Troy and I were reminiscing last night about a Christian music cruise we were on 6 years ago with the kids. The Newsboys (Christian band) were staying in the room next door. The song “God’s Not Dead” had just come out and they had performed it that night for the first time. Michael Tait(lead singer) was asking Troy and Jadyn what they thought of the song, not sure if people were going to like it or not. Of course we all loved it, and the song got huge! In fact Jadyn made a T-shirt with the words “My God’s not dead, He is surely alive. He conquered death” on the back. She loved all of it!!!
Well we went to see the Newsboys concert last night, and listened with joy (and some sadness) as they sang that same song. We were reminded again that God’s not dead and neither is Jadyn. She is surely alive with Him in Heaven!
However, on our way to the concert we were both feeling some despair and doubt, arguing for the first time since we took Jadyn to the hospital. Those of you who know us know we argue and spar a lot, but we have been so kind and gentle with each other these last couple months. It felt like the darkness was closing in on us. But yet again God spoke to us through music, His word and His people, that there is Hope beyond our comprehension.
More recently this band has come out with a new song called “The cross has the final word”. Some of the lyrics are…..
“Sorrow may come in the darkest night, But the cross has the final word”
“He traded death for eternal life and the cross has the final word”
As we trudge through this valley of grief we have to speak Gods promises to ourselves and each other all the time. I’m sure this is the way we are all meant to live, but sometimes it takes the darkness to force our eyes upwards towards Heaven and the cross!
“Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” I Cor. 15:45-55