The feeling of being stuck is universal. Whether it’s a stalled career, a strained relationship, or a long-held dream that seems perpetually out of reach, many find themselves in seasons of waiting. But what if the problem isn’t the waiting itself, but the assumption that waiting is the only option? A recent message from Pastor Steven Furtick of Elevation Church challenges that notion, suggesting that sometimes, the most faithful action isn’t patient endurance, but “muddy moves” – steps taken before clarity arrives.
Furtick’s sermon, titled “When Waiting Isn’t Working (Muddy Moves),” delivered on February 15, 2026, explores the idea that God doesn’t always call us to passively wait for perfect conditions. Instead, He often asks us to act, even when the path forward is unclear, uncomfortable, or imperfect. This concept, rooted in biblical examples like the healing of the man born blind in John 9, offers a powerful alternative to the paralysis of analysis and the frustration of prolonged waiting. The core message centers on the idea that obedience doesn’t require a fully illuminated roadmap; sometimes, it simply requires taking the next available step, even if it feels messy.
The sermon identifies three common pitfalls that keep people stuck in unproductive waiting: waiting for perfect circumstances, waiting on other people, and waiting until things are pain-free. Furtick argues that each of these forms of waiting stems from a desire for control and a reluctance to embrace the inherent messiness of faith. He highlights that Jesus often operates *in* the mess, not by removing it immediately. “Jesus specializes in mud,” Furtick stated, referencing the story in John 9 where Jesus healed a blind man by applying mud to his eyes. This act, unconventional and seemingly illogical, demonstrates God’s willingness to work through imperfect means.
The idea of “muddy moves” isn’t about reckless abandon, but rather about recognizing that movement, even imperfect movement, is often more valuable than stagnation. It’s about shifting from a mindset of “I’m waiting *on* God” to a mindset of “I’m moving *with* God,” even when the direction isn’t entirely clear. This approach requires a willingness to accept discomfort and to trust that God can bring clarity and order to chaos. The sermon emphasizes that delaying action because of fear or a desire for perfection can actually be a form of disobedience.
Furtick further explains that waiting can sometimes be used as an excuse to avoid taking responsibility or facing demanding challenges. He identifies three things people commonly wait on: perfection, other people, and the absence of pain. He challenges listeners to examine their own patterns of waiting and to identify areas where they might be using waiting as a shield against action. The message encourages a proactive approach to faith, one that embraces the process and trusts in God’s timing, even when it doesn’t align with our expectations.
The sermon draws heavily from scripture, specifically John 9:1-11, John 8:58-59, and 2 Corinthians 12:8-9, to illustrate the principle of acting in faith despite uncertainty. These passages demonstrate that God often works in unexpected ways and that His power is made perfect in weakness. The message isn’t about minimizing the importance of prayer or seeking God’s guidance, but rather about balancing prayer with proactive obedience.
Elevation Church, founded over 15 years ago in Charlotte, North Carolina, now has multiple locations across the US and Canada, and continues to release music and messages online. The church’s reach extends beyond physical locations, with the “When Waiting Isn’t Working (Muddy Moves)” sermon already garnering 845 views on YouTube as of February 15, 2026.
The concept of embracing “muddy moves” offers a practical framework for navigating seasons of uncertainty and discouragement. It’s a reminder that faith isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment, but about taking courageous steps forward, even when the path is unclear. As Furtick suggests, sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is to start moving, trusting that God will bring clarity and direction along the way.
As Elevation Church continues to share messages like this, the conversation around faith and action is likely to evolve. The challenge for individuals will be to discern when waiting is truly necessary and when it’s time to embrace the “muddy moves” that lead to growth and fulfillment.
What are your experiences with taking action despite uncertainty? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with anyone who might be feeling stuck in a season of waiting.
Watch the full sermon: “When Waiting Isn’t Working (Muddy Moves)”
