Episode Summary: "Sinking In The Storm"

Podcast: Elevation with Steven Furtick
Host: Steven Furtick (Elevation Church)
Date: August 24, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Pastor Steven Furtick closes the "That's What I Thought" sermon series by diving into the biblical story of Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:22–35). The central theme explores what it means to feel like you're "sinking in the storm"—overwhelmed, vulnerable, off-balance—and how faith, focus, and the presence of Jesus can anchor believers through turbulent times. Furtick creatively unpacks both the practical and spiritual lessons of being "in sync" (or not) with God and those around us, encouraging listeners to drop negative thoughts, synchronize with God’s will, and trust that Jesus is both present and praying for us in our trials.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Praise, Worship, and Inviting God's Presence

[00:00–02:45]

• The episode opens with a heartfelt prayer and praise, setting a posture of expectancy and gratitude.
• Furtick emphasizes God’s greatness:

  “Who are you, great mountain, to stand before my God?” – Steven Furtick [01:18]

• He encourages vulnerability and authenticity in worship.

2. Series Conclusion & Personal Reflections

[03:02–07:00]

• Furtick acknowledges this is the final sermon in the series and jokes about preaching “all the crazy out of you.”
• He celebrates Elevation Church’s milestones, sharing stories from its early days and expressing excitement for what God can do “suddenly” in people’s lives.
• Introduces the key scripture (Matthew 14:22–35), noting it’s the first Bible story he ever preached.

3. The Story of Sinking in the Storm

[07:01–16:30]

• Furtick relates the struggle of Peter stepping out in faith but quickly becoming overwhelmed by the storm.
• Key lesson:

  “Fear comes from focus. So does faith. Change your focus, increase your faith.” – Steven Furtick [11:00]

• The message highlights how quickly we can shift from confidence to crisis, and how storms become classrooms for spiritual growth.

4. The Triggers, Traps, and Patterns in Our Thinking

[16:31–22:00]

• Furtick uses personal marriage anecdotes to illustrate how false assumptions (triggers) lead to relational traps.
• Encourages self-awareness and the discipline of catching negative thought patterns early:

  “Catch it quicker. Before you blow up on them, before you hit send on the text, proofread it… Is that emoji worth the emotional expense?” [19:38]

• Therapy and theology are presented as complementary tools for transforming one’s mind.

5. Dropping Our Thoughts and Receiving God's

[22:01–31:00]

• Connects Isaiah 55:6–11 to the Matthew passage, focusing on forsaking unrighteous thoughts in favor of God’s higher ways.
• Vivid imagery about “airdropping” thoughts:

  “If I don’t drop the thought, I drown… Drop it or drown.” [25:24]
  “You can drop a thought and so can God… If we are close enough to connect, you can drop something to me I didn’t come with.” [28:05]

• Stresses the importance of proximity to God and fellow believers for fresh perspective and encouragement.

6. Jesus as the ‘Sinking Savior’

[31:01–44:00]

• Unpacks the dual meaning of “sinking”—not S-I-N-K (downward) but S-Y-N-C (synchronizing).
• Jesus was alone praying while the disciples struggled, modeling how solitude with God brings alignment.
• Responds to shifting circumstances and the destabilization that change can bring, especially when we’re not in sync.
• Notable quote (analogy for believers):

  “If you are next to dad, he won’t let it go bad.” – Holly Furtick (as recounted by Steven) [37:17]

7. From Struggle to Synchronization

[44:01–48:45]

• Applies the concept of synchronization to spiritual life—getting in sync with God’s timing and presence.
• Compares missing messages on a new phone before “the cloud” syncs to not grasping God’s work in the storm because his plan is still “in the cloud.”

  “How dumb would you be to throw it away because it hadn’t sinked yet… I said he hadn’t sinked yet.” [43:43]

• Draws energy and encouragement from community worship (“clapping on the right beat”), underscoring the power of unity.

8. Worship, Restoration, and the Call to Faith

[48:46–57:56]

• Encourages worship as a response to God’s deliverance—“they worshipped, they worshipped…from sinking to syncing.”
• Emphasizes that Peter “started to sink” but didn’t drown, highlighting Jesus’ immediate intervention.
• Leads a salvation prayer for listeners and affirms the mechanics of grace:

  “All you have to do is call on the name of the Lord and you will be saved.” [54:18]

9. Final Blessings and Community Sync

[57:57–End]

• Furtick urges the congregation to “sync up” with other believers and carry the message into daily life.
• Reminds listeners that Jesus is ever-present and praying for us, ensuring we won’t go under.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• "Fear comes from focus. So does faith. Change your focus, increase your faith."
  – Steven Furtick [11:00]

• "Drop it or drown. That’s the only two options you have right now."
  – Steven Furtick [25:24]

• "If you are next to dad, he won’t let it go bad."
  – Holly Furtick (as recounted by Steven) [37:17]

• ”You have no idea what God has on the other side of your storm.”
  – Steven Furtick [39:42]

• "From sinking to syncing…I know who he is."
  – Steven Furtick [50:47]

• "This is not called the Drowning Disciple. It’s just the one who slipped for a minute.”
  – Steven Furtick [53:30]

Important Timestamps

• Prayer & Worship Opening: [00:00–02:45]
• Series Reflections & Church Memories: [03:02–07:00]
• Reading and Teaching on Matthew 14: [07:01–16:30]
• Triggers & Marriage Anecdote: [16:31–22:00]
• Isaiah 55 & Dropping Thoughts: [22:01–31:00]
• Synchronization/Airdrop Analogy: [28:05–31:00]
• Solitude with God & Being ‘Next to Dad’: [31:01–38:00]
• Sinking/Synchronizing (Main Analogy): [38:32–48:45]
• Worship & Salvation Call: [48:46–57:56]
• Final Blessing/Community Sync: [57:57–End]

Tone and Style

Pastor Furtick delivers the message in his signature energetic, candid, and humorous style, weaving personal anecdotes, modern metaphors (like texting, airdrop, and phone syncing), and spontaneous audience interaction. He addresses both the practicalities of emotional triggers and deep theological truths, with moments of conviction softened by encouragement and warmth.

Summary Takeaways

• Storms are inevitable in life, but are also classrooms for growth.
• The difference between sinking or staying afloat lies in what we focus on and whether we "drop" our negative thought patterns.
• Synchronization with God (through prayer, worship, and community) brings peace and clarity, even when external circumstances are chaotic.
• Jesus doesn’t just wait for us to call out—he’s praying, present, and ready to rescue us the moment we reach for him.
• Community worship and spiritual friendship help us “row” in the right direction, staying in sync with God’s movement.
• The power of grace is immediate: “Just that quick,” Jesus can save, restore, and bring new beginnings.

Whether you feel like you’re barely keeping your head above water or you’re in need of spiritual resyncing, this episode offers hope, practical wisdom, and a reminder that you’re never alone in the storm. Call on the name of the Lord—just that quick, help is there.