Podcast Summary: Elevation with Steven Furtick – "The Hardest Part Is Behind You"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Elevation with Steven Furtick
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Episode: The Hardest Part Is Behind You
• Release Date: August 3, 2025

Introduction

In the August 3, 2025 episode of Elevation with Steven Furtick, Pastor Steven Furtick delves deep into the transformative power of shifting our focus from fleeting challenges to enduring faith. Titled "The Hardest Part Is Behind You," this episode offers listeners a blend of biblical insights, personal anecdotes, and practical encouragement to navigate life's toughest moments with unwavering belief.

Opening Remarks and Engagement (01:36 – 05:57)

Steven Furtick begins by expressing gratitude to the listeners, aiming to inspire and build faith. He invites attendees to engage with one another, fostering a sense of community both in-person and online. This interactive approach sets the tone for a message centered on collective support and individual transformation.

Foundational Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:8-11 (05:57 – 15:42)

Steven centers his message on 1 Corinthians 13:8-11, a passage traditionally associated with weddings but repurposed here to convey profound spiritual truths:

"Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease. Where there are tongues, they will be stilled. Where there is knowledge, it will pass away."
— 1 Corinthians 13:8

Key Points:

• Temporary vs. Eternal: Steven distinguishes between what is passing (temporary emotions and gifts) and what is permanent (eternal love and faith).
• Personal Growth: He emphasizes the transition from "I thoughts" to "God thoughts," highlighting the importance of aligning one's perspective with divine wisdom.

Quote (05:57):
"I love to teach that way. That's my favorite way to teach a principle and then a picture so you can hear a sermon and see a sermon."

Main Principle: Stop Sacrificing the Permanent for the Passing (15:43 – 33:49)

The core message revolves around the idea of "Stop sacrificing what is permanent to satisfy what is passing." Steven urges listeners to evaluate their priorities, ensuring that temporary desires or challenges do not undermine enduring values and faith.

Illustration: The Story of Naaman (34:54 – 53:14)

Steven recounts the biblical story of Naaman from 2 Kings 5, a commander besieging Israel who suffers from leprosy. Despite his stature and power, Naaman's healing process required humility and adherence to specific instructions:

1. Expectation vs. Reality: Naaman expected a grand gesture—perhaps a direct miracle—but was instead instructed to dip seven times in the Jordan River.
2. Resistance: His initial refusal and anger symbolize the human tendency to cling to familiar, passing methods rather than embracing lasting, albeit challenging, solutions.
3. Transformation: Ultimately, Naaman's obedience leads to his healing, underscoring the episode's theme that enduring change often requires stepping beyond immediate comfort.

Quote (34:54):
"He was a great man, but he had leprosy. Leprosy was an incurable skin condition. Of course, you've heard of leprosy, but in this time, it's hard for us to imagine what the cost of carrying that condition would have been."
— Steven Furtick

Application:

• Letting Go of Expectations: Listeners are encouraged to release rigid expectations and embrace God's prescribed methods for personal growth and healing.
• Enduring Faith: The message emphasizes that while challenges are temporary ("it will pass"), the steadfast faith and character developed are permanent.

Quote (42:56):
"Wouldn't it be awesome if you could graduate from grief? Wouldn't it be good if you could graduate from greed?"
— Steven Furtick

Practical Encouragement and Call to Action (53:14 – 63:41)

Steven transitions from illustration to actionable advice, urging listeners to:

• Embrace Change: Accept that the hardest parts of their journeys are behind them, allowing them to move forward with renewed strength and purpose.
• Community Support: Engage with their community, sharing their declarations of overcoming past struggles.
• Spiritual Commitment: Encourage deepening their relationship with God, emphasizing that true healing and transformation require active participation and obedience.

Prayer Invitation: Steven leads listeners in a heartfelt prayer, inviting those seeking salvation or a new beginning to commit to their faith journey.

Quote (59:18):
"If you would confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
— Steven Furtick

Closing Reflections: The episode concludes with Steven reminding listeners that their past difficulties do not define their future. By focusing on what is eternal and embracing God's guidance, they can achieve lasting peace and fulfillment.

Quote (63:41):
"God demonstrates His own love for us in while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. He died for it. He rose for you. You can rise with Him today."
— Steven Furtick

Conclusion

"The Hardest Part Is Behind You" serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing enduring faith over transient challenges. Through biblical storytelling and practical advice, Steven Furtick inspires listeners to let go of fleeting struggles and embrace a life anchored in God's eternal love and purpose. This episode is a testament to the transformative power of faith, urging each individual to declare, "It will pass," and move confidently into a future shaped by divine guidance and unshakeable belief.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• 05:57:
  "I love to teach that way. That's my favorite way to teach a principle and then a picture so you can hear a sermon and see a sermon."
  — Steven Furtick

• 34:54:
  "He was a great man, but he had leprosy. Leprosy was an incurable skin condition. Of course, you've heard of leprosy..."
  — Steven Furtick

• 42:56:
  "Wouldn't it be awesome if you could graduate from grief? Wouldn't it be good if you could graduate from greed?"
  — Steven Furtick

• 53:41:
  "God demonstrates His own love for us in while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. He died for it. He rose for you. You can rise with Him today."
  — Steven Furtick

Key Takeaways

1. Prioritize Eternal Over Temporary: Shift focus from passing emotions and challenges to enduring faith and values.
2. Embrace Humility and Obedience: True transformation often requires stepping beyond personal expectations and embracing God's instructions.
3. Community and Support: Engage with a faith community for encouragement and shared growth.
4. Active Faith: Transformation is an ongoing process that involves active participation and trust in God's plan.

This episode of Elevation with Steven Furtick profoundly encourages listeners to view their struggles through the lens of eternal faith, assuring them that overcoming the hardest parts of their journey leads to lasting peace and transformation.