who Feel Unqualified 15:58 Is the Arm of the Lord Too Short to Deliver You 18:40 How God Changed My Family Lineage 22:45 Stepping From the Background to the Foreground 26:25 Prayer to Receive Jesus as Your Savior If you are in need of prayer today, our ministry team would love to stand in faith with you. Reach out to us here: https://joelosteen.com/prayer Subscribe to receive weekly messages of hope, encouragement, and inspiration from Joel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvxWyn4rfcI2H9APhfUIB1Q?sub_confirmation=1 Follow #JoelOsteen on social X: https://twitter.com/joelosteen Instagram: https://instagram.com/joelosteen Facebook: https://facebook.com/joelosteen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joelosteen Thank you for your generosity! To give, visit https://joelosteen.com/give #JoelOsteen #UnexpectedFavor #FaithInGod #OvercomingObstacles #ChristianMotivation