| I Was, But God - article by Joel Hempel Much to our delight last week, our daughter-in-law sent a link to a video recording1 of the youth worship service at their church in which our grandson was the lead singer for the praise song, I Was, But God.2 Those of you who are proud parents, godparents, and grandparents know the feeling.
But grandson Kadyn gave me more than deep gratitude to God for how He is nurturing our grandchildren; Kadyn also gave me, and hopefully you, the message of the song: I was sinking, but I’m singing now. I was drowning, but I’m dancing now. I was, but God, but God had a different plan. But God had a different plan. But God had a different plan! All praise to the great I AM.
As most people who read this article are aware, life can be ruthless. Few of us escape the world’s cruelty. Sooner or later, we are struck down, beaten up, or torn apart by life’s harsh circumstances. And when life hits hard, there’s more than a sinking or drowning “feeling.” We are all too often left with real-time pain and suffering from the death of a loved one, a disease that will not relinquish its grip, or adversity caused by our own making, or from the disciplining hand of God, or from a broken world that could care less about what we need.
But God!
Amid sorrow or the feeling of defeat, there is God! There is always God! And His hand is ALWAYS present to hold, comfort, and remind us we are His beloved children. Our God of Mercy forgives. Our God, who is Almighty, restores our soul. And our God, who is Christ Jesus, strengthens our peace, renews our joy, and assures us of our eternal salvation.
Life or evil or our own foolishness thinks it has the last word. But God says, NO!
The enemy tried to end my story, But God had a different plan!
God’s plan, his intervention through His Son, is to assure us He will never abandon us or leave us drowning. The sacrifice of His Son for us on the cross is our guarantee that His love for us will not quit, and His resurrection from the dead is His pledge that He will give us the strength, courage, and hope for a more flourishing life in Christ now, and eternal life with Christ in the world to come.
I was . . . But God did and will free our voice to sing his praises!
1. For anyone who might be interested in listening to the song, the link follows. Fast forward to about 15 ½ minutes into the video: https://www.youtube.com/live/tVucNBEbv9E?si=GndJUbMPpd6qSOij 2. I Was, But God, by Elevation Rhythm | 
