Elevation with Steven Furtick – “Piece It Together”

Date: February 27, 2026
Host: Pastor Steven Furtick

Episode Overview

In this episode titled “Piece It Together,” Pastor Steven Furtick continues his series “Unqualified: How God Uses Broken People to Do Big Things,” centered on Mark 8:11–21. Furtick challenges listeners to recognize that God's work in their lives often comes not as a finished product, but in “broken pieces”—highlighting the importance of perspective, the need to recognize potential and provision in what seems small or unfinished, and how purpose reveals itself over time. Through personal stories, scriptural analysis, and candid humor, he encourages believers to “piece together” faith from what is readily available, rather than focusing on what is lacking.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Scripture Foundation: Mark 8:11–21

Timestamps: 01:30–08:20

• Furtick begins with the disciples’ confusion over lacking bread after witnessing Jesus perform miracles of multiplication.
• He observes the “comedy” in the disciples missing the point—focused on missing pieces, not the presence of Jesus.
  • Quote: “Don’t you get it? There’s not really an excuse…they’re sitting in the boat with the one who just performed two massive miracles and they’re still worried about missing pieces.” (04:15)
• Jesus warns against “the yeast of the Pharisees,” equating self-righteousness to yeast—something that grows if left unchecked.

2. The Struggle of Recognition in the Midst of the Pieces

Timestamps: 08:20–14:55

• Furtick draws a parallel between the disciples’ perspective and our own inability to step back and see the bigger picture during difficulties.
• Points out the challenge: “It’s kind of hard to see the big picture when you’re in the frame.” (11:15)
• Life is experienced in “pieces,” making it difficult to recognize meaning or progress in the present.
• The Pharisees, obsessed with law and qualification, missed the larger truth and mission of Jesus.

3. God Builds with Brokenness and Imperfection

Timestamps: 14:55–22:45

• Discusses how Jesus didn’t choose a “pre-assembled” perfect team, but people with flaws, referencing a humorous mock report from a management consulting firm “evaluating” the disciples.
  • “Aren’t you glad that God doesn’t pick people like people pick people?” (20:13)
• Highlights that God sees potential others—and even we—often overlook.

4. Choosing What You See: Potential vs. Perceived Lack

Timestamps: 22:45–34:30

• Furtick’s wife, Holly, could “see the potential” to start their church when all he could see was lack.
  • “She saw what was possible. I saw what was missing.” (26:35)
• Uses real-world examples: The Beatles, Walt Disney, and NBA superstar Steph Curry—reminding listeners that others’ opinions or scouting reports don’t define destiny.
  • “You need to fire your scout.” (32:00)

5. Provision and Purpose Come in Pieces

Timestamps: 34:30–49:40

• Potential and provision are “realized in pieces,” not as sudden wholeness.
• Tells a personal story: trying to be a great dad, husband, preacher, and author, admitting he can’t do everything every week—he must “piece it together.”
  • “I’m not going to win at everything all at once. But my provision comes in pieces.” (39:55)
• Vivid metaphor: assembling a Star Wars Naboo Starfighter toy with his kids—frustration when it comes in pieces, not as a finished product.
  • “God will show you the picture, and then He’ll hand you a piece.” (44:03)

6. Living with Purpose: Trusting the Process

Timestamps: 49:40–56:40

• Furtick talks about writing books and seeing his own life/church in hindsight; the finished product (the picture) is only appreciated after assembling the “pieces” over years.
  • “By the time you can see the picture, I am through with the pieces.” (53:20)
• Shares the powerful story of his book’s cover, which features stained glass inspired by a youth camp where Holly first urged him to start the church—revealing God’s orchestration “in pieces.”
  • “You have to come to a place in your life where you’re convinced that God is working all things together for the good…” (54:30)

7. Final Encouragement: Bring God Your Broken Pieces

Timestamps: 56:40–end

• Furtick urges broken, unqualified listeners to offer their “pieces” to God and trust in His ability to create something whole and beautiful.
  • “Bring Him your broken pieces. You’d be surprised what He can do with broken pieces.” (58:25)
• Ends with a call to praise and the hymn “’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It’s kind of hard to see the big picture when you’re in the frame.” (11:15)
• “Aren’t you glad that God doesn’t pick people like people pick people?” (20:13)
• “You see what you choose to see. You see what you want to see. You see what you trained your eyes to see.” (26:55)
• “You need to fire your scout.” (32:00)
• “Potential is realized in pieces. You’re never going to feel like you have what you need.” (34:33)
• “God will show you the picture, and then He’ll hand you a piece.” (44:03)
• “If you get enough pieces, it’s just a matter of time before you have a picture.” (46:00)
• “By the time you can see the picture, I am through with the pieces.” (53:20)
• “Bring Him your broken pieces. You’d be surprised what He can do with broken pieces.” (58:25)

Important Segments & Timestamps

• Scripture Reading and Set-up – 01:30–08:20
• The Disciples Inside the Story: Perspective Gaps – 08:20–14:55
• God’s Team: Joke Consulting Report – 14:55–22:45
• Vision vs. Lack; The Value of a Good Eye – 22:45–34:30
• Personal Anecdotes: Steph Curry & Being a Dad – 34:30–49:40
• The Naboo Starfighter: Life’s Pieces as a Metaphor – 39:55–49:40
• The Book Cover Story & Stained Glass Connection – 53:00–56:40
• Final Encouragement, Worship, Closing Hymn – 56:40–end

Key Takeaways

• Don’t focus on what’s missing—learn to see God’s potential and provision in the pieces you already have.
• Readiness and completeness are illusions; God calls and builds with those willing to trust Him with their “brokenness.”
• Your story, like stained glass, is made from broken pieces that, with time and faithful assembly, form something beautiful.
• The “big picture” of purpose only becomes clear through the faithful piecing together of daily obedience.

Closing Tone

With empathy, humor, and vulnerability, Furtick invites listeners to trust that even when life feels fragmented, God is assembling something intentional, valuable, and beautiful from every piece.

Recommended Action:
Bring your “broken pieces” to God, resist the urge to wait for completeness. Start piecing together faith, purpose, and trust—even if you don’t see the whole picture yet.