Elevation with Steven Furtick

Episode: "This May Be Plan C"
Date: December 7, 2025
Host: Pastor Steven Furtick

Episode Overview

In this empowering sermon, Pastor Steven Furtick explores the idea that life rarely goes according to our "Plan A," or even "Plan B," and more often, we find ourselves living out "Plan C"—the unanticipated path God lays before us. Drawing from Philippians 3 and Exodus 13-14, Pastor Steven teaches about navigating unexpected detours, learning to let go, and trusting that God’s alternate routes often conceal blessings and deeper purpose. The message is organized around three key stages: the crying, the crossing, and the covering.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Reflection on Plans and Expectations

• Opening Reflection: Pastor Steven reminisces about various sermon series from the year, emphasizing how the journey of faith is full of unexpected turns (03:04).
• Main Challenge: “If everything went the way you planned it this year, and you are exactly where you intended to be… you may be seated. Because we want to look at who to hire to be our therapist or our coach or pray for because you’re a liar.” (06:14)
• Reality Check: Most people are not where they planned to be, suggesting a universal experience with deviation from personal plans.

2. Theme Introduction: "Plan C"

• Title Reveal: “Tell them this must be my plan C.” (06:43)
• Explanation: Plan A is the obvious, hoped-for route; Plan B is returning to what is familiar; Plan C is the often-circuitous, confusing, and unexpected path God leads us on (23:11).

3. The Crying – The Value of Lament and Honest Prayer

• Biblical Foundation: Drawing parallels between the Israelites’ crying out to God in Egyptian captivity (Exodus 3) and Paul’s prayer in prison (Philippians 3:10).
• Key Insight: “Sometimes God will send a problem in answer to a prayer.” (13:12)
• Illustration: Pastor Steven recalls personal prayers resulting in unforeseen challenges, which God later revealed were answers in disguise (13:55).

4. The Crossing – God’s Unexpected Routes as Strategic Detours

• Biblical Example: God leads the Israelites the long way around, not through the Philistine country, to avoid overwhelming them (Exodus 13:17–18).
• Spiritual Principle: “Relief is easy. Freedom is a process.” (17:18)
• Encouragement: No matter the setbacks or delays, “You’re still gonna get there.” (19:47; 20:12)
• Memorable Line: “There’s a difference between the straight way and the right way.” (22:40)

Object Lesson: The Closed Fist and Open Hand

• Illustration: Pastor Steven uses a volunteer, a $10 bill, and the analogy of a clenched fist (holding onto what’s familiar or past blessings) versus an open hand (ready to receive what God has next) (29:55).
• Teaching Point: “You would have to release to receive.” (29:47)
  “God said, I can’t fill your fists.” (31:23)
• Application: To move into God’s next blessing, we must loosen our grip on old plans and hurts.

5. The Covering – God’s Protection in Vulnerability

• Biblical Image: As the Israelites face the Red Sea, God covers them with a pillar of cloud and fire (Exodus 14), ensuring their enemies cannot reach them.
• Key Lesson: “The devil can’t drown you in a crossing God brought you to.” (40:15)
• Letting Go: “The strength to let go and to go forward. It’s time for plan C. It’s time for you to see what God can do when you trust Him with your life.” (50:34)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Facing Setbacks:
  “Touch somebody and say, I feel a comeback.” (02:45)
• On Honest Struggles:
  “Warn your neighbor I’m not there yet. Tell them I might cuss you out leaving the parking lot today if the Lord doesn’t do a work because I’m not there yet.” (04:13)
• On God’s Timing:
  “God is the only one who really knows when you’re ready.” (18:52)
• On Perseverance:
  “You might not get through it all unscathed and unscarred... but you’re still going to get there.” (20:12)
• On Receiving God’s Blessings:
  “You can receive when you release.” (30:53)
  “God said, I can’t fill your fists.” (31:23)
• On Following God’s Unfamiliar Route:
  “Sometimes the mission doesn’t look like the map.” (24:06)
• On Spiritual Detours:
  “Not every circle is a sin.” (26:50)
• On Moving Forward in Faith:
  “Crying is no substitute for crossing. You can stand there and cry and get killed, or you can move forward in this season with what you have.” (42:39)
• On Faith in Difficulty:
  “God brought you to this water. The devil can’t drown you in a crossing God brought you to.” (40:15)
• On Letting Go:
  “We think it’s so strong to hold on, but the strength to let go and to go forward.” (50:34)
• On God's Plan:
  “What the enemy meant for evil, help me preach… God is working all things together for your good.” (45:59)

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:04 | Recounting the past year's sermon series and introspection | | 06:43 | Introduction of the “Plan C” message theme | | 13:12 | “Sometimes God will send a problem in answer to a prayer.” | | 17:18 | “Relief is easy. Freedom is a process.” | | 19:47 | “You’re still gonna get there.” repeated, faith-building | | 23:11 | Explanation of plans A, B, and C | | 29:47 | Object lesson: “You would have to release to receive.” | | 31:23 | “God said, I can’t fill your fists.” | | 40:15 | “God brought you to this water…” (on crossing and protection) | | 42:39 | “Crying is no substitute for crossing.” | | 45:59 | God’s covering and deliverance at the Red Sea | | 50:34 | Call to let go, trust, and move forward (“Plan C”) |

Flow & Tone

Pastor Steven’s style remains genuine, witty, and highly relatable, laced with humor (“Moses must be bad with a map.” 24:00), transparency, and encouragement. He uses modern illustrations (personal stories, spontaneous audience participation) to ground spiritual truths. The message reassures listeners that divine detours are not signs of failure but the strategic shaping of God.

Who Is This For?

• Anyone who feels their life hasn’t gone as planned
• Those disappointed by delay, detour, or unforeseen challenges
• People needing encouragement to trust God’s alternate paths
• Listeners seeking clarity on trusting God amidst confusion or setbacks

Conclusion & Call to Action

The episode crescendos in a prayer for release and trust, inviting listeners to surrender their own “Plan A” or “Plan B,” and trust God’s “Plan C.” Pastor Steven prays for strength to let go, underscores the sufficiency of Christ, and extends an invitation for salvation.

Closing line:
"This is plan C. How many got something out of the Word of God today?" (54:50)

Final encouragement:
“Hug seven people. Tell them you’re still gonna get there.” (54:27)

Summary prepared for those seeking hope in unexpected detours, with a clear call to release control and trust God's greater plan.