Elevation with Steven Furtick Episode: When God Gets Ready
Release Date: March 30, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "When God Gets Ready" from the Elevation with Steven Furtick podcast, Pastor Steven Furtick delves deep into the transformative power of divine timing and purpose. Centered around the theme "Callings have commas," Furtick explores how God orchestrates pivotal moments in our lives, leading us from one phase to another seamlessly. This summary captures the essence of his sermon, highlighting key discussions, insights, and concluding applications.

Callings Have Commas

Timestamp: 03:05 - 03:20

Furtick introduces his central metaphor: "Callings have commas." He emphasizes that just as commas pause and separate elements in a sentence, God's callings in our lives often come with pauses—moments of preparation and transformation. These commas are not stops but transitions that prepare us for the next significant chapter in our spiritual journey.

Notable Quote:
"Callings have commas." — Steven Furtick [03:05]

The Story of Saul’s Transformation

Timestamp: 06:17 - 06:19

Using the Apostle Paul as a primary example, Furtick narrates Saul's dramatic conversion from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted apostle. He underscores that Saul’s transformation was not an instantaneous change but a process orchestrated by God’s timing.

Notable Quote:
"I was fighting against him. Now I am filling the world with his teaching." — Steven Furtick [36:35]

Understanding Commas in Scripture

Timestamp: 24:31 - 24:45

Furtick breaks down the concept of commas in the Bible, illustrating how small moments or decisions can lead to significant changes in one's life. He relates this to various biblical figures whose lives were transformed through God's divine pauses and calls.

Notable Quote:
"Why would you put a period in a place where God put a comma?" — Steven Furtick [29:24]

Embracing Change and Humility

Timestamp: 28:14 - 28:21

Emphasizing the necessity of humility, Furtick encourages listeners to be open to being wrong as a pathway to personal growth and divine purpose. He highlights that acknowledging our mistakes is crucial in aligning with God's plans.

Notable Quote:
"Sometimes you have to be wrong before you're ready." — Steven Furtick [28:16]

God’s Sovereignty Over Our Timelines

Timestamp: 37:50 - 38:11

Furtick reinforces the idea that God's plans transcend our own schedules. He challenges listeners to trust in God's timing, assuring them that divine interruptions are setups for greater things.

Notable Quote:
"When God gets ready, no person can stop it." — Steven Furtick [59:53]

Practical Applications for Listeners

Timestamp: 54:57 - 55:43

Furtick calls listeners to introspect and recognize the commas in their lives—those moments that prepare them for their God-given callings. He urges them to embrace their multifaceted identities and understand that their past does not define their future in God's plan.

Notable Quote:
"God is not done with you yet." — Steven Furtick [54:22]

Invitation to Transformation

Timestamp: 56:34 - 57:40

Concluding his sermon, Furtick leads listeners in a heartfelt prayer, inviting them to accept Jesus and embrace the transformation that comes with divine calling. He emphasizes that God's grace precedes our mistakes, ensuring that our callings are fulfilled despite our imperfections.

Notable Quote:
"When God gets ready, he took where people put a period and make it a comma." — Steven Furtick [50:03]

Conclusion

In "When God Gets Ready," Steven Furtick masterfully intertwines scripture, personal anecdotes, and theological insights to convey a powerful message about divine timing and purpose. By emphasizing that "Callings have commas," he reassures listeners that every pause and every moment of struggle is a deliberate part of God's grand design for their lives. Furtick's sermon serves as an inspiring reminder that God's plans are always unfolding, guiding us toward our true callings with patience and grace.

Additional Highlights:

• Identity and Roles: Furtick explores the complexity of human identities, paralleling his multiple roles with Saul's dual identity as Saul and Paul.

  Quote:
  "I am Dad, I am Son, I am Pastor, I am Boss, I am Bo, I am Babe. I'm all that." — Steven Furtick [16:19]

• Humor and Relatability: Throughout the sermon, Furtick uses humor to connect with the audience, making profound theological concepts accessible and relatable.

  Quote:
  "You better be real nice to me. The Lord hangs my drawings on his refrigerator." — Steven Furtick [08:30]

Key Takeaways:

1. Divine Pauses: Recognize the moments of pause in your life as preparation for God's calling.
2. Embrace Transformation: Be open to change and humility, allowing God to work through your weaknesses.
3. Trust God’s Timing: Understand that God's plans are sovereign and will unfold in their perfect timing.
4. Multiple Identities: Embrace the various roles you play, knowing that each contributes to your divine purpose.
5. Continual Growth: Acknowledge that personal growth is a continuous process orchestrated by God.

Whether you're navigating through a challenging phase or celebrating a breakthrough, Pastor Steven Furtick's message serves as a beacon of hope, urging you to trust in God's perfect timing and embrace the ongoing journey of faith.