Elevation with Steven Furtick - Episode Summary: "Look Forward Not Far"

Release Date: January 27, 2025
Host: Steven Furtick
Presented by: iHeartPodcasts

1. Introduction

In this deeply inspiring episode of "Elevation with Steven Furtick," Pastor Steven Furtick, along with co-hosts Holly and Britt, delves into the profound message of focusing on the present while trusting God for the future. Titled "Look Forward Not Far," the episode encourages listeners to embrace their current circumstances with faith, drawing wisdom from the Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians.

2. Main Message: Embracing the Present and Trusting God

The core theme revolves around Apostle Paul's struggle and ultimate decision to focus on his present mission despite his uncertain future. Holly Furtick emphasizes the importance of trusting God even when clarity is lacking.

• Holly Furtick (04:35): "Look forward, not far. I need something to look forward to, but not something so far that I forget what's right in front of me."

• Britt (05:03): "It really helped me because when I walk out to preach... it's always a little unpredictable. But knowing I'm coming home with Holly gives me the courage to face whatever comes."

Steven introduces the concept by relating it to everyday anxieties and distractions, urging listeners to shift their focus from distant worries to immediate faith-based actions.

3. Practical Applications

a. Setting Aside Things to Look Forward To

Holly encourages listeners to create small, meaningful moments to anticipate, which can help mitigate feelings of being overwhelmed.

• Holly Furtick (01:10): "Hope it builds your faith. Hope it gives you perspective to see God is moving in your life."

b. Joining eGroups and Community Building

The hosts highlight the significance of community through eGroups, where individuals can support each other in their faith journeys.

• Holly Furtick (02:50): "Join an egroup right now. It's time for the Word of God. Let's go."

c. Date Nights for Couples

Emphasizing the need for connection amidst busy lives, Holly suggests simple, intentional date nights to strengthen relationships.

• Holly Furtick (02:53): "Sometimes you don't slow down enough. So you spend a lot of effort, but you don't get a lot of result."

4. Illustrations and Analogies

a. Faith as Headlights on a Car

Britt and Holly use the metaphor of driving at night with headlights to illustrate how faith illuminates the immediate path ahead, preventing anxiety about the unknown future.

• Britt (40:03): "The word of God is like headlights on a car. When you drive at night, you can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way."

b. Paul's Squeezing Holly's Hand

Britt shares a personal ritual where he squeezes Holly’s hand before preaching, symbolizing his trust and reminder of his purpose.

• Britt (05:03): "I always squeeze Holly's hand before I go back to get ready to preach. It's my reminder that no matter what happens up here, I'm going home with her."

c. Comparing Planning and Worrying

The hosts discuss how excessive planning can lead to worry, contrasting it with trusting God’s provision and focusing on present steps.

• Holly Furtick (36:21): "The presence of God is enough to keep me out of these chains today. I'm not drinking it today. I'm not doing it today."

5. Paul's Example from Philippians

Holly elaborates on Apostle Paul's letter, highlighting his internal conflict between the desire to depart and be with Christ versus the necessity to remain and serve.

• Holly Furtick (20:58): "To live is Christ, and to die is gain. But it is more necessary for me to remain in the body."

Paul’s struggle exemplifies the balance between longing for the eternal and fulfilling present responsibilities, serving as a model for listeners facing their own uncertainties.

• Holly Furtick (23:21): "The Apostle Paul administers to you these words of encouragement. He says, if I am to go... yet you need me here. I'm torn."

6. Overcoming Anxiety by Focusing on the Present

The episode addresses the dangers of anxiety stemming from uncertain futures and offers practical advice to overcome it by anchoring oneself in present faith.

• Holly Furtick (30:22): "Paul was wrestling with the tension of looking forward into a future that is uncertain, with unwavering confidence in Christ."

Listeners are encouraged to take "little steps" of faith, trusting that God’s presence will guide them through each moment.

• Holly Furtick (40:00): "This is the balancing act of great faith. Look forward, but not far. Forward, not far."

7. Conclusion: Moving Forward in Faith

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reinforce the message of focusing on immediate faith actions rather than being paralyzed by the unknown future. They encourage listeners to trust God’s plan and embrace the journey one step at a time.

• Britt (54:25): "This is going to be a day-by-day miracle. And God is doing it in your life."

• Holly Furtick (56:21): "Whatever is right in front of you, God has given you to do. That is your focus in this season."

The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer, urging listeners to trust in God’s guidance and to embrace the miracles unfolding in their present moments.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Holly Furtick (23:21): "Your future is not certain and your hope is Christ."

• Britt (40:03): "The word of God is like headlights on a car. You can make the whole trip that way."

• Holly Furtick (05:03): "I never really know how it's going to go... but I know I'll go home with Holly."

• Britt (54:07): "The word of the Lord is forward. Not far, not far."

Final Thoughts

"Look Forward Not Far" is a compelling episode that masterfully blends biblical insights with practical life applications. Steven Furtick and his co-hosts provide listeners with actionable steps to focus on the present, reduce anxiety about the future, and deepen their trust in God. Through relatable anecdotes and powerful analogies, the episode serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement for anyone navigating uncertain times.

For more inspirational content and to connect with the Elevation Church community, visit elevationchurch.org or download the Elevation App.