Elevation with Steven Furtick: "With God There’s Always A Meanwhile" (Lysa TerKeurst) – Summary
Release Date: February 2, 2025
Introduction
In this impactful episode of Elevation with Steven Furtick, host Steven Furtick welcomes listeners before passing the conversation to guest speaker Lysa TerKeurst. Focusing on the theme "With God There’s Always A Meanwhile," Lysa delves deep into navigating life's hardships with unwavering faith, drawing parallels between personal experiences and the biblical story of Joseph.
Key Scripture: Genesis 50:20
Lysa anchors her message on Genesis 50:20:
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
— Lysa TerKeurst [02:00]
She emphasizes how this verse encapsulates the dual realities believers face: the immediate challenges and God's overarching plan for good.
Personal Reflections and Family Story
Lysa opens with a heartfelt personal narrative about her evolving family life, sharing photographs that showcase her blended family. She recounts her past devastating divorce and the subsequent journey to rebuild trust in God, which led to her remarriage in January of the previous year.
“Trust is the oxygen of all human relationships. You starve a relationship of trust, and you starve it of vibrancy.”
— Lysa TerKeurst [05:30]
Her vivid description of her growing family, which expanded to 20 members with the addition of grandchildren, serves as a testament to God's faithfulness despite past turmoil.
Biblical Analysis: Joseph's Journey
Lysa intricately weaves the story of Joseph from Genesis, highlighting key moments that mirror personal struggles and divine intervention.
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Joseph’s Betrayal and Slavery
Lysa recounts how Joseph, favored by his father Jacob, faced envy and betrayal from his brothers. Selling him into slavery in Egypt marked the beginning of his "meantime" period.
“With God, there's always two things happening at the same time. There is the physical reality of what we see, and there is the certainty of the good that God is eventually gonna do no matter what we walk through.”
— Lysa TerKeurst [10:15] -
Life in Potiphar’s House and Imprisonment
Despite unfavorable circumstances, Joseph prospers in Potiphar's house, only to be falsely accused and imprisoned due to Potiphar’s wife’s deceit.
“With God, there's always a meanwhile. With God, there is always what God is doing and arranging behind the scenes.”
— Lysa TerKeurst [24:50] -
Interpretation of Dreams and Rise to Power
In prison, Joseph interprets the dreams of fellow inmates, leading to his eventual rise to power in Egypt when Pharaoh recognizes his wisdom and appoints him as a leader.
“With God, there's always a meanwhile. There is always a meanwhile in my life. There is the physical reality of what I see. And then there simultaneously, there is what God is doing.”
— Lysa TerKeurst [35:25]
Lessons and Insights
Lysa distills several key lessons from Joseph's story and her personal experiences:
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Trust Amid Uncertainty: Trusting God doesn't eliminate hardships but ensures His presence and purpose within them.
“God just wants me to know him. God wants me to know him and his faithfulness and his goodness.”
— Lysa TerKeurst [12:45] -
Perseverance in Faith: Even when God's plans deviate from personal expectations, maintaining faith allows believers to witness divine orchestration.
“Sometimes we have to leave some things behind, plant our roots in the land of our suffering, and produce fruit right here, right now.”
— Lysa TerKeurst [40:10] -
Embracing God's Timing: Recognizing that God's timing may differ from personal timelines but ultimately leads to greater good.
“In God's timing, in God's way, eventually Joseph has an audience with Pharaoh. And it was crucial for Joseph to have an audience with Pharaoh.”
— Lysa TerKeurst [38:55]
Personal Testimony
Lysa intertwines her testimony with Joseph's story, revealing her own moments of despair and divine intervention.
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Marital Struggles and Breast Cancer Diagnosis (2017):
Lysa shares the heartbreak of her marriage falling apart despite counseling efforts, followed by a breast cancer diagnosis. Initially overwhelmed with doubt about God's goodness, she later recognized the divine purpose behind these trials.
“Is my marriage falling apart again the absolute worst thing that could have happened? Or was it the worst thing, but also something God was using to create the best thing of saving my life?”
Lysa TerKeurst [42:30] -
Realization and Healing:
Through her struggles, Lysa learned to shift her perspective from immediate pain to future glory, aligning with the theme of "a meanwhile."
“With God, there is always a meanwhile. Now, look what happens.”
— Lysa TerKeurst [45:10]
Encouragement and Declaration
Toward the end, Lysa offers a powerful declaration to empower listeners in their own "meanwhile" seasons.
“Being brave is not always something you feel, it's something you do. You do it because God is with you, nothing can stand against you.”
— Lysa TerKeurst [46:20]
She emphasizes the importance of taking intentional actions despite fear, trusting that God is orchestrating outcomes for ultimate good.
Conclusion
Lysa TerKeurst's message in this episode serves as a beacon of hope for those navigating difficult seasons. By reflecting on Joseph's story and her personal journey, she beautifully illustrates that with God, the present hardships are merely a "meanwhile" leading to a greater purpose. Listeners are encouraged to trust in God's plan, embrace bravery, and remain steadfast in faith, knowing that every trial is part of a divine narrative unfolding for the saving of many lives.
This summary encapsulates the core themes and insights shared by Lysa TerKeurst in the episode "With God There’s Always A Meanwhile." For a deeper understanding and full experience, listening to the complete podcast is highly recommended.