Elevation with Steven Furtick: "I'm Glad It Happened" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: December 27, 2024
Host: Steven Furtick
Podcast Platform: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction to the Message

In the episode titled "I'm Glad It Happened," Pastor Steven Furtick delves into a profound reflection inspired by the Apostle Paul's experiences during his imprisonment in Rome, as documented in Philippians 1:12-20. This message serves as the culmination of a trilogy that began in 2014, focusing on holding onto God's promises through life's storms, making sense of setbacks, and finally, understanding why certain events transpire in one's life.

Continuing the Trilogy: "It Will Happen" and "It Had to Happen"

Furtick begins by referencing the two prior messages:

• 2014 – "It Will Happen": Centers on maintaining faith during tumultuous times, inspired by Paul's survival of a shipwreck.
• Recent Message – "It Had to Happen": Explores the purpose behind surviving challenges, emphasizing that difficulties are designed to clarify God's purpose and prevent confusion about His glory.

Quote:
"Destiny never is. It's difficult by design. That way when God uses you, you won't get confused about who is doing the great things. You'll give him the glory."
— Steven Furtick [00:58]

Paul's Imprisonment in Rome: Advancing the Gospel Through Restriction

Furtick transitions to Philippians 1:12-20, highlighting how Paul's imprisonment was not a setback but a strategic move that advanced the Gospel. Despite being under house arrest, Paul observes that his chains have served to:

• Reveal his dedication: Demonstrating to the palace guard and others that he is "in chains for Christ" ([00:58]).
• Strengthen the faith of others: Encouraging believers to proclaim the Gospel without fear, whether out of envy or genuine love ([03:40]).

Quote:
"What has happened to me has actually served to advance the Gospel."
— Paul, as read by Steven Furtick [01:20]

Shifting Perspectives: From Resentment and Regret to Resolution

Furtick emphasizes the importance of reflecting correctly on one's past to avoid falling into resentment or regret:

• Resentment: Holding grudges against past events or people.
• Regret: Feeling personal sorrow over unmet expectations or lost opportunities.

Instead, he encourages listeners to adopt Paul's mindset—focusing on resolution rather than dwelling on negative emotions. This involves understanding that one's current situation is part of a larger divine plan, allowing for personal growth and the advancement of God's purposes.

Quote:
"There is a type of reflection that leads to resolution. The right kind of reflection, as demonstrated by the Apostle Paul, shows that your spirit does not have to be a reflection of your situation."
— Steven Furtick [11:30]

Making the Resolution: "I Will Continue to Rejoice"

Drawing inspiration from Paul's declaration, Furtick urges listeners to make a singular New Year's resolution:

"I will continue to rejoice."
— Paul, as interpreted by Steven Furtick [21:18]

This resolution is about choosing joy and gratitude irrespective of circumstances, trusting that God's purposes are being fulfilled through every event, whether perceived as positive or negative.

Practical Application: Facing Forward into the New Year

Furtick provides actionable steps for embracing this mindset:

1. Reflect and Expect: Take time to look back on the past year with a focus on growth and lessons learned, then anticipate what lies ahead with confidence in God's plan.
2. Declare Gladness: Verbally affirm gratitude for past challenges, recognizing how they have contributed to personal and spiritual development.
3. Turn Around: Physically symbolizing the shift from looking back to looking forward, fostering a renewed focus on future endeavors.

Interactive Segment:
Listeners are encouraged to high five a neighbor and declare, "I'm glad it happened," reinforcing the message of gratitude and forward-thinking.

Quote:
"You can't go into what's next with your head in your past. Acknowledge it, set it aside, and march forward with purpose."
— Steven Furtick [22:35]

Embracing God's Purpose Through Trials

Furtick illustrates how trials refine believers, making them stronger and more effective instruments for God's work. Using the metaphor of a weapon, he explains that challenges sharpen one's faith and readiness to face future battles.

Quote:
"Somebody shout, I'm a weapon. Watch out, devil. Every time you cut on me, you make me sharper."
— Steven Furtick [21:20]

Conclusion: Living Out the Resolution

As the episode draws to a close, Furtick reinforces the importance of:

• Maintaining focus on God's promises: Keeping one's eyes on the divine plan rather than being distracted by past hardships.
• Celebrating God's work: Recognizing and praising God for the growth and blessings that emerge from challenging times.

He calls listeners to enter the new year with a heart full of gratitude and a steadfast commitment to continue rejoicing, regardless of what lies ahead.

Final Quote:
"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now, as always, Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death."
— Paul, as read by Steven Furtick [04:00]

Key Takeaways

1. Purpose in Adversity: Challenges are not merely obstacles but opportunities for growth and the advancement of God's Kingdom.
2. Positive Reflection: Reflecting on the past with the right perspective leads to personal resolution and readiness for future endeavors.
3. Joyful Resolution: Choosing to rejoice and express gratitude regardless of circumstances strengthens faith and aligns one's life with divine purpose.
4. Forward Focus: Letting go of past regrets and resentments enables believers to fully embrace and prepare for what God has planned next.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Destiny never is. It's difficult by design. That way when God uses you, you won't get confused about who is doing the great things. You'll give him the glory." — Steven Furtick [00:58]

• "What has happened to me has actually served to advance the Gospel." — Paul, as read by Steven Furtick [01:20]

• "There is a type of reflection that leads to resolution. The right kind of reflection, as demonstrated by the Apostle Paul, shows that your spirit does not have to be a reflection of your situation." — Steven Furtick [11:30]

• "I will continue to rejoice." — Paul, as interpreted by Steven Furtick [21:18]

• "Somebody shout, I'm a weapon. Watch out, devil. Every time you cut on me, you make me sharper." — Steven Furtick [21:20]

• "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now, as always, Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death." — Paul, as read by Steven Furtick [04:00]

Final Thoughts

Steven Furtick's "I'm Glad It Happened" serves as a powerful reminder that every experience, whether joyous or challenging, plays a crucial role in shaping one's faith and purpose. By embracing a mindset of gratitude and forward focus, believers are encouraged to navigate life's uncertainties with unwavering confidence in God's overarching plan.

For more insights and to support the ministry, visit Elevation Church or download the Elevation App.

End of Summary