Elevation with Steven Furtick

Episode: "50-50 Faith"

Date: October 10, 2025
Host: Pastor Steven Furtick
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts

Episode Overview:

In this inspiring episode titled “50-50 Faith,” Pastor Steven Furtick explores the tension between uncertainty and confidence when pursuing God’s will. Drawing from the story of Jonathan and his armor bearer in 1 Samuel 14, Furtick illustrates that faith often requires action in the midst of ambiguity—celebrating the courage to move forward on a “maybe.” The central message: True faith is not about waiting for certainty, but trusting God enough to step out even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Reality of 50/50 Faith

• Theme introduction: Life and faith often happen in the space of “maybe”—uncertain, partial, and imperfect moments.
• Scripture Basis: 1 Samuel 14:6 – Jonathan proposes attacking the Philistines with just his armor bearer, declaring, "Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few." (03:01)
• Faith is not a formula: Furtick states, “The more I try to make my faith into a formula, the less valuable it becomes to me when life challenges all of my presuppositions...” (04:22)
• Ambiguity and acceptance: “When you give up your need for certainty, you can gain a true confidence that is independent of circumstance.” (04:06)

2. Facing Uncertainty and Transition

• Saul vs. Jonathan: King Saul is paralyzed by fear and indecision, while Jonathan demonstrates boldness—even though the plan seems risky and unclear.
• Proof of God’s will: Furtick challenges the notion that ease or universal understanding are indicators of being "in God's will." “Quit thinking that proof positive that you're in the will of God is that it feels good to you.” (11:53)
• Warfare as proof: Experiencing internal or external resistance may be validation of pursuing God's direction. (12:28)

3. The Power of "Perhaps"

• Uncertainty is not a disqualifier: The word "perhaps" is an anchor for those who feel both faith and fear, both hope and hesitation.
• Quote:

  “That word gives me hope for my insecurity... for my impossibilities and my uncertainty.” (13:08)

• Faith and fear coexist: Obeying God can feel like a pendulum between great confidence and deep doubt. (13:40)

4. Courageous Action Versus Over-Analysis

• Jonathan’s “bad” plan: The strategy to reveal themselves to their enemies defies normal logic and strategy.
• A pattern in scripture: Furtick highlights other “dumb” plans that God used—the Red Sea parting, David’s sling, the feeding of the five thousand (all sounded foolish to outsiders). (16:39–17:24)
• Courage over cleverness: “The value is in the courage to act on the impulse...It’s not about thinking of something, everybody can do that. The hard part isn’t thinking of it.” (21:31–23:10)

5. The Breastplate and the Stones: Seeking God’s Will

• Ephod, Urim, Thummim:
  • The ephod (worn by priests) included stones representing the tribes of Israel and two special stones (Urim and Thummim) used for discerning God's will.
  • Sometimes God gives a clear "yes," sometimes "no," and sometimes silence—a "maybe." (25:15–28:16)
• Longing for certainty: “Don’t you wish you had a Urim and a Thummim in your closet?” (28:16)
• Even with tools, faith is required: “Even if God gave me the light to know what to do, a lot of times I wouldn’t have the faith to do it.” (30:15)

6. The Importance of Community and Agreement

• Who you share your vision with matters:
  • Sharing your God-given idea with the wrong people can kill it before it is born.
  • The armor bearer's response—“Do all you have in mind. Go ahead. I am with you heart and soul.” (13:51)—was crucial to Jonathan’s step of faith.
• Faith is relational: “It’s a 50/50 thing. It’s not just my relationship with God. It’s my relationship with others.” (32:09)
• Personal Example: Furtick credits his wife, Holly, with prompting him to start Elevation Church—she was his ‘Urim’ in that moment. (33:06)

7. Faith in Action: Moving on a Maybe

• Faith that moves:
  • “Faith without works is… it takes two. This is a 50/50 proposition. Why would God do for you what He gave you the strength to do for you?” (36:18)
  • “Jonathan said, ‘Perhaps the Lord will…’ It’s 50/50. I know he can. I think he will.” (37:41)
• Experience and wisdom: Experience can build wisdom, but it can also become the enemy of faith if it keeps us from risking again. (38:20)

8. Living in the Maybe Moment

• Message translation: Citing Eugene Peterson’s rendering of 1 Samuel 14:6: “Maybe God will work for us.” (39:59)
• Stepping into vulnerability: “Victory requires vulnerability. In anything… you have to make yourself vulnerable to connect on any meaningful level with the life God has given you.” (19:39)
• Stories of messy maybes:
  • Furtick’s story about his father’s illness and their complex relationship, demonstrating that faith in “maybe” moments often leads to bittersweet or unglamorous outcomes. (43:47–46:38)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The more I try to make my faith into a formula, the less valuable it becomes to me when life challenges all of my presuppositions.” (04:22)

• “Just because I’m in an uncertain place doesn’t mean I don’t have a certain purpose.” (12:14)

• “The value is in the courage to act on the impulse.” (22:08)

• “Even if God gave me the light to know what to do, a lot of times I wouldn’t have the faith to do it.” (30:15)

• “It’s a 50/50 faith. That means it is a divine partnership where Jonathan says, there is something God can do. Then there is something God will not do that only we can do.” (36:15)

• “Maybe the miracle is in the maybe.” (43:02)

• “Faith lives in a place called maybe.” (43:14)

• “If I’m going to tell you about my maybe moments that result in starting a church that reaches the world, I think I owe it to you to tell you about my maybe moments that were messy, too.” (44:15)

Key Timestamps

• Scripture Context and Main Theme – 01:59–03:01
• Uncertainty and Confidence in Faith – 04:06–05:00
• Jonathan and Saul’s Contrasts – 09:00–12:00
• The Power of “Perhaps” – 13:08–13:51
• Explaining the Ephod and Stones – 24:08–28:16
• Value of Community and Agreement – 32:09–33:06
• 50/50 Faith: Faith and Action – 36:15–37:41
• “Maybe God” & Stepping Out Anyway – 39:59–41:54
• Personal Story – Furtick’s Father – 43:47–46:38
• Final Encouragement and Prayer – 47:00–End

Takeaways for the Listener

• Faith is not about certainty, but courage to move forward, even if it’s only on a “maybe.”
• Community and wise counsel matter: Who you share your journey with shapes the outcome.
• God can use “dumb” plans if we trust Him and act.
• Living a life of faith means accepting both the mess and the miracle that come with “maybe moments”—and knowing God meets us there.

Recommended for anyone navigating uncertainty, poised at a crossroads, or wrestling with action versus over-analysis in pursuit of God’s will.