Not Something, But Someone (Still In It) | Steven Furtick | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Not Something, But Someone (Still In It)

Elevation Church • Feb 22, 2026 • 53 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

True faith rests not on a desired outcome, circumstance, or result, but on the presence of Jesus Christ who walks with us through every trial. God summons us personally by name, embracing both our past struggles and future potential, and promises His abiding presence even in the midst of the furnace. When fiery trials come, we can stand firm without panicking because the Lord is still in the fire with us, setting us free from what binds us.

Themes

God's Abiding PresenceFaith in the FireIdentity and CallingOutcome-Independent TrustSpiritual Liberation

Pastor's Points

1.

But Now

2.

By Name

3.

Will Not

Key Points

1.
God gives us influence and purpose not for personal points, achievements, or outcomes, but for the people He wants us to serve.
2.
The phrase "but now" in Isaiah 43 cancels out past failures, shame, and exile, introducing God's present grace and breakthrough.
3.
God summons us by name, acknowledging both who we have been in our past struggles (Jacob) and who we are becoming in His purpose (Israel).
4.
Experiencing feelings of anxiety, fear, or loneliness does not mean you have failed in your faith or that God has failed you.
5.
True spiritual confidence is not rooted in receiving a desired outcome or circumstance, but in walking intimately with the Lord through every season.
6.
Fiery trials are guaranteed ("when", not "if"), but walking through the fire means maintaining a steady pace of faith with God rather than running in panic.
7.
Mature "even if" faith trusts that God is fully able to deliver us, but remains completely obedient even if He chooses not to change our circumstances.

Sermon Moments

“I didn't die for pretty. I died for people.”

“A thing can be a thing, but the thing has a thing that is only the thing until the thing is just a thing... it's someone, not something.”

“The butt lets me know something came before it that was going to cancel it out. The now lets me know it's not over and it's not too late.”

“God knows my Jacob even as he calls my Israel.”

“Feeling is not failing.”

“When you called for something, I got the thing. But when I summoned by name, I didn't just get the thing. I got someone.”

“It's okay to feel it, but don't kneel to it.”

“Three went in. Four walked around. Three came out. That means there's someone still in it.”

This Week

Shift your daily focus and prayers away from personal achievements or specific outcomes toward loving and ministering to the people God places in your life.

Speak "but now" over past mistakes and shame, walking confidently in the present grace and calling God has for you today.

Embrace both your "Jacob" (past struggles) and your "Israel" (future purpose), trusting that God knows and calls all of who you are.

Refuse to let uncomfortable feelings like anxiety or fear make you feel as though your faith or relationship with God has failed.

Stop praying only for God to change a circumstance (a "thing") and instead seek a deeper, intimate walk with Jesus (the "Someone").

Develop an "even if" faith this week by choosing to obey God's word regardless of whether your situation immediately changes.

Audit the media and influences you consume before sleeping to guard your heart and mind against anxiety, fear, and comparison.

Remember This

Faith is not about trusting God for a specific outcome or "something," but trusting in "Someone"—Jesus Christ—who walks with us through every trial.

A Challenge for You

"Whatever fire you face today, he is your fourth man. You can talk to him. You can walk with him. You can cry with him. You can process your pain with him. Not something, but someone, and his name is Jesus."

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.