Joel Osteen discussed the idea of divine diversions in his lecture, highlighting how unforeseen obstacles and blocked doors can actually present better possibilities. He talked about a personal instance of dissatisfaction and disappointment when he wondered why things weren’t going according to plan. He didn’t want to fight the circumstance; instead, he decided to accept it despite his emotions. While conceding that these closed doors might be pointing him in the direction of something better, Osteen showed a strong trust in God’s plan.
He utilized the metaphor of sailing to make his point: people should be able to react to life’s unforeseen changes, just as a sailor can adjust their sails to catch the wind and reach their destination. They let the wind, which stands for heavenly direction, guide them by lowering their own sails and more advantageous result. Osteen urged the church to see closed doors as opportunities rather than roadblocks in the path of God’s bigger purpose.
Osteen preached about faith and surrender. He emphasized the value of keeping an open mind and being flexible in the face of life’s uncertainty. People can end up in a better place than they had anticipated if they embrace the detours and have faith in a higher purpose. This mental adjustment facilitates the transformation of dissatisfaction into hope for the bigger benefits that might be approaching.