Podcast Summary: "Let The Dirt Do It's Work" – Elevation with Steven Furtick

Podcast Information:

• Title: Elevation with Steven Furtick
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Episode Title: Let The Dirt Do It's Work
• Release Date: May 9, 2025

1. Introduction

In the episode titled "Let The Dirt Do It's Work", Pastor Steven Furtick delves deep into the Parable of the Sower from the Gospel of Mark (Mark 4:26-29). He emphasizes the importance of trusting God's process, even when the outcomes seem uncertain or invisible. Furtick encourages listeners to focus on their role in sowing the seeds of faith without being burdened by the need to understand the intricate details of growth and manifestation.

2. Biblical Context

Furtick begins by setting the stage with the passage from Mark 4:26-28:

"He also said, this is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground night and day. Whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain. First the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head." ([01:55])

He connects this scripture to the broader narrative of Jesus' ministry, highlighting how Jesus' teachings naturally created opposition alongside their impactful spread.

3. Main Message

Trusting the Process: Furtick underscores that trusting God involves allowing Him to orchestrate the growth and results. He draws parallels between the farmer's actions and the believer's journey:

"God knows the order in which things need to happen in our lives. Trusting Him is in one sense just allowing Him to do not only what He wants to do, but when He wants to do it." ([02:05])

Obedience Over Understanding: A central theme is the concept that believers do not need to comprehend how God works but must remain obedient. Furtick illustrates this with everyday struggles and how faith persists despite uncertainty.

"I don't know how I'm going to make it, but I don't have to know how." ([28:37])

4. Key Insights

Parable of the Sower Revisited: Furtick revisits the Parable of the Sower, interpreting it beyond agricultural metaphor to a profound spiritual principle:

• Seed as the Word of God: Represents faith and divine truth being sown in one's life.
• Soil as the Heart: Symbolizes the individual's receptiveness and openness to God's word.

"The seed is always going forth. God is always speaking to you. Stop asking God to speak to you and start listening." ([12:22])

God's Sovereignty and Human Role: He emphasizes God's sovereignty in the growth process, asserting that while humans can sow and nurture, the actual growth is in God's hands.

"Let the dirt do its work." ([25:02])

Handling Doubt and Uncertainty: Furtick addresses common human tendencies to seek control and understanding, advocating for faith despite the unknown.

"Let the dirt do its work. The greatest growth happened not when the farmer was doing his part, but when the dirt was doing its part." ([25:10])

5. Practical Applications

Embracing Humility: Listeners are encouraged to embrace humility, recognizing that their understanding is limited and that obedience is paramount.

"God is looking for... people who don't know how. That's what God is looking for. Humble people." ([25:11])

Sowing Without Fear: Furtick urges believers to sow seeds of faith, kindness, and obedience without the fear of not seeing immediate results.

"All I have to do is Sow. Find 12 disciples and tell them, you don't have to know how." ([28:37])

Faith in Adversity: He reassures that adversity is part of the growth process and that believers should trust God through seasons of difficulty.

"Let the dirt do its work. Don't fight it, don't run from it, and don't pluck up the seed because you don't like the season." ([34:18])

6. Conclusion

Pastor Steven Furtick concludes the episode by reinforcing the message that faith requires action without full understanding. By sowing seeds of faith and allowing God to handle the growth, believers can witness profound transformations in their lives, akin to the harvest described in the Parable of the Sower.

"Don't let what you don't know keep you from sowing. The farmer didn't know how it was going to happen, but he knew what to do. I have to keep sowing. I have to keep praying. I have to keep believing. I have to stay in this house. I have to be present. I have to show up. All I have to do is Sow." ([28:37])

Furtick's message serves as a powerful reminder that faith is not about having all the answers but about trusting the One who does. By letting the "dirt do its work," believers are invited to experience the fullness of God's plan and purpose in their lives.

Notable Quotes:

• "Let the dirt do its work." – Steven Furtick ([25:02])
• "I don't know how I'm going to make it, but I don't have to know how." – Steven Furtick ([28:37])
• "God is looking for... people who don't know how. That's what God is looking for. Humble people." – Steven Furtick ([25:11])
• "Don't let what you don't know keep you from sowing." – Steven Furtick ([28:37])

This episode serves as an inspiring guide for those navigating faith amidst uncertainty, encouraging a deep trust in God's sovereign process.