This Isn't Working - Elevation with Steven Furtick

Summary

Elevation with Steven Furtick: Episode Summary – "This Isn't Working"

Release Date: May 2, 2025

In the episode titled "This Isn't Working" from the Elevation with Steven Furtick podcast, Pastor Steven Furtick delves deep into the theme of recognizing when aspects of our lives are no longer functioning effectively. Continuing his impactful series "Savage Jesus," Furtick explores the biblical narrative from Mark's Gospel (Mark 3:1-6) to draw parallels between Jesus' actions and our personal struggles with unproductive systems and situations.

1. Extending the "Savage Jesus" Series

[01:03] Steven Furtick:
"We're continuing in a series called Savage Jesus. I planned the conclusion of this series to align with Easter. But when I found out that we were learning so much and having our paradigm of Jesus challenged and really starting to see him in a fresh way, I thought we would continue for a little while longer."

Furtick introduces the episode as part of an extended "Savage Jesus" series, highlighting the profound insights that have emerged, prompting a deeper exploration beyond the initial plan.

2. Biblical Foundation: Mark 3:1-6

Furtick centers his message around Mark 3:1-6, where Jesus heals a man with a shriveled hand in the synagogue on the Sabbath. He contrasts societal expectations with Jesus' unconventional approach to solving problems.

[04:45] Steven Furtick:
"They were looking for something not to like about our church. It's okay, I understand it."

[05:23] Pastor Furtick:
"This isn't going to work."

He emphasizes Jesus' frustration with the religious leaders' rigid systems that prioritize rules over compassion, illustrating how Jesus chooses to fix the underlying system rather than merely addressing the immediate situation.

3. Situations vs. Systems

A central theme in the episode is the distinction between transient situations and systemic issues. Furtick argues that often, what we perceive as isolated problems are symptoms of deeper, flawed systems within our lives or communities.

[07:06] Pastor Furtick:
"Don't make me guess when you look at me smug when I say we all have situations, it makes me want to ask God to show me what you did last week so I could start saying your situation."

He challenges listeners to look beyond surface-level issues and identify the systemic problems that perpetuate these situations. By addressing the root causes, we can implement lasting change rather than temporary fixes.

4. Theological Insights: Romans 8

Furtick draws on Paul’s teachings in Romans 8 to reinforce the idea that no situation can sever our connection with God.

[08:36] Steven Furtick:
"It's a theological impossibility for my situation to separate me from God."

[09:57] Pastor Furtick:
"Who shall trouble, who shall hardship, persecution..."

He methodically lists the challenges mentioned in Romans 8:35 and expands on how faith in God’s supremacy ensures that these adversities cannot isolate us from divine love and support.

5. Personal Anecdotes and Analogies

To illustrate his points, Furtick shares relatable anecdotes, including experiences with his son and observations from his personal life.

[07:10] Steven Furtick:
"Likely he would have been excluded from synagogue worship."

[12:00] Pastor Furtick:
"If you can't set the man's hand back in place on the Sabbath, that's an exception God allows."

Through these stories, he underscores the importance of aligning actions with intentions, both in personal development and spiritual practices.

6. Overcoming Prejudice and Confirmation Bias

Furtick addresses the human tendency to prejudge situations and people, urging listeners to adopt a witness mentality instead of a judgmental one.

[20:25] Steven Furtick:
"When you wake up believing that all things work together for my good and that nothing can separate me from the love of God, here's how good it is."

He explains how confirmation bias leads individuals to seek evidence that supports preconceived notions, thereby hindering genuine growth and understanding.

7. The Sabbath: A Gift, Not a Burden

Exploring the concept of the Sabbath, Furtick emphasizes its intended purpose as a gift for rest and rejuvenation, rather than a rigid set of constraints.

[32:48] Steven Furtick:
"Jesus said, you missed the entire point of the Sabbath which was a gift."

He critiques the overcomplication of Sabbath laws by religious leaders, advocating for a return to the Sabbath's foundational intent—resting in God’s provision and grace.

8. Practical Applications and Encouragement

Furtick wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to take actionable steps in their lives, urging them to recognize when something isn't working and to have the courage to change it.

[37:30] Pastor Furtick:
"Whatever you do, touch somebody, say, don't fold. God is about to change the entire system through the most desperate situations."

He highlights the importance of active faith—taking steps of obedience even when outcomes are uncertain, trusting that God will work through these actions to bring about meaningful transformation.

9. Conclusion: Embracing Change and Faith

In his closing remarks, Furtick reiterates the necessity of aligning our actions with God’s purpose, encouraging believers to trust in His ability to rectify and elevate their circumstances.

[46:40] Steven Furtick:
"Jesus healed him in an unusual way at an unusual time, on an unusual day. Do you know when God is going to do it? When you least expect it."

He leaves listeners with a powerful reminder that divine intervention often occurs when least anticipated, fostering a sense of hope and readiness to embrace God's timing.

Key Takeaways

Identify Dysfunctional Systems: Recognize and address the underlying systems in your life that perpetuate unproductive situations.
Faith Over Feelings: Trust in God’s unbreakable connection despite fleeting emotions or challenging circumstances.
Restoration Through Action: Actively participate in your own restoration by taking deliberate steps of faith.
Sabbath as a Gift: Embrace the Sabbath as a divine gift for rest, avoiding the pitfalls of rigid legalism.
Overcome Prejudice: Shift from a judgmental mindset to one of witnessing and understanding, fostering genuine relationships and spiritual growth.

Notable Quotes

[05:23] Steven Furtick: "This isn't working."
[08:36] Steven Furtick: "It's a theological impossibility for my situation to separate me from God."
[20:25] Steven Furtick: "When you wake up believing that all things work together for my good and that nothing can separate me from the love of God, here's how good it is."
[37:30] Steven Furtick: "Whatever you do, touch somebody, say, don't fold. God is about to change the entire system through the most desperate situations."
[46:40] Steven Furtick: "Jesus healed him in an unusual way at an unusual time, on an unusual day. Do you know when God is going to do it? When you least expect it."

Final Thoughts

In "This Isn't Working," Steven Furtick masterfully intertwines biblical teachings with practical life applications, challenging listeners to evaluate and transform the systems governing their lives. By fostering a deeper understanding of faith, grace, and proactive change, Furtick empowers believers to navigate their struggles with resilience and divine assurance.

Transcript

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Steven Furtick (1:03)

Hey this is Steven Furtick. I'm the pastor of Elevation Church and this is our podcast. I wanted to thank you for joining us today. Hope this inspires you, Hope it builds your faith. Hope it gives you perspective to see God is moving in your life. Enjoy the message. We're continuing in a series called Savage Jesus. I planned the conclusion of this series to align with Easter. Then when I found out that we were learning so much and having our paradigm of Jesus challenged and really starting to see him in a fresh way, I thought we would continue for a little while longer. We're in the bonus round today of this series from Mark's Gospel. I'll pick up at Mark3.1. Now that you've rested for four minutes, stand up for the reading of God's Word. Thank you so much. Another time Jesus went into the synagogue and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him. On the Sabbath, Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, stand up in front of everyone. Then Jesus asked them, which is lawful on the Sabbath? To do good or to do evil? To save life or to kill? But they remained silent. He looked around at them in anger, come on, be nice, Jesus, you say nice for what? He looked around in anger and deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, stretch out your hand. He stretched it out and his hand was completely restored. Then the pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus. This is going to be a fun title to tell the person next to you. So look at them like you're frustrated with them and disappointed in them. If you could do that for me. And just look at them and say really slow, real deliberate, this isn't working. Now shake your head and sit down. Have you had anything in your life lately that doesn't seem to be working? I mean, maybe it worked at once. I'm not talking about a washing machine or something like that. I'm talking about real stuff, like a relationship that sounded fresh. It really takes courage to admit that a relationship isn't working, especially if it feels comfortable to you. I preached one message called dysfunctional comfort and how sometimes it's easier to stay in familiar bondage than it is to embrace uncomfortable freedom. To admit that it's not working requires a certain amount of courage to say it used to work, or it may appear to others to be working, but this isn't working. Just coming to that point alone can be difficult from time to time because sometimes we don't really know if it's going to work if we keep doing it, if we just need to give it more time and it will work, which is typically what we preach. Just keep trying, just keep moving. But I've been to the gym. The way some of us work out, we can keep working out until the rapture and it will not work. Not the way we're working. Our form is off. We take more breaks than we do reps. Yeah, this isn't going to work. That's what my 12 year old, my man Elijah, the one I raise and pay for, he was saying the other day, he's starting to try to lift weights. So we put him on a little program, didn't we, Buck? After two days, he came to me and said, this isn't working. He wants pecs real quick. What he didn't understand is process, touch. Somebody say, no process, no pecs. Or if you don't want to, tell them that, that's really weird. What a cringy toucher neighbor. Now listen to the Bible. The Bible says, another time Jesus went into the synagogue and a man with a shriveled hand was there. There were some people there who were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus. I'll stop there. What we have in this passage is a. Let me see how I want to say this. A failed system and a frustrated savior. Really what bridges the gap between the failed system and the frustrated Savior is a man who was there that day. The Bible calls him this. Mark calls him this. He says he was a man with a shriveled hand. In verse one, they're announcing his presence in the synagogue. It says, Jesus, who was the most important person in human history, was in the synagogue. I'm expecting for it to be a man with $100 million net worth. I'm expecting, if we're going to take time to call this guy out by name, it would be a man with a Grammy. Or it would be a man, you know what I'm saying, with a contract.