Podcast Summary: "All Those Times You Didn’t See" – Elevation with Steven Furtick
Podcast Information:
- Title: Elevation with Steven Furtick
- Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
- Episode: All Those Times You Didn’t See
- Release Date: April 27, 2025
Overview: In the episode titled "All Those Times You Didn’t See," Pastor Steven Furtick delivers a profound sermon centered on faith, persistence, and the unseen work of God in our lives. Drawing inspiration from the biblical story of Samuel and his mother Hannah, Furtick emphasizes the importance of steadfast faith even when immediate results are not visible. Through relatable analogies and heartfelt encouragement, the sermon aims to uplift listeners, reminding them that God’s timing and plans often unfold beyond our perception.
1. Introduction to the Sermon (01:31 - 02:22)
Steven Furtick begins by acknowledging the presence of numerous visitors and celebrating a significant milestone—over 600 baptisms across Elevation Church locations. He sets the stage for his sermon, highlighting that this special week marks the conclusion of his beloved "Called" series, which explored various biblical figures.
Notable Quote:
"If you believe that God is calling you to be baptized today, it would be an awesome step of faith for you to take. Go down in that water. Leave your shame, leave your sin. Leave it all behind."
— Steven Furtick [02:25]
2. The Story of Samuel (02:50 - 29:46)
a. Hannah's Faith and Persistence (36:24 - 40:50)
Furtick delves into the life of Hannah, Samuel’s mother, who endured years of barrenness while maintaining her devotion to God. Despite her rival Peninnah’s provocations, Hannah consistently returned to the temple to pray and worship, embodying unwavering faith.
Notable Quotes:
"Hannah wept, but she went up anyway. You can go up weeping, you can go up hurting, you can go up confused. You can go back."
— Steven Furtick [40:33]
"You will never outgive God. You will never outgive God."
— Steven Furtick [37:02]
b. Samuel’s Calling and God’s Persistence (24:01 - 29:46)
Furtick recounts how Samuel, initially unaware of God’s call, heard God multiple times in the night. Despite Eli’s initial dismissal, Samuel persisted until he recognized the divine voice. This section underscores the theme of persistence and the importance of being attentive to God's call, even amidst confusion or misdirection.
Notable Quotes:
"Samuel, Samuel. Samuel said, speak for your servant hears."
— Steven Furtick [06:06]
"Sometimes you make it too complicated. Sometimes all God wants to say to you is, let's try this again."
— Steven Furtick [49:15]
3. Lessons on Faith and Persistence (29:48 - 44:56)
a. The Grass-Cutting Analogy (08:39 - 11:28)
Furtick introduces an analogy comparing spiritual maintenance to cutting grass. Just as cutting grass provides an immediate, visible result, consistent spiritual practices yield unseen yet significant growth over time.
Notable Quotes:
"Cut the grass and it grows back higher and you go, God, why am I even bothering? But remember, there is a due season."
— Elevation Church Member [42:40]
"Most of the efforts you make in your life that will be the most valuable will be the least visible at first."
— Steven Furtick [11:44]
b. Overcoming Discouragement and Maintaining Trust (29:54 - 46:19)
Furtick addresses common struggles such as feeling unnoticed, battling internal doubts, and facing external provocations. He encourages listeners to continue their faith journey despite not seeing immediate outcomes, drawing strength from Hannah’s unwavering commitment.
Notable Quotes:
"What sometimes the greatest faith in your life is that you come back from temptation when God doesn't take the temptation away, but gives you the grace to stand up under it."
— Elevation Church Member [43:19]
"Go back and do it again. You go back and love them again you go back and serve again you go back and pray again you go back and thank him again."
— Steven Furtick [40:55]
4. Encouragement and Application (46:24 - 59:47)
a. Relating Biblical Lessons to Modern Life (36:24 - 46:19)
Furtick connects Hannah and Samuel’s story to contemporary experiences, urging listeners to recognize their own "due seasons" where God is working behind the scenes. He emphasizes that persistence in faith, even when unseen, is crucial for spiritual growth and eventual blessings.
Notable Quotes:
"Sometimes real faith is just as simple as go back. Let's try this again, you dummy. Let's try this again."
— Steven Furtick [50:19]
"Let us not grow weary of doing good. For in due season we shall reap, if we do not give up."
— Elevation Church Member [46:18]
b. Practical Steps for Sustained Faith (47:05 - 59:47)
Furtick outlines actionable steps for maintaining faith during challenging times:
- Continue Worship: Engage in continual worship and prayer, regardless of visible results.
- Persistent Actions: Keep performing good deeds and spiritual practices without seeking immediate recognition.
- Trust in God’s Timing: Recognize that God's plans unfold in their own time, and patience is key.
Notable Quotes:
"What God does is his business. What you do until he does is worship."
— Elevation Church Member [58:32]
"His way is better, so I will surrender."
— Elevation Church Member [56:12]
5. Conclusion and Worship (59:48 - 60:01)
Furtick wraps up the sermon by reinforcing the central message of faith and persistence. He transitions into a spontaneous worship led by Tiff, encouraging the congregation to lift their hands in praise and surrender to God’s plan.
Notable Quote:
"The word of the Lord will not fade. The grass fades, the flower fades. But the word of God will stand forever and ever."
— Elevation Church Member [48:56]
Key Takeaways:
- Persistence in Faith: Like Hannah and Samuel, continue your spiritual practices even when you don't see immediate results.
- Trust in God's Timing: Recognize that God's plans are unfolding behind the scenes, and patience is essential.
- Visible vs. Invisible Growth: Understand that the most valuable efforts often yield unseen growth initially.
- Action Over Recognition: Focus on maintaining your faith through actions, not seeking external validation.
Encouragement for Listeners: Pastor Furtick encourages listeners to embrace their "due seasons," trusting that their persistent faith will lead to divine blessings, even if those blessings are not immediately visible. He emphasizes that every effort in faith, no matter how small or unnoticed, contributes to a larger, God-ordained purpose.
Notable Closing Quote:
"Somebody shout forever. For our light and momentary afflictions are producing in us a far exceeding weight of glory."
— Elevation Church Member [48:56]
Final Thoughts: "All Those Times You Didn’t See" is a heartfelt reminder that faith often requires persistence beyond visible evidence. Through the story of Samuel and Hannah, Pastor Furtick illustrates that unwavering trust in God’s plan leads to profound spiritual growth and eventual blessings. This episode serves as an inspiring call to maintain faith, continue worship, and trust in the unseen work of God in our lives.