Joel Osteen

He didn't create you to stay on the outside, to live in the shepherd's fields.

Sure, there are seasons that we go through, tests we must pass, but don't let that become permanent in your thinking.

God has already lined up the Samuels to come push you into your destiny.

You may be on the outside, but get ready.

God's going to bring you to the inside.

Growing up, I used to admire my father.

He was my hero.

As little children, we would travel with my parents when my dad would speak at large conferences in front of several thousand people.

Everybody loved my father.

Afterwards, they'd want to come up and shake his hand.

I watched in the distance, was so proud.

I used to think I could never do what he does.

He's so smart, so talented, so creative.

I came back after college and spent 17 years working behind the scenes doing the television production here at Lakewood.

I did my best to make my father look good.

But God doesn't want us to go through life just celebrating others.

He wants you to be celebrated.

I never dreamed I would do this.

I never prayed that one day I would be up here.

I didn't think this was in me.