Stop Counting on People | Joel Osteen on God’s Approval, Overcoming Rejection & Living with Purpose

About this sermon

Joel Osteen delivers a powerful message about depending on God’s approval over people’s opinions. Too often, we base our value, confidence, and joy on how others treat us — whether they praise us, include us, or show respect. But people are imperfect, limited, and can change. God’s love and approval are unconditional, eternal, and unshakable. Through personal stories, biblical examples, and practical wisdom, Joel shows why you can’t count on people for your worth and how to shake off rejection, criticism, and disappointment so you can walk boldly in your God-given purpose. 📘 You’ll learn: - Why depending on human approval can lead to frustration and distraction - How to recognize when someone can’t or won’t give you the acceptance you want - How David overcame rejection from his family to fulfill his destiny - The danger of being like Haman — consumed by one person’s disapproval - How Paul stood strong when abandoned by close friends - Why God sometimes removes human support to grow your faith - How to root your worth in God’s unchanging love ✨ If you’ve been asking: - “How do I stop caring what people think?” - “What does the Bible say about rejection?” - “How can I focus on God’s plan when people don’t support me?” - “Why do I keep trying to win over people who don’t value me?” …then this message is for you. 💬 Need prayer? We’d be honored to pray for you: https://lakewoodchurch.com/prayer 📖 Key Scriptures Mentioned: - Second Timothy chapter 4 — Paul’s reliance on God despite abandonment - Second Samuel — God’s instruction to David not to count the people - Gospel of Matthew chapter 10, verse 14 — Shake the dust off your feet - Book of Esther chapters 3–7 — Haman, Mordecai, and Queen Esther - First Samuel chapter 17 — David’s rejection by his family and victory over Goliath 📌 Follow Joel Osteen for More Inspiration: 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/joelosteen 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/joelosteen 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/joelosteen 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joelosteen 00:00 – Welcome, Humor & Opening Confession (setting the tone with faith and joy) 01:08 – Don’t Count on People for Your Worth (why human approval is unreliable) 02:15 – God May Withdraw Human Encouragement to Teach Dependence on Him (spiritual growth process) 03:27 – Stop Trying to Get Something People Don’t Have to Give (letting go of unrealistic expectations) 04:45 – The Trap of Trying to Change Someone’s Mind (avoiding distraction from your purpose) 06:11 – David’s Story: Rejected by His Father, Belittled by His Brother (First Samuel chapter 17) 07:51 – How David Avoided Distraction and Heard His Assignment (staying focused on God’s call) 08:43 – Joel’s Personal Story: Leading Without People’s Approval (pleasing God over pleasing man) 10:30 – Why Conditional Approval Is a Distraction (staying free from manipulation) 12:07 – Haman and Mordecai: Consumed by Disapproval (Book of Esther) 13:55 – Don’t Let One Person’s Rejection Derail Your Destiny (shaking the dust off) 15:48 – Choosing God’s Approval Over Human Respect (faith anchored in God’s opinion) 16:03 – Queen Esther’s Role in God’s Rescue Plan (God works despite human opposition) 17:45 – If They Withhold It, You Don’t Need It (freedom from dependence on others) 18:17 – A Friend’s Story: Fatherless but Fulfilled (God as the perfect Father) 20:23 – Nobody Owes Me Anything — God Takes Care of Me (releasing entitlement and offense) 21:20 – Paul’s Abandonment in Second Timothy Chapter 4 (the Lord stood by me) 23:14 – How God Weans You Off People’s Constant Encouragement (maturing in faith) 24:17 – God Didn’t Want David to Count the People (Second Samuel) 25:55 – Don’t Rely on Numbers or Popularity (trust God over human support) 26:10 – You Don’t Need Their Approval — God Will Fight Your Battles (walking in divine confidence) 26:39 – Invitation to Receive Jesus (prayer of salvation)

Topics

• Purpose & Calling
• Overcoming Obstacles