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You Are Stronger than You Think: Unleash the Power to Go Bigger, Go Bold, and Go Beyond What Limits You

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Discover a strength that pushes you forward, a power to do what you couldn’t do before with #1 New York Times bestselling author Joel Osteen.

You may feel weak and fatigued, but that is not your destiny. When you feel overwhelmed, like you can’t go on, He comes in and gives you special strength. Strength that you didn’t get on your own. Strength to move forward when you should be stuck, strength to overcome that hurdle, strength to outlast that opposition. You’re going to feel strength that you didn’t have, joy when you could be discouraged, and hope when you should be depressed. You’re going to have the power to endure, the favor to overcome, and the determination to outlast.

He’s going to bring blessings, increase, favor, and healing that He’s already prepared. It’s going to be easier than you thought, and it’s going to happen sooner than you think. As you read You Are Stronger Than You Think, feel a power rising that you have never felt—a strength, a courage, a determination, a stamina. He won’t let you stay overwhelmed. You may feel that way at times, but that’s not how your story ends. You’re going to feel a strength that pushes you forward, a power to do what you couldn’t do before.

​Believe and declare that you are strong, you are victorious, and you are able. You’re going to accomplish dreams bigger than you imagined, overcome obstacles that look insurmountable, and reach the fullness of your destiny!

240 pages, Hardcover

Published October 12, 2021

145 people are currently reading
1271 people want to read

About the author

Joel Osteen

541 books1,697 followers
JOEL OSTEEN is the author of seven New York Times bestsellers. He is the senior pastor of America's largest congregation, Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. More than 45,000 people attend services there every week. His televised messages are seen by more than 10 million viewers each week in the United States, and millions more in 100 nations around the world. His 24-hour channel on SiriusXM Satellite Radio and millions of social media followers have prompted numerous publications to name him as one of the most influential Christian leaders in the world. He resides in Houston with his wife, Victoria, and their children.

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5 stars
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96 (26%)
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41 (11%)
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4 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Leslie McKee.
Author 8 books72 followers
October 13, 2021
I've read a number of Osteen's books, and I appreciate the encouragement I get from them. His latest release is great for those who have been feeling overwhelmed. I suspect I'm not the only person who has felt that way recently. And Osteen wants to remind the reader that God gave them the strength to get through life's pressures, with Him by our side.

While there is an optimism to the book, Osteen is realistic, too. As a Christ-follower, we're not guaranteed a life free of trials. God just promises to be with us through them, like he was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the furnace. Even then, God is at work.

Chapter Eight, "Overcoming Weariness," is the one that most hit home for me. I'm sure most readers will find something in this book that feels like God, through Osteen, is speaking right to them.

Some of my favorite quotes include:
- "Don't wear yourself out to where God has to make you slow down."
- "Many times the enemy knows who we are even before we realize who we are."
- "When you have a big future, the enemy is not going to roll out the red carpet and let you fulfill it."
- "The reason you have big opposition is because you have a big destiny."
- "Don't talk yourself out of what you know God is calling you to do."

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
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Profile Image for Donna.
4,577 reviews174 followers
October 16, 2021
I like this author and his TV sermons. He is extremely personable and positive in his messages. This is the 3rd book that I've read of his. I like listening in when I have a free minute.

This book was probably my least favorite out of the three I've listened to. For me, the constant waves of personal affirmations were a little much. I enjoy his stories much better and the personal applications as well, which this book also contained (just fewer of them), so 3 stars.
Profile Image for Reggia.
38 reviews
July 18, 2023
This book is not my style. I read it out of duty toward friendship. He relays some good lessons from biblical characters who modeled perseverance and faith, but the message is just repeated over and over with the take-home that we will get what we want eventually. I don't believe we're all going to get what we want... regardless of our hope, faith and/or perseverance.

Hope against hope that he would share, encourage or exhort his fellow humans to be holy for God's glory... rather than promises of what we might win.
Profile Image for Marnie  (Enchanted Bibliophile).
1,046 reviews137 followers
October 14, 2024
It always warms my heart and amazes me at how God can send you the exact right resources and make you use them exactly when you need them.

I had this audiobook book for quite a while, I think I got it when it was first released.
But yes, I only needed a very specific part at this very precise time.

God answers our prayers in the most astounding ways.

This is my first book by Joel, but it won't be my last. I love the encouragement, the hope and the inspiration he woke in me. This is a drop of positivity rippling in circles much bigger than I anticipated.
Profile Image for W. Whalin.
Author 44 books413 followers
December 19, 2021
Practical Encouragement on Every Page

Our world is filled with negative information about what we can’t do or achieve. Pastor Joel Osteen gives readers a combination of biblical insights and encouragement in every chapter of YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOU THINK.

As an example of the insights in this book: “The Scripture says, “when you are weak. He is strong.” When you feel overwhelmed, like you can’t go on, He comes in and gives you special strength. Strength that you didn’t get on your own. Strength to move forward when you should be stuck, strength to overcome that addiction, strength to outlast that oppression. You may feel weak, and fatigued, but that is not your destiny. You’re going to “run and not be weary, to walk and not faint.” There’s going to be strength that’s not natural but supernatural.” (Page 61-61)

I enjoyed reading YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOU THINK and recommend it.

W. Terry Whalin is an editor and the author of more than 60 books including his recent 10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed .
Profile Image for Carol.
67 reviews3 followers
July 15, 2022
I had preordered this book as a Christmas gift for my Mom. I have purchased almost all of Joe's books over the years for her, and preordered when possible so it was always a standard Christmas gift. I usually read them as well. She passed away unexpectedly in October, and the book came a couple of days later. I've been holding off reading it, but finally did. As with all of Joel's books, it was full of positivity and hope. I definitely need it in dealing with the grief and life in general. Would recommend.
Profile Image for Anita (Hearts and Whodunits).
1,023 reviews18 followers
October 12, 2021
This book spoke to me on many levels. I love Pastor Osteen's work because he's so uplifting and positive as the world is so negative and destructive. This book is about knowing who you are as Christ sees you, not as the world sees you. It's about knowing where your true strength is, and how to change your thinking about where you are in life. I recommend this read! I received an advanced reader's copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Dorothy.
260 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2022
I love all of Joel Osteen's books but this one really inspired me.
13 reviews
July 2, 2024
A good renewal of faith when life has disappointed you.
Profile Image for Calondra M B.
184 reviews2 followers
July 8, 2022
Pastor Joel Osteen is a pastor after God’s heart.
He speaks the Word of God over your life.
So in tough times, you too can learn the Word of
Life and favor. Having faith is constant journey
with no time for slackers. Throughout this book
he mentions tough breaks and hardships which are bound to complicate and set us back.
Yet he responds with personal testimonies of ways
the enemy kept trying to contain his destiny.
Throughout he remained vigilant, speaking scriptures, keeping a positive attitude, and believing.

Each scripture can be located in the Word.
Faith without works is dead.
God loves each and every one of us.

Athletes keep training even though they lose competitions. I love the Lord with all my heart.
The reality of it is we’ve been knocked down
by life and it hurts. Pastor Joel shows in his book there are so many ways to get back up and help someone else along the way.
Profile Image for Leslie Yong.
367 reviews40 followers
June 8, 2022
Praise for the book, “You Are Stronger Than You Think”
It’s another wonderful motivational book from the author.
The author provides simple clear explanation from the biblical perspective that we, as Children of Most High God, we’re designed with the ability & inner strength to stretch to the next level, to stand strong and overcome the opposition, to learn new skills, to dream bigger, to believe bigger and takes on bigger challenges.
We should be able to overcome lives obstacles with victory and live a successful life.
Follow the guides and accept the challenges.
Profile Image for Andrew.
798 reviews13 followers
October 14, 2021
In You Are Stronger Than You Think, Joel Osteen has written a brand-new inspirational book encouraging readers to stand firm in and not to let life circumstances overwhelm them. In the book, he is determined to help readers to overcome the cycles of defeat and to handle the pressure of life. He explained how God has already given us the power to deal with the pressures of life and the challenges are designed to make us stronger. He begins the book by sharing a story about the Mariana snailfish. This fish can survive at the very bottom of the ocean and this is the only fish that can in that amount of pressure. This fish has very unique features that allow it to live at that depth. He uses this story to illustrate how we are all able to handle whatever pressure we may be facing in our life. This might include raising children, financial, relationships, illness, business pressure, and whatever else life can throw at you. He went into great details about how we can learn to have a can-do mentality and through Christ we are well able to accomplish and can handle it.



In the book, he also encouraged readers to invite God into their difficulties. He explained how when we go through challenges a lot of the times, people are praying to God to get them out of the difficulty. This could include a bad illness, financial, or a work issue. He stated how instead we need to be inviting God into the challenge and to learn to grow from it. We need to allow God presence to come into our lives and in whatever we are going through. He looked at the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and how they refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar golden idol. He had them thrown into the fiery furnace and it was turned up 7 times hotter. Joel reiterated how God could have delivered them first thing but He chose to allow them to go through the fire. He reminded readers that we wouldn’t have known God was healer or that God could move mountains if we never had any obstacles. God did eventually deliver them and they weren’t touched by the fire and there was a fourth man reported in the fire with them. He revealed how important it is to not complain instead we can choose to praise and to stand firm that no weapon against us will prosper.


I would recommend this awesome book to anyone who is tired of living stuck in life and they are always hoping and praying that they will have no more difficulties in life. I especially enjoyed how he shared that we need to be inviting God into our challenges and difficulties and how this can help us grow stronger. This book will guide readers into becoming stronger and to not reply on our feelings or the pressures of life. I immensely love how Joel reminded readers to take off the negative labels that we are wearing and to also take off can’t do mentality. I liked how he encouraged readers to keep walking on and to stay obedient and how we need to live by faith not by what we currently see.





"I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords for my honest review.”
Profile Image for Joan.
4,383 reviews125 followers
October 11, 2021
If you are feeling overwhelmed, this book is for you. It is full of encouragement. The title says it all. “You'll never know how strong you really are,” Osteen writes, “until you face pressure that you've never faced.” (109/3059) He uses lots of Scripture promises, examples from the Bible (such as Gideon), examples from his own life and the lives of others to support his case.

Osteen is adamant. God has designed you with the inner strength you'll need for this time. Like buildings designed to withstand the pressure of earthquakes in California or hurricane force winds in Florida, God has designed your infrastructure for this difficulty.

Lest it seem Osteen is overly optimistic, he is realistic too. He reminds us sometimes God may take away something or someone we think we can't live without. God wants us to totally rely on Him. God doesn't stop every difficulty. He allows challenges to move us, to grow us. We may feel like we are in the furnace but God promises to be right there with us.

Osteen calls us to have faith, even when it seems the darkest. This book is encouraging with the message that God is working. We must have faith in God. “Nothing you face is beyond what you've been designed for.” (1363/3059) Should a reader not know Jesus as Savior, an opportunity is given to do so at the end of the book.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Profile Image for Michelle Herzing.
843 reviews39 followers
October 13, 2021
You Are Stronger Than You Think by Joel Osteen is a book I would recommend to anyone who is going through a difficult time, has a challenge that seems insurmountable, feels like their history is keeping them stuck, or feels like they can't achieve their dreams--in other words, nearly everyone will find this book empowering and encouraging.

I enjoy Joel Osteen's books, and this one is no exception, because they are immensely relatable, and I find his style of ministry to be uplifting and ceaselessly positive. You Are Stronger is an easy read, and while the message is repetitive, each chapter takes a slightly different spin on the overall message: With God on your side, you can withstand any challenge and achieve anything.

One message that stuck with me was "You can't judge God's favor by the storms He kept you our of, but by the storms He brought you through." For me, at least, that line makes sense, and this book will resonate with me for some time.

Thank you to Netgalley and FaithWords for the opportunity to read an e-ARC of this book. This review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for C.E. Hart.
Author 8 books43 followers
October 1, 2021
As with any book I've read or any sermon I've heard by Joel Osteen, he is upbeat and positive. His faith-filled words uplift and ignite a weary soul offers suggestions on how to dig deep and believe deeper.

You are Stronger Than You Think helps you realize your potential, even when you feel something is too big or difficult. It helps you believe in yourself and believe in greater possibilities and strength. One quote that stood out to me:

"Nothing you face is beyond what you've been designed for."


If you've previously read any of Joel Osteen books, then you know to expect an uplifting faith-building read. If you haven't experienced his books, then you're missing a blessing.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. My review was not influenced.
Profile Image for Nina.
168 reviews
April 9, 2022
I am a listen of Joel Osteen's sermons...and I found the content within this book to be identical to what I hear him preach. While that is not necessarily a bad thing, it did feel redundant for someone looking to receive something different by consuming a different platform. The books do not offer a different or deeper insight, but rather just offer an alternate method to take in his sermons.

I also found this book to only speak to those who are at a low point. The book specifically speaks to someone who is currently going through something. This will be incredibly inspirational if you ARE in a low place. If you're not, then it is just a lot of reading.

I would recommend this to someone who would prefer to read rather than listen to Osteen's sermons, or someone who is at a significantly low place in their lives.
Profile Image for Trish Ryan.
Author 5 books21 followers
November 1, 2021
This was a fantastic, timely read for me. At first, I wasn’t sure if it would apply to my life - I’ve been through enough challenges that I know I’m strong. But this book helped me see that the strength God offers goes beyond just being able to get through hard times and do what needs to be done. That’s one kind of strength, for sure. But the author insists that we can have more than that. Specifically, that if we let Him, God will turn our mourning into dancing; He will take our sadness and clothe us with joy. That sounded too good to be true, honestly…and exactly what I needed. This book changed what I considered possible. And that has made a tremendous difference. Highly recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
1,449 reviews13 followers
October 26, 2021
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

3.5 Hearts Honestly, there is not a lot to say about this book. Either you are already a fan of Osteen or not. Of course, this is written just as he preaches. There are a lot of personal stories and affirmations, a lot of scripture references and it is uplifting.

If you are going through a rough patch or find yourself feeling “less than” this is probably exactly what you need. It very much falls under the “God will not give you more than you can handle”.

If you NEED this book you will find it.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Tim Blackburn.
502 reviews6 followers
January 12, 2022
My personal favorite Joel Osteen book. Joel is this generation's Norman Vincent Peale. I thought in this book Joel was spiritually deeper than previous books. Many references to Biblical events and people including Jesus death and resurrection. Plus he stresses the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus. I love listening to Joel's books. His reading of his books has been a source of comfort for me over the years especially when dealing with the daily rigors of a very stressful job that I formerly had. If you're only going to read/listen to 1 Joel Osteen book, I strongly urge you to choose this one.
Profile Image for Kathy.
588 reviews
August 15, 2021
Joel is the world’s biggest cheerleader. I always feel uplifted and more at peace after listening or reading something by Joel. He helps you to keep your eyes on the Lord and know that things will work out. In this book he says that when you’re looking at something unsurmountable just think nevertheless… I’m going to believe that you will make it through to the other side.
Profile Image for Katherina Martin.
970 reviews23 followers
October 28, 2021
Joel Osteen has never failed to motivate me and through this book, he did it again. I love that he bases his motivation on the Bible. It helps me to become stronger in and through Jesus. Thank you, Joel for another wonderful book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
965 reviews27 followers
December 15, 2021
I have been taking my time reading this, because I wanted to to soak in the message for more than a few days. I thoroughly appreciated how encouraging the book is. Joel Osteen mixes in the experiences of Biblical characters and personal stories to help the reader see how important we are to God, and how He is always with us.
Profile Image for Mary Pauline M.
304 reviews8 followers
October 25, 2021
This book could not have been placed in my life at a more appropriate time. Within the pages, there is encouragement,, along with hope for whatever the reader may be facing now or in their future. Already have plans to gift this book to more than a few people. A true blessing.
Profile Image for Andy Febrico Bintoro.
3,677 reviews31 followers
December 27, 2021
Reading many of the author's book, you would find that many principles was overlapped. Many examples also being recycled. But its not the problem for we also read the same scriptures multiple times, but on different occasions we got different enlightenment.
Profile Image for Chelsea Duncan.
381 reviews4 followers
January 17, 2022
As usual, very uplifting and powerful and inspirational, with lots of scriptural references. The only thing stopping it being five star is that a lot of the same stories and scripture examples are used as in some of his other books, which makes it feel a bit repetitive. But overall very good.
Profile Image for Thomas Rivas.
12 reviews
January 28, 2022
Joel is amazing

Thank you Joel!!! This has really strengthen my relationship with the most high !!!!! We are stronger
! Love it !!
51 reviews
April 1, 2022
He looks like a sheep, but underneath, he is a ravenous wolf! It's all phony. He is deceiving God's people. He starts out with pretending to pursue God, and end with his real goal for you- focus on success. Read KUNDALINI WARNING - Are False Spirits Invading the Church? By Andrew Strom. God showed me that Word of Faith is operated by the Kundalini spirit. Joel is a false prophet. This is a powerful spirit. It's a test. Read your bible. Kundalini twists the Word of God. Word of Faith tells you you need to tithe in order to be blessed. But where should you tithe? Is it definitely Joel? Do you believe in the fruits of their ministry? So he can get even richer while you stay poor. Does he not know what he is telling you is a lie? Or it's always God's will to give you wealth and health. What about Job? His story is our story, that we will lose things in this life. Doesn't mean we don't have enough faith. Read Jesus Goes To McDonald's by Luiz Alexandre Solano Rossi. Having a great life is a lie. When you become a Christian, the devil is after you. Everyday a battle, not a cushion. Or not to question those in positions of spiritual power. Yet Paul called out false teachers! Word of Faith movement is a bunch of garbage. If you accept it, you will, like me, have years of struggle, where you are looking for a "sign" God is with you. The only sign is His Word! They talk about not being "religious," as if an empty undiscerning mind ready to accept false doctrines is the Way to accept God. You must hold on to the true doctrine. Matthew 24:10-13 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Once saved, always saved is a lie. To be saved, you must confess you are a sinner, that you put your trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior and will submit to Him in all things, including every part of your life, and with His help, that you will stop sinning. The deception here is really great! The manipulation is subtle, but with the Holy Spirit's help you can detect it. Truth mixed with lies is LIES. The positivity, the blabbing out promises without faith, the holding God hostage- Sure you can hold God hostage, but will He really find no falsehood among you? Joel Osteen is bewitching you, and lulling you to sleep. Watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB4QF.... See if these teachings really stand up to the light of the Word of God.
Profile Image for Jennifer Vido.
Author 8 books235 followers
October 27, 2021
You Are Stronger Than You Think by Joel Osteen is an uplifting read with encouragement to face life’s challenges. Divided into fifteen chapters, Pastor Joel takes the reader on a biblical journey, exploring how God’s word can impact whatever stage of life you are in. If you’re looking to go bigger and bolder, this book is for you! Joel shares how greatness is attainable if you have the right mindset. God will push back forces of negativity and doubt and give you supernatural strength if you put your trust in Him. Victory begins in the dark, in a season you might not understand. To be victorious, you must believe in your heart that God is there to lead you to the light. You will achieve more of life’s goodness by fighting for your future. Throughout the book, Joel urges the reader to pray bold prayers because God has more in store for you. Joel believes you’re going to get there if you trust God with your dreams and prayers. Don’t let life’s storms lead you down the wrong path. The enemy will try to talk you out of your dreams. What God has put in your heart will come to pass if you believe. Negative voices will try to test your resilience, but Joel encourages you to hold steadfast in faith. Greatness is on the way! You Are Stronger Than You Think is an inspiring read that will give you the strength to reach your full potential and live a life full of favor, increase, healing, and restoration.

(I received an advance reader copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Profile Image for Donna Hines (The Secret Book Sleuth).
212 reviews34 followers
April 26, 2023
Joel Osteen has been my go to guy when I need to replenish my soul. He's always been someone I've admired for his quick with and hearty sermons that tug at the heart strings.
In this newest piece he discusses quite redundantly all the reasons to think so shall you become and how being bold and going beyond your own self limitations can be your key to success.
Don't just wish for it but stand firm in faith and be ready to accept God's grace and his favors bestowed upon you is the ultimate message.
While you might feel that your in a tail spin at the moment, digging but coming up empty, the notion that you'll not whether the storm is garbage. You must stay in faith to receive God's grace. Don't limit yourself and think you're not worthy or that somehow you can't go through the fire and return unscaved.
Your trials and meant to get you to a higher level and belief in yourself. It's meant not to burn you but to learn you. It's meant to build stronger and reach higher while using the stones tossed as stepping stones to greatness.
Those pulling you down are doing so out of jealousy. They know your light shines bright. They know you have God's favor within you if you just stay the course and believe in yourself.
Loved the powerful messages and biblical lines but the redundancy is what began to turn me off.
Thank you to Osterhout Free Library for this hardcover. Please frequent your local libraries and show 'em some love.
Profile Image for Angie Dent.
Author 16 books18 followers
September 21, 2022
This book is great encouragement for people who have been praying for breakthrough or working toward a goal for an extended time.

I found this book most useful for healing. While reading, I was often reminded of a Christian friend who’d been dealing with sickness and was in the hospital. This book was right on time! The scriptures, stories and testimonies, especially Dodie Osteen’s testimony, were just what the doctor ordered!

I ended up bringing the book to the hospital. My friend was so encouraged, strengthened in faith, and uplifted by this book! It almost made me want to go and read the book to other patients. LOL!
God is amazing!

I highly recommend this book.
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