Elevation with Steven Furtick - Episode: "Move It To The Middle"

Release Date: February 24, 2025
Hosted by: iHeartPodcasts

Overview: In the episode titled "Move It To The Middle," Pastor Steven Furtick delves deep into the biblical story of Moses, drawing parallels between Moses' life journey and the listeners' personal struggles and pivotal moments. The sermon emphasizes the importance of shifting perspectives during challenging times, encouraging believers to see their current difficulties not as ends but as middles in God's greater plan.

1. Introduction: Embracing the Middle

Pastor Furtick opens by setting the stage for understanding life's "middle" moments—those periods that feel like crises or ends but are, in reality, transitions orchestrated by God. He references the repetitive calling of Moses by God, highlighting how repetition underscores urgency and purpose in divine communication.

Notable Quote:

"Move it to the middle."
[09:13]

2. The Life of Moses: A Three-Stage Journey

Furtick breaks down Moses' life into three distinct 40-year phases to illustrate the concept of being in the middle of a journey:

• First 40 Years: Raised as Pharaoh's son, Moses navigates his Hebrew heritage within an Egyptian environment, symbolizing survival and education in power.

• Second 40 Years: After killing an Egyptian and facing rejection from his people, Moses flees to Midian. This period represents a dry season, a time of hiding and reflection.

• Third Phase: Encountering the burning bush, Moses is called to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, transitioning from his past to his divine purpose.

Notable Quote:

"Moses doesn't know that yet, and neither do you. When you're in it, that's the thing about it. When you're in it, the middle feels like the end."
[28:45]

3. Main Character Energy vs. Christlike Energy

The sermon contrasts the contemporary notion of "main character energy"—focusing on one's own story and status—with a Christlike approach of selflessness and empathy. Furtick emphasizes the importance of recognizing that everyone is "in the middle" of their own significant life moments, which fosters mercy and understanding.

Notable Quote:

"Christian maturity never judges the man by the moment. Never judges the woman by the moment. Never judges the book by the chapter."
[19:20]

4. Shifting Perspectives: From End to Middle

Furtick encourages listeners to relocate their perceived "ends"—failures, setbacks, and challenges—to the middle of their life stories. By doing so, individuals can view these moments as chapters in a larger narrative, allowing God's purpose to unfold without being overshadowed by current struggles.

Notable Quote:

"Move it to the middle. It's going to change everything."
[54:18]

5. Personal Testimony: Moving the End to the Middle

Pastor Furtick shares a personal experience mirroring Moses' journey. Feeling overwhelmed and believing his best days were behind him, he describes a transformative moment where he shifted his focus from his perceived ends to God's ongoing plans. This act of repositioning provided clarity and renewed purpose.

Notable Quote:

"Selflessness is the most underused tool for stress management."
[55:07]

6. God's Unfailing Presence: "I Am"

Delving into Exodus 3:14, Furtick explores the significance of God's declaration, "I Am," emphasizing His eternal presence and unwavering support. He reassures listeners that regardless of their current situations, God remains a constant source of strength and provision.

Notable Quote:

"The Lord says, 'I am the God of your father...'"
[38:51]

7. Practical Application: Implementing the Shift

Furtick provides actionable steps for listeners to apply the "Move It To The Middle" principle in their lives. By consciously repositioning their challenges within their life narratives, believers can experience greater peace, purpose, and alignment with God's plans.

Notable Quote:

"When you realize that everybody you meet is in the middle of something, you will be more merciful."
[29:36]

8. Conclusion: Embracing the Journey

Wrapping up, Pastor Furtick reinforces the message that life’s middles are not dead-ends but integral parts of God’s grand design. He urges listeners to trust in God's timing and purposes, assuring them that their current struggles are paving the way for future blessings and fulfillment.

Notable Quote:

"This is just the middle. Of course, it's messy. It's the middle."
[57:16]

Final Thoughts:

"Move It To The Middle" serves as a powerful reminder to believers that their present challenges are transient and purposeful. By adopting a Christlike perspective and trusting in God's overarching plan, individuals can navigate their middles with faith and resilience, anticipating the divine promises that lie ahead.

Note: This summary excludes advertising segments and focuses solely on the substantive content of Pastor Steven Furtick's sermon.