Sunday night, Bob, two of my daughters, and I all headed to the Toby Mac, Brandon Heath, and House of Heroes Winter Slam concert. I love music, and Brandon Heath is one of my favorite singers, so I was excited to see him perform.
House of Heroes was the opening band, and I’d never heard of them before finding out about this concert. We did what any curious music lover would do: we googled them. So we knew what to expect, and they didn’t disappoint. They have an interesting sound that reminds me of a cross between the Beatles and punk rock. Loved it!
We ended up seeing the lead singer and the bass guitarist in the hallway, but I only said hi. Bummer. I had questions like: Who are your musical influences? How’d you guys come together? Maybe I can interview them. 😉
After they performed, we watch the crew switch out the stage for Brandon Heath while a video played on the huge screens to distract us. Brandon Heath was wonderful. Honestly, when his songs begin, I’m like Brandon who? His music makes me want to lift my hands to God and worship Him. The words stir a longing to be used by Him to reach the lost and hurting. I am re-inspired to use my gifts for Jesus. I want to sing for Him. I want to play for Him. I want to write for Him. I want to create for Him. Lord, I am yours.
After that, Toby Mac came out. He really seems to have a heart for the youth. The performance was really neat from the dance steps to the backflips. My favorite part? They went acoustic; just Toby, acoustic guitar, and b-boxing. Awesome. Even better is the message – one I frequently share with people myself. One I want to share now.
Hearts are a fickle thing especially when it comes to our faith walk. We all come to those choices; choices that take us one step away from God. We know in our hearts we’re making the wrong decision, but we justify it. It’s only this one time. It won’t really hurt.
Once we’ve taken that step, and ignore the little twinge of guilt, we again justify. It wasn’t so bad. Not a big deal.
Then we hit another snag. We want to do something else we know isn’t in align with God. Again we rationalize things. Same words with an added power: Only this once. No big deal. Nothing happened last time I compromised. It will be fine.
Again we ignore the still small whisper across our heart, and instead obey the siren call of our flesh. Another step. Another excuse. Step. Ignore. Step.
Suddenly, we feel so far from God. A mantle of guilt and shame weighs heavy across our shoulders. Loneliness seeps into our soul. Grief blows across our heart. God, You feel so far away. What have I done?
Then the lies begin. He’s too far away. I can never get back to Him. I’ve messed up too bad. I’m dirty, bedraggled, ugly. I don’t deserve His love. He doesn’t want me. I’m a lost cause. I just don’t have it in me to find my way back to Him.
This was me. My husband asked me to sit down at his computer and listen to a song. As the words sunk in, tears slipped down my cheeks. Truth etched itself across my heart and soul. All I had to do was turn around, and my Jesus stood right where I was with His hand outstretched to take mine. I put my hand in His that day.
Sometimes I stumble, but He catches me. He’s always there, and lifts me back to my feet.
Hear my heart on this: each step we take away, He matches us stride for stride. He is ALWAYS right where we are waiting for us to turn around, come face to face, and take His hand. It doesn’t matter what we’ve done, what we’ve labeled ourselves as, He has already paid that debt. His blood has covered our sin. His love has washed us clean.
Please turn around and see His hand, right where you are, and grasp hold.