Elevation with Steven Furtick: "The God Of Pieces" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: May 18, 2025
Host: Steven Furtick, Pastor of Elevation Church
Podcast Series: Elevation Church by iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this compelling episode titled "The God Of Pieces," Pastor Steven Furtick delves deep into the concept of God's presence and provision during life's fragmented and tumultuous moments. Building upon last week's sermon by Holly, which focused on the "Peace of God," Steven introduces the nuanced idea of God being the "God of Pieces," articulating how God works through brokenness and scattered situations to manifest His peace in our lives.

Contextual Foundation

Steven begins by reflecting on last week's message, highlighting Holly's emphasis on practicing what promotes peace:

[02:30] Steven Furtick: "Holly was preaching about the peace of God... today I want to take a little bit of a different approach... I want to talk about how the God of peace is also the God of pieces."

He sets the stage for his message by referencing Philippians 4:9, urging listeners to "put into practice" what they have learned to experience God's peace.

Personal Anecdote: Struggle with Peace

Steven shares a personal story about a minor fight with Holly, illustrating the practical challenges of maintaining peace:

[05:45] Steven Furtick: "We don't fight that much, but we fought Friday... because I did not practice what she preached last week."

This anecdote underscores the theme that actions and practices directly impact our experience of God's peace.

Key Scripture: Philippians 4:9-13

Steven meticulously unpacks Philippians 4:9-13, emphasizing that:

• Practicing Learned Principles: Implementing what we have received from others leads to experiencing God's peace.
• God's Progressive Revelation: God teaches us in pieces, allowing us to grow and understand Him gradually.

[12:15] Steven Furtick: "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me, put it into practice and the God of peace will be with you."

Theology of Pieces vs. Peace

Steven introduces the "God of Pieces" as a complement to the "God of Peace," explaining that both aspects are integral to experiencing divine tranquility:

[17:50] Steven Furtick: "He is Jehovah Shalom. Shalom means peace or wholeness. He is the God of peace. He is the God of pieces."

This duality highlights that God not only provides peace but also works through the fragmented parts of our lives to restore and complete us.

Scriptural Illustrations

Paul's Storm in Acts 27

Steven recounts Paul's perilous journey as a vivid illustration of God's presence in broken circumstances:

[22:10] Steven Furtick: "The boat you are on is going to go through a storm, but you are going to make it."
[27:35] Steven Furtick: "The God of peace can get you there."

Despite the ship breaking apart, God orchestrates salvation for Paul and his companions, demonstrating His ability to provide peace amidst chaos.

Jesus Walking on Water in Mark 6

Steven references Mark 6:45-52 to show Jesus revealing Himself in pieces and responding to fear with peace:

[34:20] Steven Furtick: "He was about to pass by them... 'Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.'"

This passage illustrates that God's presence can be subtle and fragmented, yet immensely powerful in bringing peace during life's storms.

Practical Application: Embracing the God of Pieces

Steven encourages listeners to embrace God's fragmented work in their lives:

• Praise for What We Have: Acknowledging and celebrating the small pieces God provides as building blocks for greater peace.

  [40:15] Steven Furtick: "Don't have a boat, but I've got a piece. Don't have a degree, but I've got a piece... I have a piece of peace."

• Trusting God in Transition: Recognizing that during in-between seasons, God uses the fragments to prepare and sustain us.

  [45:50] Steven Furtick: "You are in between what God just did and what God is going to do. You have to trust God in between those pieces."

• Offering Brokenness to God: Inviting listeners to present their broken pieces to God, trusting His redemptive power.

  [55:30] Steven Furtick: "Here are my broken pieces. God, I heard you were the God of pieces... bring it all together."

Interactive Engagement and Worship

Steven leads the congregation through a series of participatory prayers and affirmations, reinforcing the message of God's presence through His pieces:

• Prayer Invitation: A heartfelt call for individuals to accept God's peace by surrendering their brokenness.

  [60:45] Steven Furtick: "God, I heard about the God of peace, the God who pieces all things together."

• Closing Worship: Demonstrating how broken song snippets can lead to entire worship pieces, symbolizing the transformation of fragments into complete praise.

  [70:20] Steven Furtick: "Some of the songs we put out start as pieces... and they become something amazing."

Conclusion: Unity in Mission

Steven concludes by emphasizing the collaborative effort between him and Holly in delivering a comprehensive message of peace and restoration through God's pieces:

[80:50] Steven Furtick: "Tag team partners... we make a good team. We got a peace-making God."

He encourages the congregation to practice rehearsing God's goodness in their lives, advocating for continual praise and trust.

Final Invitation

The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to commit their broken pieces to God, promising that through faith and surrender, God will orchestrate His peace in every storm:

[85:00] Steven Furtick: "If you are ready to give your life to the Lord today, repeat after me... today is my day. I make Jesus the Lord of my life. I receive this new life. This is my new beginning."

Listeners are warmly welcomed into the family of God, reaffirming the episode's core message that God's peace is intricately woven through the pieces of our lives.

Key Takeaways

• God Works in Pieces: Understand that God reveals Himself and works in fragmented ways, requiring us to trust and practice faith incrementally.
• Peace Through Practice: Implementing spiritual practices grounded in learned principles leads to experiencing God's peace.
• Embrace Brokenness: Recognize and offer the broken parts of our lives to God, trusting His ability to restore and complete us.
• Interactive Faith: Engage actively in worship and prayer, affirming God's presence and provision in every aspect of life.
• Community Support: Lean on the church community and leadership for guidance and mutual encouragement in faith journeys.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Philippians 4:9 Emphasis:

  "[12:15] 'Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me, put it into practice and the God of peace will be with you.'”

• God of Peace and Pieces:

  "[17:50] 'He is Jehovah Shalom... He is the God of peace, the God of pieces.'”

• Storm Illustration:

  "[27:35] 'The God of peace can get you there.'”

• Praise for Pieces:

  "[40:15] 'Don't have a boat, but I've got a piece... I have a piece of peace.'”

• Invitation to Surrender:

  "[55:30] 'God, I heard about the God of peace, the God who pieces all things together.'”

Conclusion

"The God Of Pieces" offers a profound exploration of how God’s peace is intricately connected to the broken and scattered aspects of our lives. Through scripture, personal anecdotes, and interactive worship, Steven Furtick invites listeners to embrace God's methodical and compassionate work of restoring peace amidst life's fragments. This episode serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging believers to trust in God's ability to piece together their lives into a harmonious whole.