Elevation with Steven Furtick: Episode Summary
Title: The Power Of Dependency (Lisa Harper)
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
Release Date: July 7, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Power Of Dependency," Pastor Steven Furtick welcomes listeners to the Elevation Church podcast, setting the stage for a deep and personal exploration of dependency—both in familial relationships and in one's spiritual journey. Lisa Harper, the guest speaker, shares heartfelt stories and biblical insights that challenge listeners to reconsider their understanding of dependency, urging a shift from self-reliance to a profound reliance on God.

Personal Reflections and Family Stories

Lisa Harper opens with a warm and intimate introduction, expressing her deep love and respect for the Elevation Church community and its leaders, Pastor Holly and Pastor Stephen. She shares personal anecdotes about her relationship with her daughter, Missy, highlighting the natural evolution of dependency as children grow into young adults.

• Dependency in Parenting:
  "When she was little, our intimacy was all about her total dependency on me. Now that she's growing up, it's all about wings. It's about me learning how to get behind her and affirm her."
  (02:45)

Lisa recounts endearing memories from Missy's early years, such as her daughter's habit of calling her "Pablo," a result of Missy's confusion from a Sunday school lesson about Apostle Paul. These stories illustrate the transition from fostering deep roots in childhood to encouraging independence in adolescence.

• Shifting Dynamics:
  "Those formative years were all about roots. Now that Missy's growing up, it's all about wings... giving her the grace to fly and to become the woman God has created her to be."
  (10:20)

She also shares a poignant moment from Missy's teenage years, where a conflict over disrespect leads to a humorous yet meaningful reconciliation in the car, symbolizing the balance between discipline and grace.

• Navigating Teenage Independence:
  "Our intimacy, it's no longer based on her being totally dependent on me. The more she matures, the less dependent she'll be on me if she's healthy."
  (15:35)

Biblical Insights on Dependency

Lisa seamlessly weaves her personal experiences with profound biblical teachings, emphasizing the contrast between worldly independence and spiritual dependence.

• John 5: Healing and Transformation:
  Lisa delves into John chapter five, recounting the story of the man at the Pool of Bethesda who had been an invalid for 38 years. She highlights Jesus' pivotal question, "Do you want to get well?" (John 5:6), urging believers to recognize their neediness and embrace God's transformative power.
  (22:10)
  "For human children, it's important as they grow up that they become more independent. For children of God, it's exactly the opposite. If you want to mature as a Christ follower, we should be increasingly dependent on our creator, Redeemer."
  (30:50)

• Healing vs. Comfort:
  Lisa contrasts the desire for comfort with the pursuit of deep healing, using biblical narratives to illustrate that true spiritual growth often comes through acknowledging one's limitations and relying on God.
  "Is being his beloved more important to you than being a husband, a wife, your bestie's first call? Jesus is a highlight in your story, or is he the sole author? Which is more important to you? Comfort or healing?"
  (35:15)

Personal Testimony of Struggle and Dependence

Lisa bravely shares her own journey through severe personal struggles, including physical illness and emotional hardship, underscoring the importance of admitting vulnerability and seeking God's strength.

• Facing Personal Adversity:
  "Fifteen years ago, God mercifully kicked my self-reliant legs out from under my stool. I lost two primary relationships and was diagnosed with cancer."
  (28:30)

• The Dark Night of the Soul:
  Lisa describes a six-month period of profound weakness and depression, where she realized her deep-seated need for God's support.
  "He said, Lisa, you've been running scared your whole life. And so I'm gonna take you to the basement, and I'm gonna sit there with you in the dark until fear doesn't own you anymore."
  (33:40)

• Transformation Through Dependence:
  Emphasizing the power of dependency, she explains how admitting her need for God transformed her life, allowing her to experience true healing and strength.
  "I want to be so increasingly dependent on Jesus that I can't get out of bed without saying his name."
  (38:05)

Application: Embracing Dependency in Daily Life

Lisa challenges listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider where they prioritize independence over spiritual dependence. She encourages building deeper, more authentic relationships with God and with each other.

• Call to Action:
  "Intentional dependency is not an option for healthy Christ followers. Deep intimacy with Jesus requires conscious neediness."
  (40:45)

• Community and Interdependence:
  Lisa emphasizes the importance of community support, urging listeners to connect with and pray for one another as a means of fostering mutual dependency.
  "We've gotta learn what it is to be interdependent with each other as family, as community, and solely dependent on Jesus."
  (42:10)

• Prayer and Support:
  She leads a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners to lay hands on one another and pray for increased patience and recognition of God's grace.
  "Pray that even in this moment of such beautiful honesty, they would recognize the nearness of God, that they'd recognize that his grace really is sufficient for us."
  (41:30)

Conclusion

In "The Power Of Dependency," Lisa Harper delivers a compelling message that intertwines personal vulnerability with biblical wisdom. She urges listeners to abandon self-reliance and embrace a deeper dependence on God, highlighting that true spiritual growth and healing come from recognizing and admitting our need for divine support. Through her heartfelt stories and profound insights, Lisa inspires the Elevation Church community to seek a more authentic and interdependent faith journey.

Notable Quotes

• "Do you want to get well?" – Jesus to the invalid at Bethesda
  (22:10)

• "Intentional dependency is not an option for healthy Christ followers. Deep intimacy with Jesus requires conscious neediness."
  (40:45)

• "I want to be so increasingly dependent on Jesus that I can't get out of bed without saying his name."
  (38:05)

• "Pray that even in this moment of such beautiful honesty, they would recognize the nearness of God, that they'd recognize that his grace really is sufficient for us."
  (41:30)

Final Thoughts

Lisa Harper's heartfelt narrative and insightful teachings in this episode serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of dependency in our spiritual lives. By sharing her personal struggles and biblical lessons, she encourages the Elevation Church community to seek a deeper, more reliant relationship with God, fostering both personal growth and collective strength.