Elevation with Steven Furtick – Episode: Dysfunctional Comfort
Release Date: March 7, 2025
Podcast Series: Elevation Church
Host: Pastor Steven Furtick
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts
Introduction to Dysfunctional Comfort
In this compelling episode of Elevation with Steven Furtick, Pastor Steven delves into the concept of "Dysfunctional Comfort," exploring how our desire for comfort can hinder our spiritual growth and calling. He emphasizes the importance of stepping out of our comfort zones to fully embrace God's purpose for our lives.
Biblical Foundation: Mark 1:14-20
Pastor Steven begins by examining Mark 1:14-20, where Jesus calls His first disciples by the Sea of Galilee. He highlights the immediacy and urgency in Jesus' call:
"Once they left, their nets followed him."
— Steven Furtick [04:15]
He explains that Jesus did not wait for His disciples to undergo extensive training or confirmation; He simply called them to follow Him, prompting an immediate and decisive response. This act serves as a model for how believers should respond to God's calling—swiftly and without hesitation.
Understanding Dysfunctional Comfort
Pastor Steven introduces the concept of "Dysfunctional Comfort," explaining that it arises when we misunderstand the purpose or function of something in our lives:
"When you don't know what something is for, you won't know how to use it."
— Steven Furtick [06:00]
He shares a personal anecdote about his children misusing a treadmill as a toy, drawing a parallel to how people often misuse aspects of their lives when they don't understand their true purpose. This misuse leads to dysfunction, both in personal lives and relationships.
The Role of Jesus and the Holy Spirit
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on differentiating the roles of Jesus and the Holy Spirit:
-
Jesus: Primarily a figure of confrontation, challenging existing systems and personal complacency.
"The primary role of Jesus when he was on the earth was not comfort. It was confrontation."
— Steven Furtick [10:24] -
Holy Spirit: The true Comforter, providing solace and encouragement.
"The Holy Spirit not only convicts, he comforts."
— Steven Furtick [09:48]
Pastor Steven emphasizes that while Jesus confronts and challenges, the Holy Spirit offers comfort, serving distinct but complementary roles in the believer's life.
Calling vs. Comfort
Pastor Steven challenges the listener to differentiate between seeking comfort and pursuing their calling. He argues that true calling often requires discomfort and stepping into the unknown:
"Coming into your calling means coming out of your comfort zone. No certainty, no contract. Follow me and I will show you as you go."
— Steven Furtick [12:45]
He draws parallels to Abraham's call, highlighting the necessity of obedience despite uncertainty and the absence of guarantees.
Dysfunction in Relationships and Personal Life
Exploring personal relationships, Pastor Steven discusses how misunderstanding the nature of relationships leads to dysfunction. He shares the impact of trying to fulfill roles improperly, such as acting like a parent to a parent, which disrupts the natural dynamics.
"Most of the dysfunction in my relationships came because I violated the nature of the relationship."
— Steven Furtick [06:45]
This segment underscores the importance of understanding and respecting the intended roles within relationships to maintain harmony and effectiveness.
The Strategy of the Devil
Pastor Steven identifies the devil's strategy as keeping believers comfortable in their dysfunction to prevent spiritual growth and fulfillment of their calling:
"The devil wants to comfort you in your dysfunction so you will never see your destiny come to pass."
— Steven Furtick [38:58]
He warns against seeking comfort from the wrong sources, which leads to stagnation and prevents individuals from experiencing their full potential in Christ.
Scriptural Encouragement: 2 Corinthians 1
Turning to 2 Corinthians 1, Pastor Steven reinforces the idea that comfort from Christ is meant to empower believers to comfort others, not to serve as a personal refuge that fosters complacency:
"The comfort of Christ comes into our lives not so that we can only be comforted, but that we can comfort others."
— Leah [29:41]
Call to Action: Breaking Free from Dysfunction
In the latter part of the episode, Pastor Steven and Leah lead a powerful exhortation, urging listeners to confront and release their dysfunctions:
"Come out in the name of Jesus. I will not become comfortable in the darkness when God has called me into the light."
— Leah [38:54]
They encourage listeners to actively seek God's intervention in areas of their lives that have become sources of dysfunctional comfort, promoting spiritual liberation and growth.
Prayer and Declaration
The episode culminates with a fervent prayer session where Pastor Steven and Leah guide listeners in declaring freedom from their dysfunctions. They invite participants to physically express their surrender and commitment to overcoming personal challenges:
"Chains are breaking. Miracle-working power is in this place. Evil spirits come out."
— Leah [47:03]
This interactive segment serves as a practical application of the episode's teachings, fostering a sense of community and shared spiritual pursuit.
Conclusion
Pastor Steven Furtick wraps up the episode by reiterating the necessity of confronting discomfort to fully embrace one's calling. He reminds listeners that true comfort comes from aligning with God's purpose, which often requires stepping beyond familiar and complacent patterns.
Notable Quotes:
- "When you don't know what something is for, you won't know how to use it." — Steven Furtick [06:00]
- "Coming into your calling means coming out of your comfort zone. No certainty, no contract." — Steven Furtick [12:45]
- "The devil wants to comfort you in your dysfunction so you will never see your destiny come to pass." — Steven Furtick [38:58]
- "Chains are breaking. Miracle-working power is in this place. Evil spirits come out." — Leah [47:03]
Final Thoughts:
"Dysfunctional Comfort" is a profound exploration of how seeking the wrong kind of comfort can impede spiritual and personal growth. Pastor Steven Furtick effectively combines biblical teachings with real-life applications, challenging listeners to reevaluate their priorities and embrace the transformative discomfort that accompanies God’s calling. This episode serves as an inspiring reminder that true fulfillment lies beyond our comfort zones, in the active pursuit of God's purpose for our lives.