Joel Osteen Today’s Sermon: Travel Steadily
We all have things we’re waiting on—for a dream to come to pass, our health to improve, to meet the right person. When it’s taken longer than we thought, it’s easy to get discouraged and think it’s not meant to be. But David says, “Don’t be impatient for the Lord to act! Keep traveling steadily along His pathway. He will honor you and give you the land” (Psalm 37:34). Just because it hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen. What God promised you is still en route. The waiting period is simply a test. Are you going to get discouraged and quit believing? Or are you going to keep traveling steadily, keep praying, keep thanking God, keep being your best at work, keep being good to other people?
There’s power in doing the right thing consistently. You’re not moved by what’s not changing. You consistently have a good attitude. You’re consistently excellent at work. You may be dealing with many challenges, but you’re not complaining. You’re consistently praising God, consistently declaring His promises, consistently expecting His favor. That’s what it means to travel steadily. God never promised things will turn around instantly—there will be waiting periods. Don’t be impatient. God rewards faithful people who keep doing the right thing.
The only thing that’s holding some people back is their inconsistency. What would happen if you consistently get to work on time, consistently treat your spouse with respect, consistently exercise, or consistently put God first place? When you’re consistent, you’re not ruled by your feelings. Feelings go up and down. Feelings would tell people off, eat the whole gallon of ice cream, and sit around in self-pity. Don’t let those feelings control you. You have a destiny to fulfill. You have to put your foot down and say, “Feelings, I’m in control. I will make decisions that honor God. I will do the right thing when it’s hard. I will treat people with respect even when they don’t deserve it.” If you keep traveling steadily, being consistent, God will show out in your life.
The apostle Paul says, “We should always be abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). What can you say about yourself that’s “always”? Are you always worried? Always late? Always hot-tempered? If you’re always in the wrong areas, it will keep you from your destiny. Or are you always joyful, always encouraging, always helping others? Make the choice to travel steadily. God has awesome things in your future, but the only way you’ll see them is if you keep honoring Him and making good choices. God is about to give you the land, to open new doors, bring new opportunities, healing, freedom, and favor.
Joel Scott Osteen is an American pastor, televangelist, and author, based in Houston, Texas. Osteen has been called the “most popular preacher on the planet” and is often listed as one of the most influential religious leaders in the world