Joel Osteen encourages believers to trust God during grief, trials: 'You have to take the limits off of God'

Joel Osteen, pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas - the largest and fastest growing church in the US. (Photo: Joel Osteen Ministries)

Megachurch pastor Joel Osteen shared a message of faith and encouragement for those dealing with grief and trials in a recent interview. 

He said that when all seems lost, trust in God, enjoy the present, and remember the good times. 

"Sometimes you think, 'how can I go on another six months, or a year?' But God doesn't ask you to," he told "Fox and Friends." Osteen also emphasised the importance of asking God for strength each day. 

For those reeling from the loss of a loved one, he urged a reliance on Christ for comfort. 

"I encourage people, even unbelievers, to turn to God," the Lakewood Church pastor said. "He is the Creator, He has a purpose for us. Nothing we go through is a surprise to Him. 

"God will be there to give you peace and strength, and to bring in new friends and help you get through those times."

Osteen lost his father in 1999, and said that he relied on faith to heal. He urged others to not be discouraged by their current situation. 

"It's easy to think 'Oh man, I don't feel like going to work. I've got all these problems,' or 'There's so much negativity coming,'" he admitted. 

"But if you get up and think well, 'I thank God that I've got my health or my family,' whatever it is, I believe when you start the day like that, it's gonna feel better.

"You believe that where you are is not where you're supposed to stay," Osteen continued. "You have to take the limits off of God, you have to make room for him to do something new in your life."

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