Pastor Steven Furtick's sermon emphasizes the importance of shifting our perspective during challenging times, using the story of Moses as a backdrop. He encourages listeners to recognize that moments of struggle are often just the middle of their journey, not the end, and to trust in God's purpose and timing.
Pastor Steven Furtick opens his sermon with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming Elevation Nights tour, encouraging the congregation to come ready and expectant. He expresses gratitude for the leaders present from various countries and states, setting a tone of community and shared purpose.
Furtick reflects on pivotal moments in life when God calls our names, emphasizing that these moments often involve a struggle between our past and our potential. He references Exodus 3, focusing on the story of Moses, who encountered God in the burning bush. This encounter serves as a metaphor for the transformative moments in our lives when we are called to step into our purpose.
Moses, while tending to his father-in-law's flock, sees a bush that burns but is not consumed. This miraculous sight prompts him to investigate, leading to a divine encounter. Furtick highlights that this moment signifies how God often calls us in our ordinary circumstances, urging us to pay attention to His presence in our lives.
Furtick breaks down Moses's life into three significant stages:
The First 40 Years: Raised in Pharaoh's household, Moses was educated and powerful, yet he was aware of his Hebrew heritage. His life took a turn when he killed an Egyptian in defense of a Hebrew, leading to his flight to Midian.
The Next 40 Years: In Midian, Moses settled down, married, and had children. This period felt like the end of his journey, but it was actually a time of preparation for what was to come.
The Final Phase: The burning bush marks the beginning of Moses's true calling. God commissions him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, despite Moses's insecurities about his ability to speak and lead.
Furtick introduces the concept of "moving it to the middle," encouraging listeners to shift their perspective on their struggles. He emphasizes that many people treat their current challenges as the end of their story, when in fact, they are merely in the middle of their journey.
He illustrates this point by discussing how we often judge others based on their current circumstances, forgetting that everyone is in the middle of something. Furtick urges the congregation to practice empathy and recognize that others may be experiencing their own struggles.
Furtick shares that selflessness is a powerful tool for managing stress. By focusing on others and their needs, we can alleviate our own burdens. He encourages the audience to look beyond their immediate concerns and to trust in God's plan for their lives.
When Moses questions his worthiness to lead, God responds with His name, "I Am that I Am." This declaration serves as a reminder that God is present in every situation and that He equips us for our purpose. Furtick emphasizes that our insecurities can be transformed into testimonies of God's faithfulness.
Pastor Furtick concludes by encouraging everyone to embrace their current circumstances as part of their journey. He reminds us that what may feel like the end is often just the middle, and that God is always at work, preparing us for what lies ahead. By shifting our focus and trusting in God's timing, we can find hope and purpose in every season of life.
In summary, the message of "Move It To The Middle" is a powerful reminder to trust in God's plan, to recognize the significance of our struggles, and to maintain a perspective that sees challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation.
