Elevation with Steven Furtick – Episode: "When God Says Let Go"
Introduction
In the April 6, 2025 episode of Elevation with Steven Furtick, Pastor Steven Furtick delves deep into the theme of trust and faith, particularly focusing on the moments when God calls believers to let go. Drawing extensively from the Biblical story of Abraham and Isaac in Hebrews 11, Furtick explores the profound implications of surrendering control to God's divine plan.
Exploring the Call to Let Go
Furtick opens the sermon by distinguishing between the universal and particular callings of God. He emphasizes that while God calls everyone to embody virtues like kindness, patience, and generosity, He also assigns specific roles to individuals, much like He did with Abraham.
Steven Furtick [02:30]: "There are some things God has not called us all to do, and thank God for that."
Abraham’s Test of Faith
Central to the episode is the examination of Abraham’s unwavering faith when God commanded him to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Furtick acknowledges the unsettling nature of this Biblical narrative but reframes it to highlight the essence of trust.
Steven Furtick [05:12]: "When the Lord told him to go to a mountain and sacrifice his son, he didn’t know God would provide a ram in the bush and he wouldn’t have to do it."
Furtick underscores that Abraham's faith wasn't tested in a single moment but was continually challenged throughout his journey, reinforcing the idea that faith is a dynamic and ongoing relationship with God.
Letting Go: A Deeper Trust
A significant portion of the sermon is dedicated to understanding what it means to let go when God calls. Furtick explains that letting go is not about relinquishing faith but about trusting God so deeply that the need for details diminishes.
Steven Furtick [10:48]: "When God is testing your faith, realize that there’s something that God already taught you. He is calling you to trust Him in this moment."
He uses relatable analogies, such as trusting a spouse or allowing children to make decisions, to illustrate how deep trust negates the need for excessive details.
Steven Furtick [17:07]: "The deeper the level of trust, the less the need for details."
Practical Applications and Personal Anecdotes
Furtick shares personal experiences from the early days of Elevation Church to exemplify the concept of letting go. He recounts how he invited families to start a church without disclosing the specific location, urging them to trust in his calling rather than the details.
Steven Furtick [18:55]: "I wanted them to make a commitment based on a calling, not based on a city."
This story serves to highlight the transformative power of collective faith and the importance of trusting God's overarching plan even when specifics are unclear.
The Moment of Letting Go
The climax of the sermon revisits the pivotal moment when Abraham is about to sacrifice Isaac. Furtick emphasizes the instant when God intervenes, commanding Abraham to let go of the knife, symbolizing the release of control and the acceptance of God's provision.
Steven Furtick [49:15]: "He reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, 'Abraham, Abraham.'"
Furtick connects this moment to everyday struggles, encouraging listeners to release their grips on plans and allow God to provide solutions beyond their understanding.
Steven Furtick [55:09]: "Even if the devil brings the trial, the Lord will administer the test."
Conclusion: Embracing God's Provision
Furtick wraps up the sermon by reiterating that letting go is an act of deep trust in God’s provision. He urges listeners to hold onto God's promises with open hands, allowing Him to supply what is needed in moments of uncertainty.
Steven Furtick [65:23]: "Faith does not make a fist. Faith holds on with open hands."
He concludes with a powerful declaration of faith, reinforcing that God, as Jehovah Jireh, will provide for every need when believers let go of their control and trust in His divine timing.
Final Reflections
Throughout the episode, Furtick masterfully intertwines theological insights with practical life applications, making the profound message of trust accessible and relatable. His emphasis on the continuous nature of faith and the importance of surrendering control resonates deeply, offering listeners both comfort and a call to actionable faith.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Steven Furtick [02:30]: "There are some things God has not called us all to do, and thank God for that."
- Steven Furtick [05:12]: "When the Lord told him to go to a mountain and sacrifice his son, he didn’t know God would provide a ram in the bush and he wouldn’t have to do it."
- Steven Furtick [10:48]: "When God is testing your faith, realize that there’s something that God already taught you. He is calling you to trust Him in this moment."
- Steven Furtick [17:07]: "The deeper the level of trust, the less the need for details."
- Steven Furtick [18:55]: "I wanted them to make a commitment based on a calling, not based on a city."
- Steven Furtick [49:15]: "He reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, 'Abraham, Abraham.'"
- Steven Furtick [55:09]: "Even if the devil brings the trial, the Lord will administer the test."
- Steven Furtick [65:23]: "Faith does not make a fist. Faith holds on with open hands."
Key Takeaways:
- Continuous Faith Testing: Faith is not tested in isolated moments but through ongoing challenges that require unwavering trust in God.
- Deep Trust Over Details: True trust in God diminishes the need for exhaustive details, allowing believers to act on faith even in uncertainty.
- Practical Faith Applications: Trusting God can be illustrated through everyday relationships and decisions, reinforcing that faith is integral to all aspects of life.
- Letting Go as an Act of Faith: Surrendering control is essential for experiencing God's provision and aligning with His divine plan.
Conclusion
Elevation with Steven Furtick’s episode "When God Says Let Go" offers a compelling exploration of faith, trust, and surrender. By dissecting the story of Abraham and Isaac, Furtick provides listeners with both theological depth and practical wisdom to navigate their spiritual journeys. The episode serves as a powerful reminder that letting go is not a relinquishment of faith but an ultimate expression of trust in God’s unwavering provision.