I think this song says it all without me yapping. :) Hope you are blessed as much by the lyrics to this song as I was.
Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think its more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don't you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining
I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do
It doesn't matter what you've heard
Impossible is not a word
It's just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody's scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It'll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing
I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do
Overcome the odds
You do have a chance
(That's what faith can do)
When the world says you can't
It'll tell you that you can!
I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise
Monday, November 9, 2009
God's Riding Shotgun
Faith.
Defined as:
"1. Confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing.
2. Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence. See Synonyms at belief, trust.
3. Loyalty to a person or thing; allegiance".
Hope.
Defined as:
"1. To look forward to with confidence or expectation.
2. To expect and desire."
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. - Hebrews 11:1
Hebrews 11:1 is a verse that I hold very near and dear to my heart. I came across this verse just as I realized I was about to become separated and now recently divorced. It encompasses so much in such a short statement. So many times over the past year I thought about this. What do I hope for in the future? Do I have faith in a God who will see me through? Do I have faith in myself that I can be strong enough to take on the challenge?
I won't deny that often times I did sit down and wonder if God is even there. I still do. There have been some exceptionally good times...and some very low times over the past year. This past month alone has challenged me both emotionally and mentally to an extent I never thought possible. I have found myself in some of the lowest valleys but yet also have stood high on mountains.
Saturday night I needed a pick-me-up. I had a very rough week and all I needed was to feel love and close to God. On top of all else that had gone on during the week, Saturday also happened to be the 6 year anniversary of my grandmothers passing. I was excited about attending the second Respond evening but as the time drew nearer for me to get in the truck and drive over there, I found myself hesitating. Hesitating out of fear that I would be an emotional basketcase there surrounded by strangers. I was doubting God's existance again and thought maybe by going I could reconnect - that God and I could start getting our relationship back on track - go for coffee so to speak. :)
I walked in and was greated with a hug and took my seat...then the music started. I felt goosebumps. Slowly the chairs started to fill...people standing, singing, clapping hands, swaying arms and hands in the air. A few times throughout the evening people were cheering, hooting and hollering like a concert. People were so on fire for the Lord. They wanted to see the community change for the good.
Then there was silence...and the instrumental introduction of a song I knew I had heard before...and then I realized what it was. I tried to stand but had to sit down. The one song I hoped they wouldn't sing..."How Great Thou Art" - was at my grandmas funeral. I completely broke down in my seat. Shortly after that song concluded they did it again...and this time it was "Amazing Grace"! The 2 songs I was hoping with every ounce of my power wouldn't be played were. (If you have read other blog entries of mine you will note I have mentioned this before about these two songs!) But for the first time (I think ever!) I was able to sing Amazing Grace without crying. I felt at peace...for the first time I realized this isn't a song about sadness but about comfort and why it is so often at funerals.
They also lead a a song I had never before - "Rain Down" by Delirious but during that song I felt goosebumps from the tip of my toes to the tip of my nose. I felt God there with me...I felt His hands on my shoulders...I felt the rain pouring down over me, His love pouring over me, and His arms around me. I felt alive.
One of the next songs was "Holy is the Lord". I couldn't help but stand there dancing, hands raised, knowing I can do this. He is my strength. Only through Him have I made it through the hard times the past year...and only through Him will I make it through the struggles right now. It is my faith and hope that everything will be ok. He has always provided for me. He has always sheltered me. He has always loved me.
God will not leave me. He is there for the long-haul. I just need to let him into the car. He has the map, the snacks and the gas money. I just need to drive and have faith that I won't get lost. But seriously...how can I get lost with the Man who created the world riding shotgun?!
Defined as:
"1. Confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing.
2. Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence. See Synonyms at belief, trust.
3. Loyalty to a person or thing; allegiance".
Hope.
Defined as:
"1. To look forward to with confidence or expectation.
2. To expect and desire."
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. - Hebrews 11:1
Hebrews 11:1 is a verse that I hold very near and dear to my heart. I came across this verse just as I realized I was about to become separated and now recently divorced. It encompasses so much in such a short statement. So many times over the past year I thought about this. What do I hope for in the future? Do I have faith in a God who will see me through? Do I have faith in myself that I can be strong enough to take on the challenge?
I won't deny that often times I did sit down and wonder if God is even there. I still do. There have been some exceptionally good times...and some very low times over the past year. This past month alone has challenged me both emotionally and mentally to an extent I never thought possible. I have found myself in some of the lowest valleys but yet also have stood high on mountains.
Saturday night I needed a pick-me-up. I had a very rough week and all I needed was to feel love and close to God. On top of all else that had gone on during the week, Saturday also happened to be the 6 year anniversary of my grandmothers passing. I was excited about attending the second Respond evening but as the time drew nearer for me to get in the truck and drive over there, I found myself hesitating. Hesitating out of fear that I would be an emotional basketcase there surrounded by strangers. I was doubting God's existance again and thought maybe by going I could reconnect - that God and I could start getting our relationship back on track - go for coffee so to speak. :)
I walked in and was greated with a hug and took my seat...then the music started. I felt goosebumps. Slowly the chairs started to fill...people standing, singing, clapping hands, swaying arms and hands in the air. A few times throughout the evening people were cheering, hooting and hollering like a concert. People were so on fire for the Lord. They wanted to see the community change for the good.
Then there was silence...and the instrumental introduction of a song I knew I had heard before...and then I realized what it was. I tried to stand but had to sit down. The one song I hoped they wouldn't sing..."How Great Thou Art" - was at my grandmas funeral. I completely broke down in my seat. Shortly after that song concluded they did it again...and this time it was "Amazing Grace"! The 2 songs I was hoping with every ounce of my power wouldn't be played were. (If you have read other blog entries of mine you will note I have mentioned this before about these two songs!) But for the first time (I think ever!) I was able to sing Amazing Grace without crying. I felt at peace...for the first time I realized this isn't a song about sadness but about comfort and why it is so often at funerals.
They also lead a a song I had never before - "Rain Down" by Delirious but during that song I felt goosebumps from the tip of my toes to the tip of my nose. I felt God there with me...I felt His hands on my shoulders...I felt the rain pouring down over me, His love pouring over me, and His arms around me. I felt alive.
One of the next songs was "Holy is the Lord". I couldn't help but stand there dancing, hands raised, knowing I can do this. He is my strength. Only through Him have I made it through the hard times the past year...and only through Him will I make it through the struggles right now. It is my faith and hope that everything will be ok. He has always provided for me. He has always sheltered me. He has always loved me.
God will not leave me. He is there for the long-haul. I just need to let him into the car. He has the map, the snacks and the gas money. I just need to drive and have faith that I won't get lost. But seriously...how can I get lost with the Man who created the world riding shotgun?!
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